Osteoarthritis Center - Towson, MD
Towson 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 Towson * Rida Frayha MD  Baltimore Arthritis & Rheumatology LLC  Raymond W Wilson MD  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Rheumatology Associates of Baltimore  Drs Iglehart & McConnell  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Lynn M Billingsley MD  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Peter A Holt MD  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Johns Hopkins Hospital Rheumatology  Margaret A Fountain MD  Falls Medical Specialists  Falls Medical Specialists  John Meyerhoff MD  Health Associates  Chaim Bernard Mond MD FACR  JHH Rheumatology Lupus Center  Ronald S Pototsky MD  Drs Reddy & Reddy  Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center  Mercy Medical Center Rheumatology Medicine  Mercy Medical Center Rheumatology Medicine  University of Maryland Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology  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  Stuart M Levine MD  Roger W Marcus MD  Harbor Hospital  Harbor Hospital  A Shams MD FACR  Nasseri Clinic  Alex Hertzman MD  Arthritis Care Specialists of Maryland  Arthritis Care Specialists of Maryland  Columbia Medical Practice Internal Medicine  Gregory McCormack MD  Eldersburg Arthritis  Eldersburg Arthritis  Maryland Advanced Arthritis and Rheumatology  Carroll Arthritis  Anne Arundel Rheumatology  Mary Michels MD  Jack R Lichtenstein & Associates  Jack R Lichtenstein & Associates  Jack R Lichtenstein & Associates  The Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center LLC  Arthritis Associates of Prince George County  Arthritis & Pain Associates  Arthritis & Pain Associates  Oliver J Lawless MD  Robert H Knitzer MD  Drs Schnapp & Barth PA  Drs Schnapp & Barth PA  Linda Katz MD  Leisure World Medical Center  Capital Medical Services  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  National Institute of Arthritis  National Institute of Arthritis  Potomac Arthritis & Rheumatism  Rockville Internal Medical Group  Deborah S Litman MD  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates  Center for Rheumatic Diseases & Osteoporosis  Russell R Rothenberg MD  Center for Rheumatic Diseases & Osteoporosis  Center for Rheumatic Diseases & Osteoporosis  FDA Center for Devices  Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Mahesh & Renu Chandra MDs  Edger V Potter Jr. MD  MMI Orthopaedic Associates of Frederick  MMI Orthopaedic Associates of Frederick  Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center  Delmarva Orthopaedic Clinic  S Krishna Nandipati MD  Patuxent Rheumatology Associates LLC  Robert W Timmons MD Towson, 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 Towson
Nearby Towson Hospitals *St Joseph Medical Center Greater Baltimore Medical Center Sheppard Pratt Health System Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital Union Memorial Hospital Kennedy Krieger Institute Maryland General Hospital Johns Hopkins Hospital Mercy Medical Center Franklin Square Hospital Center Baltimore VA Medical Center University of Maryland Medical Center Bon Secours Baltimore Health System University Specialty Hospital Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Kernan Hospital Saint Agnes Hospital Northwest Hospital Harbor Hospital Center Spring Grove Hospital Center Sheppard Pratt at Ellicott City Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Baltimore Washington Medical Center Springfield Hospital Center Howard County General Hospital Carroll Hospital Center Laurel Regional Hospital Anne Arundel Medical Center Harford Memorial Hospital Montgomery General Hospital Perry Point VA Medical Center Upper Shore Community Mental Health Center Chester River Hospital Center Doctors Community Hospital Hanover 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
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Procedures & Tests
11 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
10 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
38 articles -
Health News
47 articles -
Health Features
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