October 12th World Arthritis Day
Today we promote awareness for this disease and share some information about arthritis. In honor of this day, we sat down with Dr. Donald Hohman, the medical director of the Joint Replacement Program at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery. Dr. Hohman is a joint replacement specialists and knows all about how arthritis, the treatment options and why it's so important to bring awareness to this disease.
Do you suffer from any form of arthritis? Many advances have been made in its treatment and if you would like to consult a joint specialist, contact us.
What is Arthritis?
While arthritis can affect all age groups, including young children, it is often associated with older people. This is because, with aging, the wear and tear on joints can cause cartilage loss.
“Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of one or more joints caused by the breakdown of cartilage,” Dr. Hohman said. “Cartilage normally protects the joint and acts as a shock absorber. Without it, bones rub together.”
The Arthritis Foundation notes these symptoms:
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Reduced ability to move the joint
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Warmth around a joint
Treatment Options for Arthritis
“I believe it’s important that in addition to treating the symptoms of arthritis we also identify and treat the underlying cause of the disease,” Dr. Hohman said. “Joint replacement surgery should be reserved as the last option. It is critical to exhaust all non-surgical treatment options prior to undergoing joint replacement. This can include using prescription drugs, heat and cold treatments, vitamin or mineral supplements, weight loss, nerve stimulation and physical activities such as physical therapy and yoga. Total joint replacement surgery, although wildly successful, is always the last resort.
“When I see a patient suffering from arthritis that causes chronic pain I am determined to help relieve their pain, prevent any further disability and improve their quality of life.”
Non-surgical Treatment Options for Arthritis
• Gentle exercise
• Weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Prescription and nonprescription medications
• Injections
Surgical Treatment Options for Arthritis
• Arthroscopic procedures
• Partial joint replacement
• Total joint replacement
Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery has a program dedicated to helping patients suffering from this disease. The Joint Replacement Program at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery established in 2016 helps patients who have decided to undergo joint replacement surgery. The vast majority of these patients are suffering from some form of arthritis. This advanced orthopedic program gives patients the tools they need to achieve a successful outcome after joint replacement surgery.
If you are suffering from chronic pain caused by arthritis, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our joint replacement specialists.
Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery is a joint venture hospital owned by Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of a physician owned hospital. Physicians on the medical staff are not employees or agents of Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery. They are independent solo practitioners or members/agents of an independent physician group.