Top Arthritis Doctor in Glen Burnie, MD

Arthritis is inflammation that occurs in the joints and causes swelling in the area. Unfortunately, there is no true way to prevent arthritis, but there are ways to reduce the risk of getting arthritis or delay it to the best of your ability. If you have a family history of arthritis this is a risk that can not be mitigated but based on the type of arthritis that your family is pre-disposed to there are things you can do to avoid increasing the risk such as avoiding gaining excess weight if osteoarthritis is common in your family, avoiding smoking if there is a history of rheumatoid arthritis, and if gout is common it is recommended to avoid intaking excess sugars and alcohol. Since science is still trying to determine the mechanistic causes of arthritis intervention methods are still under study.

If you have symptoms of arthritis, it is important to see a doctor, even if you do not have a family history of arthritis. Since other causes of joint pain can appear the same as arthritis, you should make sure to monitor your symptoms, the cause of the symptoms, and if anything makes it feel worse. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, and stiffness that lasts longer than two weeks, it is also worth tracking the pain during this time as well so when you do seek medical care, will have a detailed history of the current issue. However, if you begin to experience any kind of fever during this time with your symptoms you should seek immediate medical care. Since arthritis can make day-to-day activities difficult, the sooner you seek out a diagnosis and care, the better your potential outcome through medical interventions.

Once you are in your appointment and the doctor believes that you have arthritis, some tests may be done to diagnose and confirm.

The diagnosis process of arthritis involves some testing, since there is the chance of having more than one type of arthritis at the same time. You will initially have movement testing done, where the doctor will manipulate the area to test the range of motion and the pain levels that are experienced, after that they will have you do some blood tests and x-rays to confirm what you are feeling.

The sooner you seek a diagnosis, the sooner you will be able to get treatment, and the earlier you begin treatment, the more chance you have of increasing your quality of life while managing your disease. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet changes, medications to assist, physical therapy, and in some cases you may surgical interventions.

You will still be able to exercise, but it may be recommended to avoid certain sports or activities or start lower-impact exercises like water aerobics as it takes pressure off the joints. If you are overweight it will also be recommended to lose weight, as losing as little as 10 pounds can reduce pain.

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we take a comprehensive approach to treatment and management. We will take the time to understand your medical history if you have been or have not been diagnosed, the severity of your arthritis, and the type of your arthritis to make a plan specific to your needs. Since we use a comprehensive approach, we will review periodically if you are improving, and modify your care plan accordingly, from surgical interventions to alternative and comprehensive therapies as needed. Our dedicated experts will take the time to make sure that the care you are receiving will improve your overall quality of life through personalized compassionate care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 203 Hospital Dr, Suite 300B, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. We serve patients from Glen Burnie MD, Pasadena MD, Jacobsville MD, Ferndale MD, Severn MD, and surrounding areas.