woman putting hand on neck- Osteoarthritis treatment

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis, What’s the Difference?

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woman putting hand on neck- Osteoarthritis treatmentIt’s commonly known that arthritis is the inflammation and pain of the joints. However, different types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are often confused. These types of arthritis are completely different, and it’s important to know the difference in your joint health. Let’s take a look at osteoarthritis versus rheumatoid arthritis so you can better understand your joint health.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease that causes a unique form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when your body’s immune system targets and attacks your own tissue and connective joints. This leads to the degeneration of tissue, and the lack of tissue leads to irritation of the joint. Joints affected with rheumatoid arthritis can become swollen and deformed over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, like the skin, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and even the heart. Modern advancements have greatly increased the ways we can treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the condition is chronic and severe cases can be debilitating.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is what most people think of when arthritis comes to mind. It is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people every year. Osteoarthritis occurs as the joint naturally wears and tears over time. There is protective cartilage that acts as a cushion between most joints.

Over time that protective cartilage can wear down and become thin. This leads to your bones moving and grinding in unintentional ways and leading to inflammation. Osteoarthritis is chronic, but things like losing weight, staying active, and certain procedures can make slow the condition and make life easier.

Seeking Treatment For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. That’s why Dr. John Moore IV, with the Pinehurst Surgical Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Center, provides treatment options for osteoarthritis. Dr. Moore has been providing his community with orthopaedic care for over 15 years and wants to offer his experience and expertise to your joint health. No one’s joint situation is the same, and Dr. Moore will evaluate each patient and provide treatment that caters to their needs and joint health goals. Trust results and personalized care and contact Dr. Moore’s office at 910-295-0224 today.

Woman on a yoga mat to relax outdoor. Senior lady prefers healthy lifestyle

5 Amazing Ways Women With Arthritis Can Stay Active and Healthy

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Women with arthritis often face unique challenges when staying active and healthy. The condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, making it difficult to exercise. However, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight is vital to avoid further joint damage and pain.

There are several ways in which women with arthritis can stay active and healthy. From getting regular exercise to seeing your doctor, many options are available. This article will explore 5 of the best ways women with arthritis can stay active and healthy.

The Importance of Exercise for Women with Arthritis

Exercise is essential for everyone, but it’s crucial for those with arthritis. Exercise can help to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It can also improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, and help to maintain a healthy weight. 

Starting an exercise routine may seem daunting, but there are many ways to make it easier. For example, try starting with just 10 minutes of exercise a day and gradually increase the amount of time you exercise as you become more comfortable. 

It’s also essential to find an activity that you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick with it. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all great options for people with arthritis. If you’re unsure how to start, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist. They can help you create an exercise plan specific to your needs and goals.

If you have arthritis, you may think you have to give up all your favorite activities. But that’s not the case! There are many ways to stay active and healthy, even with this chronic condition.

5 Amazing Ways For Women With Arthritis To Stay Active

Here are 5 amazing ways women with arthritis can stay active and healthy:

Get regular exercise: Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your arthritis. It helps to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase strength.

Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Use heat and cold therapies: Applying heat or cold to your joints can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Try supplements: Many supplements can help to reduce arthritis symptoms. These include fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

See your doctor regularly: It’s important to see your doctor regularly so that they can monitor your condition and ensure you’re getting the best possible treatment.

You are welcome to visit Dr. John Moore and his team of orthopaedic specialists. Please get in touch with us at 910-295-0224 if you have any questions. Our team is looking forward to working with you.

Young man suffering from knee pain at home

Surgically Treatment of Post-Traumatic Arthritis

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A traumatic injury to a joint – such as a car accident or fall – has a very high risk of becoming arthritic in your later years. High-impact sporting activities – for example, running, tennis, gymnastics, skiing, rugby – also have a high likelihood of leading to osteoarthritis in your lifetime. This condition is known as post-traumatic arthritis and can be treated with surgery when other non-invasive remedies fail. John R. Moore, IV MD, has been practicing as an orthopedic surgeon since 2001 in Pinehurst, NC, and has the experience to determine if you can benefit from joint surgery.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

Any substantial injury to your joints can cause post-traumatic arthritis. This condition causes pain and stiffness to the affected joints after an injury or long-term, high-impact sporting activity.

