Feeling Out-of-Joint?
Treating the Aches of
Arthritis More than 40 million
Americans suffer from some
type of arthritis, making it one
of the most common medical
problems in America.*
Types of Arthritis
The three most common
types of arthritis are
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis
and gout.
 U.S. News & World Report recognized The
Methodist Hospital as
one of "America's Best
Hospitals" for rheumatology
and orthopedics. To learn more about
arthritis or to make an appointment with
one of our nationally recognized physicians,
call 866-850-0183 or visit our Web site
at www.methodisthealth.com.
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects
nearly 21 million people
in the United States. It is characterized by the
breakdown of joint cartilage, usually in the hands
and large, weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
OA can cause stiffness and joint pain as well as
decreased range of motion.
Women have a higher risk of developing the disease,
as do people who are overweight, those over age
45 and those with certain hereditary conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory
condition that causes pain and swelling in joints. In
RA, the immune system attacks the synovium, the
tissue that lines the joint, and causes inflammation
that damages bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
More than 2 million Americans are affected, and
the disease is more common among women. The
condition generally strikes at a younger age than OA.
Dr. Sandra Sessoms
Rheumatologist
Methodist Center for
Orthopaedic Surgery |
Gout is a painful disease caused by deposits of uric
acid in the connective tissue and joint spaces. It
causes swelling, redness, pain and stiffness in the
joints, usually in the feet. Men are more prone to
the disease than are women, "and the condition is
rare in younger women," says Sandra Sessoms, M.D.,
Methodist Center for Orthopaedic Surgery.
Prevention and Care
There is no treatment to cure arthritis. Joint
replacements may be done to help OA sufferers.
Pain medications may alleviate symptoms, and
immunosuppressant drugs can be used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis. And although there are some
factors for arthritis that are uncontrollable, like
age and heredity, you can control the following
to help prevent the onset of arthritis.
- Maintain a healthy weight. This can ease
pressure on your joints, minimizing your risk for
developing osteoarthritis.
- Do strengthening exercises. Strong muscles
help support joints.
- Take your vitamins. Calcium and vitamin D
can help reduce your risk of osteoarthritis.
If you already suffer from arthritis, exercise can
help you manage symptoms. Range-of-motion
exercises can help maintain joint movement and
relieve stiffness.
In addition to exercise, get plenty of sleep and
follow your treatment plan. Take anti-inflammatory
medications, or other medications prescribed by
your doctor. Skipping treatment recommendations
can backfire and lead to increased symptoms.
You don't have to let arthritis slow you down. A
healthy lifestyle can help protect against arthritis
and help manage symptoms if you already have it.
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What Is Sjögrens Syndrome?
 This little-known syndrome is often associated
with rheumatic disorders such as
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus,
erythematosus and scleroderma.
A chronic disease in which white
blood cells attack the moisture-producing
glands, Sjögren's
("Show-grins") syndrome's hallmark
symptoms are dry eyes and mouth.
Other symptoms may include digestive
problems, debilitating fatigue and joint pain.
It is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders,
striking as many as 4 million Americans. And while
Sjögren's afflicts men and women, nine out of ten
affected are women. It can occur in all ages, but most
often occurs in the late 40s.
"Many symptoms and problems caused by Sjögren's
syndrome are serious but not fatal if diagnosed and
treated early," notes Dr. Sessoms.
 To learn more about Sjögren's syndrome,
visit www.methodistorthopedics.com.
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