If you’re one of the 50 million Americans suffering from chronic pain or disability from arthritis, Matt Pabis, MD, can help. Dr. Pabis offers effective treatments and on-site diagnostic services at his self-titled family practice in the East Village area of New York City. He can provide steroid injections and other treatments to alleviate pain and increase your joint functionality. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
request an appointmentWhat is arthritis?
There are more than 100 types of arthritis that can affect joints in all areas of your body, including your shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles. Arthritis can cause persistent pain in your joints and affect their mobility.
The most common types of arthritis include:
- Degenerative
- Infectious
- Inflammatory
- Metabolic
Each type of arthritis can cause chronic pain, limited joint functionality, and even disability.
What are some of the kinds of arthritis?
Degenerative arthritis
With degenerative arthritis, the cushioning surface at the end of your bones wears away, causing bones to rub together. This causes persistent pain, swelling, and joint stiffness that can make it difficult to walk or stay active.
Inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis causes your body to mistakenly attack healthy joints, causing excessive inflammation and chronic joint pain.
Infectious arthritis
Infectious arthritis results from bacteria or a virus that enters the joint and causes inflammation and pain.
Metabolic arthritis
With metabolic arthritis, you experience persistent joint pain due to a buildup of uric acid, a material found naturally in your body. This buildup of acid causes needle-like crystals to form in your joints, causing extreme, stabbing joint pain, also known as gout.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Dr. Pabis performs in-office blood testing, so he can diagnose many forms of arthritis and see if there are any underlying medical issues. He’ll also discuss your symptoms with you and perform a thorough exam.
What treatments are available for arthritis?
Initially, Dr. Pabis may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce swelling and manage pain. He’ll also offer guidance on staying physically active to promote strength and flexibility in the muscles surrounding your joints.
If these treatments aren’t effective in reducing your joint pain, Dr. Pabis may suggest steroid injections, which can relieve joint inflammation. Steroid injections are especially helpful in relieving shoulder and knee pain. He may also recommend physical therapy to increase your flexibility.
You don’t have to live with chronic arthritis pain. Get your life back by booking an appointment online or over the phone with Matt Pabis, MD, today.