Is Arthritis the Hidden Cause of Your Hip, Shoulder or Knee Pain?
Arthritis comes in many forms and can affect any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types, but this joint condition can also arise after an injury. The knee is particularly prone to the inflammation caused by arthritis that typically comes with pain, swelling and stiffness. There is no cure for arthritis, but treatments can help you manage the pain so you can get back to your daily activities.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee, hip and shoulder concerns. He uses the latest technologies such as MAKO, a robot-assisted surgical tool used for hip and knee replacement.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Hip and Shoulder
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes wear and tear in the joints, often in people over 50. This arthritis type gradually degrades the cartilage in the affected joints. Cartilage is a slippery and smooth substance that cushions the bones when you make movements such as bending and straightening the knee, walking, bending over and raising your arm. As the cartilage wears away, its smooth texture frays and toughens. That protective space decreases between bones, leading to bone-on-bone rubbing and bone spurs. Your pain will get worse as time goes on.
Your risk of osteoarthritis in the knee, hip or shoulder increases as you age, especially if other risk factors are present, including a family history of osteoarthritis, previous injury, obesity or a congenital defect such as hip dysplasia.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Shoulder, Hip and Knee
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack your tissues and damage the bone, ligaments and cartilage. It affects several joints at once and is symmetrical, damaging both shoulders, knees and hip joints. This form of arthritis involves the synovial membrane, a connective tissue layer that lines the joints, tendons and bursae (fluid-filled sacs found between the bones and tendons) and produces lubricating fluid to aid in movement. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the synovial membrane to swell, leading to pain and stiffness in the joint.
The condition is not hereditary, but your genes may make you more susceptible. A triggering event such as an infection could bring on rheumatoid arthritis, causing an inappropriate immune response. Symptoms of disease in the knee, hip or shoulder joints include a warm feeling, pain, stiffness, swelling and whole-body concerns such as fever, lower energy levels and lack of appetite. As the disease progresses, more joints may be affected.
Post-traumatic arthritis is another common type of this condition. Damage to the joint’s surface in the knee, hip or shoulder can cause arthritis years later. Treatments for arthritis in these body parts include medications, physical therapy and surgical intervention.
Why Choose Cohen Orthopedic
Dr. Cohen is a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He’s not only considered an expert in the field but has trained over 100 other physicians worldwide.
Contact Cohen Orthopedic in Columbus to schedule your appointment for “SameDay or NextDay” and discuss your shoulder, hip or knee pain.
