What Are the Signs of Severe Arthritis?

Arthritis is a painful condition where a joint experiences inflammation, tenderness, and swelling. The condition causes the cartilage in your body to break down, and the bones start to rub together, which can trigger intense pain. The condition can impact various joints, and it can become worse as you age or you experience further injuries to these tissues.

If you ever experience severe arthritis, Dr. Christopher Williams and the team at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta can identify the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life in Atlanta, GA.

Here are a few symptoms of arthritis that we look for when identifying the severity of your condition.

Degeneration in the tissue

Severe arthritis is often identified by degeneration in the joint tissues as cartilage weakens and bones rub against each other. When the cartilage breaks down, it triggers an inflammatory response that causes further pain in the area. There is also less synovial fluid between the joints, making it harder for the tissues to work without irritation.

The weakening tissues will cause the body to produce more synovial metalloproteinases, which are enzymes that destroy cartilage in patients with arthritis. The increased enzymes make it harder for the tissues to restore, which is why many people who have severe arthritis often resort to surgery to resolve their conditions. When you consult with Dr. Williams at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, we can treat your pain with innovative care that can restore your mobility.

Fatigue can occur

You may also experience fatigue from severe arthritis because you are putting in extra effort to try and move around without triggering pain. During your consultation, we can check your joint tissue and review how you are trying to cope with or resolve your pain to determine if it is responsible for why you are fatigued.

Anemia occurs in some patients

Some arthritis patients may also experience anemia, a condition where the body produces fewer red blood cells. The inflammation triggered by arthritis will halt the body’s natural ability to generate bone marrow necessary for creating red blood cells.

You may experience weight loss

Weight loss can also be a problem for patients with arthritis. Inflammatory cytokines that trigger inflammation can also promote muscle wasting, which leads to weight loss. The problem can lead to further infections and other conditions if not treated.

Pain becoming worse when sitting

You could also experience more intense pain when you are sitting or doing nothing. Sometimes, the pressure in your joints can be so severe, you cannot relax without feeling some sort of discomfort. The synovial fluid in the impacted area could be permanently depleted, which reduces the thickness of your cartilage and increases friction.

Contact us today for innovative arthritis treatment in Atlanta, GA

Severe arthritis is a painful problem that can impair your quality of life. Dr. Christopher Williams and the team at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta can review your condition and find a suitable treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. You can visit our office in the Buckhead area of north Atlanta, or you can visit our website to discover more about our services and schedule an appointment.