Arthritis - Ariana DeMers, DO

Ask A Doctor
Ariana DeMers, DO
Arthritis

Q: What is arthritis?
A: Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joint. Arthritis affects cartilage, the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones in the joints. Healthy cartilage lubricates and cushions the joints, providing pain-free movement. Arthritic joints have varying degrees of cartilage damage resulting in swollen, painful and stiff joints.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 100 types of arthritis that affect 43 million Americans each year.

The two primary types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissues. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 23 million Americans annually. It is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joint cartilage that may result from overuse or injury and also from a genetic predisposition.

Osteoarthritis typically begins in a small area and as the “wear and tear” of the cartilage progresses, eventually results in painful bone-on-bone contact. Symptoms of arthritis include joints that are warm to the touch, swollen, painful and stiff and can lead to decreased activity and impaired lifestyle from immobility.

Q: How can I tell if the pain in my joint is arthritis?
A: Signs of arthritis include joint stiffness, grinding, aching, swelling, and pain with activity. A physician exam and X-ray can complete your diagnosis. An orthopedic physician will ask you about your symptoms, overall health and activity level and will complete an exam on the affected joint by looking for joint line tenderness, joint deformities and restricted range of motion. An X-ray will show the amount of cartilage remaining in the joint and help your physician determine the extent of damage and appropriate treatment options for your situation.

Q: What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?
A: Depending on the severity of damage to the joints from osteoarthritis, there are conservative, non-surgical options that can relieve pain. These include oral anti-inflammatory medications, topical creams, and nutritional supplements. Injections can also be helpful – cortisone reduces inflammation and joint lubricants such as hyaluronate relieve pain and restore function by providing lubrication in the joint.

Physical therapy and exercise are also extremely beneficial. Physical therapy can help you improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the joints. Movement of the joint can rejuvenate cartilage. Exercise and losing weight will help relieve extra stress on the joints.

Ice and heat therapy can also help. Ice decreases swelling and pain while heat increases circulation and helps relax muscles, decreasing muscle and joint aches. Braces can be used to reduce painful instability and splints allow joints to rest during painful episodes.

When conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, surgery is another option to restore function to the damaged joint and relieve pain.

Q: Are there any natural remedies effective for relieving arthritis symptoms?
A: There are multiple alternative remedies and nutritional supplements that many people find effective for relieving pain from arthritis. I often recommend glucosamine, a natural building block of cartilage which, taken as a supplement, may be useful in strengthening and repairing cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly taken with glucosamine and may help make cartilage more elastic and spongy and help prevent the breakdown of cartilage. I usually recommend that patients try the supplements for three months. If they find that their symptoms have improved, they should continue to take the supplements. If not, they should save their money and try something else. (It is important to note that glucosamine is derived from the shells of crab and shrimp so it should not be taken by anyone allergic to shellfish.)

Some studies indicate higher incidence of arthritis in people with low vitamin C and D intake. Arthritis patients should take vitamin supplements regularly. But always talk to your physician before taking any medications or supplements.

Q: When should I begin to consider surgery to treat my arthritis?
A: If you have tried more conservative measures and they have failed to relieve your symptoms and you are limiting the activities you enjoy due to pain and stiffness, talk to your physician. Surgery might be a good option for you, whether it’s a minor arthroscopic procedure or a full joint replacement.

Bio:

Ariana DeMers, DO, received her medical degree from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, Michigan. Dr. DeMers came to Sonora two years ago, following a sports medicine fellowship in Taos, New Mexico, and founded Sierra Orthopedic Institute in 2010.

At the age of nine, DeMers broke her arm and became fascinated by everything she learned during her care and recovery. She decided at a young age to pursue medicine for her career. Dr. DeMers grew up in Colorado and in her time off really enjoys skiing and hiking.