Top Arthritis Doctor in Baltimore MD

Arthritis refers to more than 100 conditions that cause inflammation or swelling of the joints. Some of the most common types are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. OA is the most common arthritic disease. It can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness, most commonly in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – RA is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. This disease primarily affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
• Psoriatic arthritis – This chronic, autoimmune condition involves inflammation of the skin and joints. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any part of the body and cause symptoms such as stiffness, scaly skin, and fatigue.
• Gout – Gout is caused by crystallized uric acid deposits in the joints. This type of arthritis is known for sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints.

Some of the most common symptoms that are caused by arthritis include:

• Pain – Depending on the type of arthritis you have, you may feel a sharp pain or a dull ache, and it can be constant or come and go. Typically, arthritis pain is more pronounced during movements involving the affected joints.
• Inflammation – Swelling around the affected joints is a sign of arthritis. The inflamed area may feel warm to the touch and appear redder than the surrounding skin.
• Stiffness – A limited range of motion and mobility issues due to stiffness are often experienced by patients with arthritis.

In some cases, arthritis can cause a grating sensation, weakness, chronic fatigue, joint deformities, and other painful and frustrating symptoms. If you notice any of these signs, it’s strongly urged that you see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

The two most common causes of arthritis are age-related wear and tear and autoimmune issues. Age-related wear and tear is the culprit behind osteoarthritis. As we age, the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to degrade. This is a natural part of aging but can lead to the bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Autoimmune issues can lead to various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, which results in inflammation that leads to joint damage over time. Autoimmune arthritis is not related to aging and can occur in younger individuals as well.

Furthermore, injuries can also accelerate the onset of arthritis. Other factors that can contribute to the development of arthritic diseases include genetics and lifestyle factors like obesity, which puts extra stress on the joints.

If you have certain risk factors, you may be more likely to develop arthritis. These include:

• Age – As we get older, the wear and tear on our joints increases, making arthritis more likely.
• Gender – With some forms of arthritis, such as RA and gout, your gender may be a risk factor. Women are more likely to develop RA than men, while the opposite is true in terms of gout.
• Family history – If arthritis, especially specific types like RA or psoriatic arthritis, runs in your family, you are more likely to develop the condition.
• Obesity – Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on your joints, particularly those that bear weight such as your hips, knees, and spine.
• Previous injuries – If you’ve experienced a joint injury, whether due to sports or an accident, your risk of developing arthritis in that joint increases.

If you are at risk for arthritis or have noticed any concerning symptoms, visit Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases in Baltimore for a comprehensive evaluation and high-quality care. At our clinic, your journey toward a more comfortable life begins. Schedule your visit with Dr. Nasser Nasseri and our caring team to explore how targeted arthritis treatment can enhance your daily living. Let’s take this step forward together because a life with less pain is not just possible it’s within your reach. For more information contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 724 Maiden Choice Lane, Suite 204B, Baltimore, MD 21228. We serve patients from Baltimore MD, Halethrope MD, Ferndale MD, Arbutus MD, Hanover MD, and surrounding areas.