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Arthritis is a disease that occurs due to inflammation in a joint, which is a location in the body where the ends of two or more bones meet. Arthritis is common in the knee, where the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and thighbone (femur) form a joint, in the hip, where the top of the thighbone (femoral head) and concave portion of the pelvis (acetabulum) meet to form a joint.

Arthritis is debilitating because it degrades the tissues of the joint, specifically cartilage, a soft tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Cartilage cushions the bone in order to avoid friction created during bone-on-bone contact. Another type of joint tissue affected by arthritis is synovium, a fibrous lining that surrounds the joint and produces a fluid that helps reduce friction.

Types Of Arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis; however, the most common forms include:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones wears away over time. With no cushion, the bones begin to rub against each other, and the resulting friction leads to swelling and pain in the joint. This type of arthritis can occur in any joint; however, it commonly affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knee and hip.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect any joint in the body; however, it is common in the hands, wrists, and knees. In this type of arthritis, the immune system attacks the body and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissue, damaging the cartilage and bone.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: If the bone and cartilage do not heal properly, Post-traumatic arthritis may develop after injury to a joint. The joint is no longer smooth and the irregularities can lead to wear of the joint over time.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

Different types of arthritis have varying symptoms, as well as levels of severity, from patient to patient. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Fatigue
• Fever

Diagnosis Of Arthritis

Arthritis is diagnosed through a physical examination and careful evaluation of symptoms. Additionally, the orthopaedic surgeon may suggest an X-ray to show the extent of any damage to a joint. The orthopaedic surgeon is usually looking for the following indicators:

• Muscle weakness
• Tenderness to touch
• Pain upon pressure to the affected joint
• Limited joint mobility

Additionally, blood and other laboratory tests may be helpful in determining the type of arthritis presented by the patient.

Arthritis Surgery In New York City

The orthopaedic surgeon will first recommend non-surgical treatments, such as medication, physical therapy and resting; however, if pain is not alleviated, surgical procedures may be necessary. There are many different types of surgical procedures, including lining removal, realignment, fusing the end of the bones in the joint together, or total joint replacement. In a total joint replacement, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.

In most cases, patients with this disease continue to perform normal activities; however, exercise programs and medications are common measures in the reduction of pain and stiffness, as well as the improvement of joint function.

Arthritis Treatment In New York City

Dr. Robert Haar has years of experience performing both traditional and minimally invasive joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Haar's office is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. To make an appointment with Dr. Haar, please call the NYC office at (212) 876-7000.