Most common joints affected by post-traumatic arthritis:

  • Elbows
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Ankles

Any arthritic condition resulting from a post-traumatic injury will adversely affect your ability to comfortably sit, walk, run, play sports, or take part in physical activities you have done in the past.

The debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include:

  • Tenderness to touch
  • Stiffness in movement
  • Uncomfortable swelling
  • Chronic pain

Post-Traumatic Arthritis Surgery

There may come a time when you reach an intolerance for your chronic pain and decreased mobility in the affected joint to merit replacement surgery. After opting for and recovering from replacement surgery, you may wonder why you waited for such a long time to finally act. This is because one’s quality of life is greatly enhanced.

If post-traumatic arthritis is limiting your quality of life, surgery may be an option to reclaim function in the affected joint.

Methods of surgery include:

  • This is the removal or cleaning up of damaged tissue or your bones are reshaped to alleviate arthritic symptoms.
  • Joint Fusion. Known as arthrodesis, joint fusion is the insertion of a plate secured by screws to hold the affected joint together, lessening symptoms of arthritis.
  • Joint Replacement. Known as arthroplasty, this is the replacement of your damaged joint with an artificial one made of plastic, ceramic, or metal.

Discover Surgery Options For Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Be proactive and reach out to Dr. John Moore at Pinehurst Surgical in North Carolina to see if you are a candidate for post-traumatic arthritis surgery. Call 910-295-0224 to begin your search for surgical help with your affected joint.

When Arthritis Hits Your Kneecap

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When you think of arthritis in the knee, you likely think of the cartilage between the bones and ends of the femur and the tibia. But patellofemoral arthritis affects the kneecap, actually the cartilage directly behind it. 

Dr. Moore performs different surgical procedures, if necessary, to address a patient’s patellofemoral arthritis. 

What is involved with patellofemoral arthritis? 

Really, any arthritis involving wear and tear can be lumped under the term “osteoarthritis.” This is the “wear and tear” form of arthritis that affects just about everyone at some point in their life. 

With the kneecap, patellofemoral arthritis affects the cartilage. This cartilage is normally somewhat slippery, enabling the knee to move freely. But when it begins to wear away, the cushioning between bones diminishes. Eventually this will lead to pain. 

Who is at higher risk for developing patellofemoral arthritis? 

  •     Age — This arthritis, as with all areas affected by wear and tear, occurs mainly in people over the age of 40.
  •     Sex — Patellofemoral arthritis is more common in women than men.
  •     Prior injury — Injuries such as a fractured kneecap increase the odds.
  •     Obesity — The increased pressure placed on the knees eventually takes a toll.
  •     Repetitive movement — If a person sustains the same movement for long periods of time, this can lead to patellofemoral arthritis.
  •     Health conditions — Other health conditions, such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, dysplasia, and Paget’s disease are at higher risk.

What are the symptoms of patellofemoral arthritis? 

Pain is the primary symptom. This pain will usually occur at the front of the kneecap when the person is doing something like climbing stairs. The knee may also crackle when in motion. 

When surgery is necessary? 

Once the damage has been done, there is no way to heal the kneecap and reverse patellofemoral arthritis. Non-surgical treatments, such as wearing a knee brace, having corticosteroid injections, and medications, can reduce the pain during activities. But surgery is often eventually necessary. 

Dr. Moore would have three surgical options in these cases: 

  •     Arthroscopy — This minimally invasive surgery only involves a small incision to gain access. The cartilage is then trimmed and smoothed.
  •     Kneecap alignment — This minor surgical procedure tightens or releases soft tissues around the knee to modify the actual position of the kneecap to reduce pressure and improve comfort.
  •     Knee replacement — In some cases, only the patellofemoral aspect of the knee joint needs to be replaced. However, it’s more likely a total knee replacement is the better option for more severe deterioration.

