There are two main kinds of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They have different causes and effects on the body. As the most common kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis often occurs as wear and tear as we age. It happens when our joints’ cartilage wears down, which is gradual over time, or hastened by a joint injury or infection. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of a joint capsule which then becomes inflamed. This process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

During a physical exam, a doctor will check the patient’s joints for swelling, redness, warmth, and range of motion. If there are issues in any or more of these areas, then this could be indicative of arthritis. There are other tests too, such as blood, urine, and joint fluid tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound. Urgent care clinics like ours can provide X-rays in-house and easily refer patients for other tests if necessary. These clinics also have fully capable doctors who can diagnose arthritis and provide numerous treatments.

The focuses of arthritis treatment are on symptom relief and improving joint function. For many patients, a combination of treatments can help a great deal and provide significant relief. Some of the treatments we provide here at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care include:

– Painkillers – These reduce pain, but not inflammation, and they’re only a short-term solution. However, doctors want to treat your pain in addition to the arthritis itself, so painkillers could be a significant component of treatment. Prescription painkillers, such as opioids, could be prescribed for severe pain.

– NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – These work by reducing both pain and inflammation. Some NSAIDs are over-the-counter, while others are available as prescription medications.
Corticosteroids and other medications

– Physical therapy – This can be effective for many patients and it’s a long-term solution too. The major benefits are an improved range of motion and the strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joints.

– Lifestyle and home remedies – Often, the pain and other symptoms of arthritis can be reduced with weight loss, exercise, heating pads, and ice packs.

– Assistive devices – Items like canes, shoe inserts, walkers, and even raised toilet seats can help protect your joints and improve your function.

Sometimes surgery is an option for patients, but only as a last resort. Here at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we’ll want to try the other options before we consider this one.-

We do, yes! You’ll find our clinic over at 9735 SW Shady Lane, Suite 100, Tigard, OR 97223. You’re more than welcome to come right in for same-day service if you like, as Columbia Clinic Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with us if you’d prefer to, but it isn’t necessary. This means you can come see us if you’re experiencing a flare up in pain or if you could use come ongoing care and advice about dealing with arthritis. Come see us or call us today for the kind of arthritis care you’ve been longing for.