Arthritis Doctor in Reseda, CA

There are two different forms of arthritis that affect the body in different ways. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both cause damage to the joints, through the deterioration of the cartilage found on the ends of the bones where they meet in a joint. The damage to the cartilage caused by osteoarthritis is the result of wear-and-tear, either over the course of many years or due to an injury or infection to the joint. It also affects more than just the cartilage in the joint – the bone itself can change and the connective tissues that hold the joint together deteriorate. Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand, is caused by an attack to the lining of the joint capsule, from the body’s own immune system. This attack will cause the lining, or synovial membrane, to become swollen and inflamed. Over time, the cartilage will be destroyed, as well as the bone that connects within the joint.

Arthritis symptoms are most commonly found in the joints of the body and will vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Dr. Ilya Rachman MD at Rachman Medical Group can help you determine if you have arthritis based on your symptoms, a physical exam and additional tests as needed. We will first get your medical and family history, as arthritis can run in the family, and then perform a physical exam to better understand your symptoms. Symptoms of arthritis can include stiffness, pain, swelling, redness and a decreased range of motion in the affected joint or joints. Dr. Ilya Rachman MD may be able to make a diagnosis from there or may request additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Additional tests could include laboratory tests on blood, urine or joint fluid to help pinpoint exactly which type of arthritis you are dealing with, or they may use an imaging test option such as an x-ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound depending on the joint.

Arthritis can be a very painful and mobility-limiting condition when it isn’t being properly treated. Treatments are available to not only help manage the day-to-day pain of arthritis, but also to prevent it from spreading further and progressing quickly. If left untreated for long periods of time, arthritis will not only cause further pain and increased immobility in the affected joints, but it can also spread to other joints in the body. Over time, arthritis can also cause deformities as the cartilage deteriorates, leaving the bones to rub together and potentially even fuse together. In extreme cases of untreated arthritis, serious complications can develop in other organs of the body including the heart, lungs and kidneys. As a result of these complications, people with uncontrolled arthritis have an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, collapsed lung, difficulty breathing and kidney disease. The doctors at Rachman Medical Group can help you to manage your pain symptoms from arthritis, as well as slow down, and in some cases stop, the progression of your arthritis.

Your first stop for any healthcare concerns should be your primary care physician, such as one of the doctors based out of the Rachman Medical Group facility. Our doctors and healthcare professionals are highly trained in a broad range of medical services, to provide a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan for our patients on their acute and chronic illness and injury needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to be referred to a specialist such as a rheumatologist, however in most cases our doctors will be able to provide you with the treatment you need to manage your pain and slow the progression of your arthritis. Give us a call today, or book an appointment online, to find out how our team can help you manage your arthritis. We serve patients Reseda CA, San Fernando CA, Twin Lakes CA, Hidden Hills CA, and Burbank CA.