Osteoarthritis Center - Bethesda, MD
Bethesda Rheumatologist Doctors for OsteoarthritisType of Physician: Rheumatologist What is a Rheumatologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. The rheumatologist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries, etc. The rheumatologist may work closely with other specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists. Specialty: Rheumatology Common Name: Rheumatologist Doctors in Bethesda * National Institute of Arthritis  National Institute of Arthritis  Deborah S Litman MD  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Potomac Arthritis & Rheumatism  Center for Rheumatic Diseases & Osteoporosis  Russell R Rothenberg MD  Center for Rheumatic Diseases & Osteoporosis  Center for Rheumatic Diseases & Osteoporosis  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Capital Medical Services  Rockville Internal Medical Group  Drs Schnapp & Barth PA  Drs Schnapp & Barth PA  Leisure World Medical Center  FDA Center for Devices  Robert H Knitzer MD  Linda Katz MD  Oliver J Lawless MD  Arthritis & Pain Associates  Arthritis & Pain Associates  Arthritis Associates of Prince George County  Maryland Advanced Arthritis and Rheumatology  Edger V Potter Jr. MD  Mahesh & Renu Chandra MDs  Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Chaim Bernard Mond MD FACR  Gregory McCormack MD  Columbia Medical Practice Internal Medicine  Arthritis Care Specialists of Maryland  Arthritis Care Specialists of Maryland  Arthritis Care Specialists of Maryland  S Krishna Nandipati MD  Eldersburg Arthritis  Eldersburg Arthritis  Nasseri Clinic  A Shams MD FACR  Drs Yap Cueto & Miller  Alex Hertzman MD  Margaret A Fountain MD  Rida Frayha MD  Harbor Hospital  MMI Orthopaedic Associates of Frederick  MMI Orthopaedic Associates of Frederick  Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center  Ronald S Pototsky MD  Drs Reddy & Reddy  John Meyerhoff MD  Mercy Medical Center Rheumatology Medicine  Mercy Medical Center Rheumatology Medicine  Health Associates  Anne Arundel Rheumatology  Mary Michels MD  Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center  Carroll Arthritis  Jack R Lichtenstein & Associates  The Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center LLC  Jack R Lichtenstein & Associates  Jack R Lichtenstein & Associates  JHH Rheumatology Lupus Center  Falls Medical Specialists  Falls Medical Specialists  Drs Iglehart & McConnell  Raymond W Wilson MD  Stuart M Levine MD  Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center  Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center  Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center  Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center  Johns Hopkins Rheumatology Vasculitis Center  Johns Hopkins Rheumatology Vasculitis Center  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Lynn M Billingsley MD  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Peter A Holt MD  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Baltimore Arthritis & Rheumatology LLC  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Patuxent Rheumatology Associates LLC  Roger W Marcus MD  Robert W Timmons MD  Delmarva Orthopaedic Clinic Bethesda, MarylandUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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OsteoarthritisRead the Osteoarthritis article » What is osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After 55 years of age, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear equally affected. A higher incidence of osteoarthritis exists in the Japanese population, while South-African blacks, East Indians, and Southern Chinese have lower rates. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is sometimes abbreviated OA.
What causes osteoarthritis?Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. In advanced cases, there is a total loss of cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as osteophyt... Recommended Reading Related to OsteoarthritisWhat is alkaptonuria?Alkaptonuria is an inherited condition that causes urine to turn black when exposed to air. Ochronosis, a buildup of dark pigment in connective tissues such as cartilage and skin, is also characteristic of the disorder. This blue-black pigmentation usually appears after age 30. People with alkaptonuria typically develop arthritis, particularly in the spine and large joints, beginning in early adulthood. Other features of this condition can include heart problems, kidney stones, and prostate stones. How common is alkaptonuria?This condition is rare, affecting 1 in 250,000 to 1 million people worldwide. Alkaptonuria is more common in certain areas of Slovakia (where it has an incidence of about 1 in 19,000 people) and in the Dominican Republic. What genes are related to alkaptonuria?Mutations in the HGD gene cause alkaptonuria. The HGD gene provides instructions for maki... Other Related Osteoarthritis ArticlesEmergency Contact for Bethesda
Nearby Bethesda Hospitals *National Institutes of Health Suburban Hospital Psychiatric Institute of Washington Sibley Memorial Hospital Holy Cross Hospital Walter Reed Army Medical Center Georgetown University Hospital Washington Adventist Hospital National Rehabilitation Hospital Washington Hospital Center Washington DC VA Medical Center Children's National Medical Center Howard University Hospital The George Washington University Hospital Providence Hospital The HSC Pediatric Center Virginia Hospital Center The Specialty Hospital of Washington Dominion Hospital Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Adventist HealthCare Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital Prince George's Hospital Center Saint Elizabeth's Hospital Inova Alexandria Hospital Inova Fairfax Hospital Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute Montgomery General Hospital United Medical Center The Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley Doctors Community Hospital Laurel Regional Hospital Reston Hospital Center Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Fort Washington Hospital Howard County General Hospital Southern Maryland Hospital Center Inova Loudoun Hospital Center Sheppard Pratt at Ellicott City Prince William Hospital Potomac Hospital North Spring Behavioral Healthcare Baltimore Washington Medical Center Graydon Manor Behavioral Health Spring Grove Hospital Center Springfield Hospital Center Anne Arundel Medical Center Saint Agnes Hospital Kernan Hospital Northwest Hospital Harbor Hospital Center Bon Secours Baltimore Health System Civista Medical Center University of Maryland Medical Center Baltimore VA Medical Center University Specialty Hospital Maryland General Hospital Mercy Medical Center Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital Kennedy Krieger Institute Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Frederick Memorial Hospital Johns Hopkins Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Osteoarthritis by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Quackery of Arthritis
