healthspin
by Dr. Harmanjot Grewal, MD
Rheumatologists Aim to
Manage Joint Pain
Dr. Harmanjot Grewal, MD
North Oaks Rheumatology
Clinic
22
If you’ve watched much television
lately, you’ve likely seen a commercial
with pro golfer Phil Mickelson talking
about his battle with arthritis.
Mickelson is one of more than 50
million adults and 300,000 children
who have some type of arthritis. People
of all ages, sexes and races suffer from
arthritis, the leading cause of disability
in America.
They are part of a club that includes
such elite athletes as Jack Nicklaus, Kristy
McPherson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe
Bryant, Dorothy Hamill, Hank Aaron,
Wayne Gretzky and Nolan Ryan.
Although arthritis is very common, it
is not well understood. It is not a single
disease but an informal way of referring
to joint pain or joint disease. There are
more than 100 different types of arthritis
and related conditions.
When Mickelson began experiencing
joint stiffness and severe pain, he shared,
“My life as I knew it was suddenly turned
upside down.”
In the months leading up to the 2010
U.S. Open, Mickelson developed pain
near his ankle that made it difficult to
walk. His left index finger and right wrist
felt as if they were sprained. He initially
thought the aches were from years of
practicing and playing golf. He hoped
the pain would go away, but after two
days of preparing for the U.S. Open, he
awoke, and the pain in his joints was so
intense he could barely get out of bed.
After a rheumatologist diagnosed
Mickelson with psoriatic arthritis, he
began treatment. Today, he is still active
and continues to play golf, swim, hike and
join in group activities with his family.
Arthritis diagnosis often begins with a
primary care provider, who will perform
a physical exam and then do blood tests
and imaging scans to help determine the
type of arthritis. The provider may then
refer the patient to an arthritis specialist --
or rheumatologist -- to manage ongoing
treatment.
Rheumatologists are educated in
diseases that involve bones, muscles
and joints, and are trained to make the
difficult diagnoses and management
of all types of arthritis, especially those
requiring complex treatment.
In some severe cases, orthopaedic
surgeons will do joint replacement
surgery. When the arthritis affects other
body systems or parts, other specialists
such as ophthalmologists, dermatologists
or dentists may be included on the health
team.
If you suspect you have arthritis, you
should see a health care provider as
soon as possible so you can take steps
to protect your joints from permanent
damage. Early diagnosis and treatment
may not only save your joints, but can
protect your overall health since some
types of arthritis cause internal damage
to the heart and other organs.
To get back into the swing of things,
see your health care provider or schedule
an appointment with North Oaks
Rheumatology Clinic at (985) 230-APPT
[1836] in Hammond or toll-free at (844)
APPT-NOW [277-8669].