With more than 100 types of arthritis in existence, millions of people experience chronic pain each day. Elizabeth Grigoryan, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician who diagnoses and manages arthritis with the most effective nonsurgical treatments available at her self-titled practice Elizabeth Grigoryan MD. In Glendale, California, Dr. Grigoryan offers joint injections, medication, and other solutions for arthritis. To learn more, call All-In Medical Center, or schedule an appointment online today.

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What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes joint inflammation. Symptoms of arthritis can range from mild to severe and typically worsen with age. Early intervention can help slow the progression of arthritis, preserving your joint health and mobility. 

Without treatment, arthritis can cause widespread pain and prevent you from participating in everyday activities, such as working, cooking, or exercising.

Are there different types of arthritis?

Dr. Grigoryan treats many types of arthritis at her office. The most common types are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

By far the most common type of this degenerative condition, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage around your joints breaks down. Without this protective layer, your joints are vulnerable to friction, pain, and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. RA happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your joints.

Gout

Uric acid that crystallizes in the joints can lead to gout — a sudden and painful form of arthritis. While gout can affect any joint in the body, it’s most common in the joint at the base of the big toe.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, scaly patches of skin. Some individuals with this autoimmune disease can also develop arthritis in their joints.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms vary from person to person. It can cause pain in a few joints or several throughout your body. Many individuals with arthritis experience chronic knee, hip, or back pain that worsens as they age.

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Warmth over the joint
  • Stiffness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Low mobility

Pain may come and go when you have arthritis, but the best way to prevent flare-ups is to seek interventional care. Arthritis also often causes back pain.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

How Dr. Grigoryan treats your arthritis depends on the type, severity, and symptoms you experience. Common treatments for arthritis include:

  • Medication management
  • Weight loss
  • Physical therapy
  • Exercise
  • Massage
  • Anti-inflammatory pain relievers

Joint injections

Joint injections contain anti-inflammatory steroids. Dr. Grigoryan can inject these medications directly into the space around your joints to relieve pain and reduce inflammation to promote a healthy recovery from arthritis. Joint injections work best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine that helps restore function to your damaged joints.

To learn more about joint injections, call All-In Medical Center, or schedule an appointment online today.