- Arthritis patients are sometimes vulnerable to quackery (the business of promoting unproven remedies). These "quick fix" treatments are promoted as cure-alls, but they really have no right to such claims. Consumers should be wary of products that have marketing claims like "will cure," "ancient remedy," "has no side effects," and "revolutionary new scientific breakthrough." Read about arthritis remedies and tests that have no scientific proof of benefits.
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Lower Back Pain
- There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
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Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH or Forestier's disease) is a form of degenerative arthritis. It is characterized by calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms include stiffness and pain in the upper and lower back. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat DISH.
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Ganglion
- A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that forms from the joint or tendon lining. Ganglia are most frequently found in the ankles and wrists and are usually painless. A ganglion often resolves on its own. Aspiration of the ganglion fluid or surgery may be necessary.
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Knee Pain
- The knee joint is composed of three compartments and ligaments which stabilize the joint. Causes of knee pain may include injury, degeneration, infrequently infection and rarely bone tumors. Although routine x-rays do not revel meniscus tears, they can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and tissues. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic disease, as well as immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
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Bunions
- The common bunion, an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe, primarily affects women. The signs and symptoms of bunions include inflammation, redness, tenderness, and pain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The little toe may also develop a bunion (tailor's bunion). Rest, walking shoes, stretching, cold packs, and antiinflammatory medications may alleviate pain. Surgery is also a treatment option.
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Baker Cyst
- A Baker cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is swelling caused by knee joint fluid protruding to the back of the knee (popliteal area of the knee). Not uncommon, baker cysts can be caused by virtually any type of joint swelling (arthritis). They are often resolved with removal of excess knee fluid in conjunction with cortisone injections.
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Biorhythms
- Biologic rhythms, or biorhythms, are how our bodies respond to the regular phases of the sun, moon, and seasons. A medical chronobiologist studies how the "body clock" or biorhythms affect diseases and how the body clock responds to treatment of diseases and conditions at different times of the day.
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Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the spine is usually treated conservatively with intermittent heat, rest, rehabilitative exercises and medications to relieve pain, muscle spasm and inflammation.
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Arthritis
- Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout.
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Alkaptonuria
- Alkaptonuria is a condition that causes urine to turn black when exposed to air. Alkaptonuria is inherited, and usually appears after 30 years of age. Kidney stones, heart problems, arthritis, and prostate stones are also conditions associated with alkaptonuria.
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Chronic Pain
- Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)
- Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include osteoarthritis, abnormal walking pattern, and disorders that can cause SI joint inflammation including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment includes oral medications, cortisone injections, and surgery.
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Torn Meniscus
- A torn meniscus (knee cartilage) may be caused by suddenly stopping, sharply twisting, or deep squatting or kneeling when lifting heavy weight. Symptoms of a meniscal tear include pain with running or walking long distances, popping when climbing stairs, a giving way sensation, locking, or swelling. Treatment depends upon the severity, location, and underlying disease of the knee joint.
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Radiculopathy
- Radiculopathy, a condition in which a nerve or nerves along the spine are compressed causing pain, numbness, weakenss, and tingling along the nerve(s). Some causes of radiculopathy include bone spurs, disc hernation, osteoarthritis, tumors, infection, and neuropathy. Treatment depends on the are of nerve compression. Surgery is generally not required.
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Quackery of Arthritis
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Medications
22 articles -
Procedures & Tests
11 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
10 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
38 articles -
Health News
47 articles -
Health Features
20 articles
