Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in one or more of your joints. It’s one of the most common causes of chronic pain which can affect anyone.

There are over 100 forms of arthritis, the most common types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The causes of joint inflammation can be varied depending on the specific type of arthritis. Underlying causes may be related to:

• Infection
• Joint injury or trauma
• Metabolic syndromes
• Abnormal immune system response

Arthritis can cause chronic pain, as well as damage, deformity, and altered mobility in your joints. With proper treatment, many forms of arthritis can be effectively managed.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis are related to inflammation of the affected joint, which is where two bones meet. A joint is made of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Arthritis can be caused by inflammation of any part of the joint.

With arthritis, you may notice the following in the affecting joints:

• Redness or warmth
• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Dysfunction or weakness
• Stiffness or lack of fluid movement

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, one or more joints may be involved.

What are some common types of arthritis?

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by damage over time to the cartilage of the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the tissues of your joints.

While these are the most common forms, there are many types of arthritis that can cause similar symptoms, including:

• Psoriatic arthritis: an autoimmune disorder that affects both joints and skin
• Gout: an inflammatory disorder caused by excessive levels of uric acid in your blood
• Lupus: an autoimmune disorder that affects the tissues of your body, including joints
• Fibromyalgia: a disorder that causes widespread pain
• Spondyloarthropathy: a condition that affects the spine and other joints of your body
• Ankylosing spondylitis: a condition that causes inflammation of joints and ligaments

Dr. Rizvi treats these forms of arthritis with expert care at Houston Rheumatology and Arthritis Specialists. She has experience in treating various forms of arthritis using research-based, patient-specific treatment plans and has done a great deal of research focused on newer drugs and patient compliance in this field. Dr. Rizvi uses her expertise to stress patient education, making you a partner in your care.

For a consultation with Dr. Rizvi regarding your joint pain caused by arthritis, call Houston Rheumatology and Arthritis Specialists or book an appointment online today.