Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints in the body. The word “arthritis” actually means inflammation of a joint. Almost every animal that can walk is susceptible to this inflammation. Although many types of arthritis have common aspects, each type has its own pattern of symptoms and affects different people in different ways.                  

Two major forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system appears to go awry and attacks healthy parts of the body, particularly the joints. In severe cases, the joints become deformed and internal organs are adversely affected.                  

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is also called degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" arthritis. Almost everyone is affected by it to some extent as they grow older. It most frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips and ankles.     

This form of arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. Normally, cartilage acts as a shock absorber, providing a smooth surface between the bones; but, with osteoarthritis, the smooth surface becomes rough and pitted. In advanced stages, it may wear away completely. Without their normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against one another, causing inflammation, pain and restricted movement.      

While there is no cure for arthritis, advances in technology continue to develop new ways to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain, increase the strength of the joints, maintain or improve joint movement and reduce the disabling effects of osteoarthritis.      

Treatment often depends on the joints involved and can include medicines, lifestyle changes, physical therapy and surgery. The most common medications used to treat osteoarthritis are pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen and can be either over-the-counter or prescription medications. While NSAIDs often work well, long-term use of these drugs is not recommended as they can cause stomach problems, increased risk of heart attack or stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Another medicine used to treat osteoarthritis is cortisone, a steroid injected directly into the joint. Cortisone injections are used to treat inflammation of the joint and pain. For some people these injections can reduce or relieve osteoarthritis symptoms for months or even years.     

In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that can offer relief of osteoarthritis symptoms. These can include:                  

• Ice treatments – Ice packs on the knee (three times daily, 10-20 minutes at a time) can be helpful for inflammation and temporary relief of pain and soreness.                  

• Heat – Applying heat can be beneficial to warm up the joint prior to exercise or activity.                  

• Diet – While there is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, a balanced diet is important to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can aggravate arthritis by putting added pressure on the joints.                  

• Exercise and physical therapy can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis by improving muscle strength and regaining motion in stiff joints. Water exercises, such as swimming, can be especially helpful as they provide exercise in a low-impact environment.                  

In some cases, surgery can be the best treatment option for osteoarthritis. While ankle joint replacement is rare, it may be recommended in some situations.  

The Christ Hosptial Physicians treating this condition include:

• Sandra A. Eisele, MD​
• Jeffrey K. Wu, MD

For a complete list of our physicians, click here.     

Sprains and strains are common injuries that share similar signs and symptoms, but involve different parts of your body including your shoulder, elbow, wrist, hips, knees, hamstrings, ankles and even lower back. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another in your joints. A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. A tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Strains often occur in the lower back and in the hamstring muscle in the back of your thigh.                      

For mild sprains and strains your physician will likely recommend basic home treatment, such as over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc). In cases of a mild or moderate sprain or strain, apply ice to the area as soon as possible to minimize swelling. In cases of severe sprain or strain, your physician may immobilize the area with a brace or splint. In rare cases in which a ligament has torn or the muscle has ruptured, surgery may be necessary to repair the injury.

The Christ Hosptial Physicians treating this condition include:

• Sandra A. Eisele, MD​
• Jeffrey K. Wu, MD

For a complete list of our physicians, click here.
 

A fracture is a break in bone or cartilage. Although they usually result from trauma, a fracture can be the result of an acquired disease of bone, such as osteoporosis. Fractures can happen in any bone in your body but are most commonly seen in the shoulder, elbow, wrist and ankle. A “fracture”, “break”, and “crack” all mean the same thing. There are many types of fractures that require different types of treatment.            

Immobilization in the form of a fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment. Most broken bones can heal successfully once they have been repositioned and a cast has been applied to keep the broken ends in proper position while they heal. A functional cast or brace may also be an option. This case or brace allows limited or "controlled" movement of nearby joints. This treatment is desirable for some, but not all, fractures. For more severe fractures, surgery may be necessary. During the operation, bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) to their normal alignment and then held together with special screws or by attaching metal plates to the outer surface of the bone. The fragments may also be held together by inserting rods down through the narrow space in the center of the bone.

The Christ Hosptial Physicians treating this condition include:

• Sandra A. Eisele, MD​
• Jeffrey K. Wu, MD

For a complete list of our physicians, click here.         

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled pads, called bursae (bur-SEE), that act as cushions between your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip, however it is possible for bursitis to occur in your knee, heel and the base of your big toe. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.                    

If the inflammation in your bursa is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic medication. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the muscles in the affected area to ease pain and prevent recurrence. Your doctor may also inject a corticosteroid drug into the bursa to relieve inflammation. This treatment generally brings rapid pain relief and, in many cases, one injection is all you'll need. In some cases, an inflamed bursa must be surgically drained, but only rarely is surgical removal of the affected bursa necessary.

The Christ Hosptial Physicians treating this condition include:

• Sandra A. Eisele, MD​
• Jeffrey K. Wu, MD

For a complete list of our physicians, click here.         

Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle. Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury.                      

The most common treatment for tendonitis is avoiding activities that aggravate the problem and resting the injured area. Icing the area the day of the injury and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines or using topical anti-inflammatory gels may also provide relief. Some advanced treatments include, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy or in rare cases surgery if the condition does not respond to other treatments.

The Christ Hosptial Physicians treating this condition include:

• Sandra A. Eisele, MD​
• Jeffrey K. Wu, MD

For a complete list of our physicians, click here.
 

A dislocation is an injury to a joint — a place where two or more of your bones come together — in which the ends of your bones are forced from their normal positions. This painful injury temporarily deforms and immobilizes your joint. Dislocation is most common in the shoulders and fingers. Other sites for dislocations include the elbows, knees and hips. If you suspect a dislocation, seek prompt medical attention to return your bones to their proper positions. When treated properly, most dislocations return to normal function after several weeks of rest and rehabilitation. However, some joints, such as your shoulder, may have an increased risk of repeat dislocation.                      

Treatment of the dislocation depends on the site and severity of your injury. Reduction is the process in which your physician may try some gentle maneuvers to help your bone shift back into proper position. Depending on the amount of pain and swelling, you may need a local anesthetic or even a general anesthetic before manipulation of your bones. Once your bones are back in the correct position, your physician may immobilize your joint with a splint or sling for several weeks. How long you wear the splint or sling depends on the joint involved and the extent of damage to nerves, blood vessels and supporting tissues. You may need surgery if your doctor can't move your dislocated bones back into their correct positions or if the nearby blood vessels, nerves or ligaments have been damaged. Surgery may also be necessary if you have had recurring dislocations, especially of your shoulder. After your splint or sling is removed, you'll begin a gradual rehabilitation program designed to restore your joint's range of motion and strength.

The Christ Hosptial Physicians treating this condition include:

• Sandra A. Eisele, MD​
• Jeffrey K. Wu, MD

For a complete list of our physicians, click here.