Do you have chronic knee pain? Call Dr. Moore at Pinehurst Surgical, (910) 295-0224, to schedule an appointment to have him check it out.

patellofemoral arthritis | Pinehurst, NC

What Are The Signs Of Patellofemoral Arthritis?

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Having joint stiffness and pain in your kneecaps isn’t exactly something that anybody wants to have, but if you do have any of these symptoms, it may be caused by a condition called patellofemoral arthritis.

What Is Patellofemoral Arthritis?

Behind the kneecap and just along the femoral groove is articular cartilage that is a slippery texture. When patients have patellofemoral arthritis, however, this slippery cartilage becomes inflamed and starts to deteriorate which can result in pain and a lack of cushion between the bones.

How Is It Caused?

The good news about patellofemoral arthritis is that you aren’t likely to just wake up with it one day; it is something that gradually happens overtime. On average, common risk factors of arthritis include:

  • Age. Most patients dianosed are over the age of 40
  • A knee injury such as a fractured kneecap can increase the risk of post-traumatic kneecap arthritis.
  • Certain repetitive movements sustained for long periods can wear down the knee joint, leading to osteoarthritis of the kneecap.
  • Statistics indicate that women are affected more commonly than men.
  • Health conditions like dysplasia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and Paget’s disease are risk factors for kneecap arthritis.
  • Obesity may cause joint degeneration, which could lead to arthritis of the knee and kneecap.

How Can We Treat It?

Depending on the severity of your patellofemoral arhtritis, we may reocmmend eithe rnon surgical or surgical treatmetns.

Non-surgical treatments include:

  • Weight loss and managemnt
  • Strength training exercises like swimming and walking
  • Cortisone injecions
  • Over-the-counter non steroidal anti inflammatory medications like ibuprofen

Sergies include:

  • Kneecap alignment – A minor surgical procedure to tighten or release soft tissues around the knee modify the actual position of the kneecap to reduce pressure and improve comfort.
  • Arthroscopy – This minimally invasive procedure is performed through a small incision. Its purpose is to trim and smooth joint surfaces that have become rough due to excessive degradation.
  • Knee replacement – In some cases, only the patellofemoral aspect of the knee joint needs to be replaced. However, patients who experience chronic knee pain due to severe joint deterioration may benefit the most from complete replacement.

If you experience chronic joint pain in your knees, schedule an appointment with Dr. John Moore at Pinehurst Srugical to get examined. Contact us at our office today and call us at 910.295.0224

Arthritis Pinehurst, NC

4 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Good for Your Arthritis

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Living with arthritis can put a real damper on everyday things like trying to open a jar of pasta sauce or even turn your doorknob. This Thanksgiving, rather than just loading your plate full of things to eat that aren’t exactly doing your body any favors, this article will list four Thanksgiving foods that are good for your arthritis. Read on to learn more.

Swap The Sugar Pies For Fruit Pies

Even though that chocolate cream pie or that pecan pie may sound a little tantalizing to your taste buds, try eating fruit pies instead. Fruit pies are the healthier option and will hopefully help you cut calories which will prevent you from gaining some additional weight that will be harmful to your joints.

Skip The Gravy

When it comes to fat drippings like gravy, they are high in saturated fats which are associated with joint inflammation and obesity; both of which you don’t want any part of if you have arthritis. Rather than dousing everything on your plate in gravy, reach for a healthier alternative like cranberry sauce instead.

Go For Fresh Veggies Over Casseroles

Sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole are two side dishes that you will see at just about every American’s Thanksgiving feast. And even though the added toppings and cream make these casseroles delicious, the excess saturated fats will only lead to joint inflammation and excess swelling.

Skip the Salt

That salt shaker that’s staring at you on the Thanksgiving table may as well be enemy number one. Excess sodium is only going to lead to inflammation and water retention which are not good for your arthritis or your joints. Make sure that you use low sodium turkey broth and that you skip the additional salt on your plate.

It can be hard to know exactly what you should and shouldn’t eat for your joint health. Use the tips in this article to ease swelling and discomfort this Thanksgiving. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us at our Pinehurst office today and call us at 910.295.0224.