Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know

arthritis

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are often used interchangeably but are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the nuances of each helps you better manage your joint health. Arthritis, a comprehensive term, encompasses a spectrum of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, […]

Psoriatic Arthritis: A Primer

Psoriatic-Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and is often accompanied by the skin condition psoriasis. Doctors help patients identify the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Early diagnosis and management are key and there are many […]

Juvenile Arthritis Diet Tips for Managing Pain

Juvenile Arthritis Wrist Pain

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that affect children and teenagers. An autoimmune condition, the exact cause of juvenile arthritis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is important to work with a doctor to help guide you […]

What are the Four Stages of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Angelo Ciminiello Key Takeaways Are you experiencing joint pain or stiffness and want to understand the progression of osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis(OA) is a degenerative joint disease that results from the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other. As the […]

OrthoConnecticut Helps Build Awareness of Juvenile Arthritis

juvenile-arthritis

July is Juvenile Arthritis (JA) awareness month and OrthoConnecticut is helping to raise awareness. Things to do – learn about JA, wear a blue ribbon, cook an anti-inflammatory recipe, make a donation, help raise awareness by telling your story, and host or attend a community event. Did you know? 300,000 – that’s how many children […]

Tips to help with Osteoarthritis

Arthritic seniors hands cutting flowers

Nine tips to help with Osteoarthritis If you’re middle-aged or older, it’s likely you have some Osteoarthritis in your hands, fingers, hips, knees, feet or spine. The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints and bone gradually wears away causing joint swelling, pain, stiffness, deformity, and reduced range of motion. Most […]

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Strong Male Hands Twisting a Stubborn Jar Lid

By Lisa M. Cyr, OTD, OTR/L, CHT – Occupational Therapist / Hand Therapist, OrthoConnecticut OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) is one of the most common joint disorders and is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. It affects as many as 12% of the American population over 25. One in 4 women and at […]