Arthritis Specialist
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United Spine and Joint Center
Interventional Pain Management & Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist located in Leesburg, VA
Discomfort caused by arthritis can prevent you from working and living life to the fullest. Dr. Jon Mader, a Pain Management and Physical Medicine Specialist at United Spine and Joint Center, is ready to help you. Practicing in Leesburg, Virginia, and servicing Lansdowne, VA., Dr. Mader offers several conservative treatment options to relieve your pain. If you want a compassionate doctor who has the expertise to care for a range of mild to complex arthritis cases, call Dr. Mader or schedule a consultation online today.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for pain and inflammation in one or more joints. Symptoms of arthritis can be mild to severe, may affect one joint or many, and may flare up with activity or certain environmental factors.
What are the types of arthritis?
Degenerative arthritis
Osteoarthritis starts when the cartilage that protects joints wears away, causing the bone to rub against bone, and leading to pain, inflammation, and swollen joints.
Degenerative arthritis is mostly caused by “wear and tear.” Over time, the progression of osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain, weakness, and lack of mobility.
Inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system goes awry and attacks cartilage, damaging joints and sometimes organs, eyes, and other body parts.
Infectious arthritis
This occurs when a bacterium, virus, or fungus infects a joint and triggers inflammation. It can cause extensive, permanent damage if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Metabolic arthritis
Gout is the primary type of metabolic arthritis, though there are other less common types. High levels of uric acid cause gout. Uric acid crystals will circulate in the bloodstream and deposit in joints, most often the big toe.
What causes arthritis?
- Degenerative arthritis is caused by excess weight, family history, age, and previous injury.
- Inflammatory arthritis is believed to be caused by genetics and environmental factors, such as smoking.
- Infectious arthritis is caused by specific types of infections, including salmonella, shigella, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C.
- Metabolic arthritis is caused by excess uric acid in the blood which comes from foods like alcohol, some fish and shellfish, and some meats like turkey, beef, chicken, and pork.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
At United Spine and Joint Center, Dr. Mader will perform a thorough evaluation of your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination, and additional testing, if needed.
Additional testing may involve blood work to check for certain inflammatory chemicals in the blood, or X-rays and MRIs to visualize areas of arthritis.
How is arthritis treated?
Depending on the cause of your arthritis, you may require antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or dietary counseling.
Dr. Mader also specializes in rehabilitation, with an exercise-based physical therapy approach to restore movement to your joints and improve your overall strength.
If you suspect arthritis or simply have irritating joint pain, call Dr. Mader or schedule a consultation online today.
