What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of disorders that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in one or more joints. Some types of arthritis are acute ( short lived ) , while others are chronic ( long lasting )
Dr. Gul provides diagnosis and care for patients with many types of arthritis, including:
This is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage which is the cushion in the joint wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint. This type of arthritis occurs as the joints age or secondary to trauma.
Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) is an autoimmune disease. RA occurs when immune system attacks the tissues in your joints. Without treatment, your immune system continues to destroy the soft tissues, and even bone, inside the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis.
Patients with psoriasis (a common skin condition that causes a scaly rash) can also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can start at the same time as psoriasis skin rash , a few years after or a few years before, the relationship between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is unpredictable. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells in the skin and joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the joints in your spine. If left untreated, this disease can cause your backbones (vertebrae) to fuse together, making your spine stiff and inflexible. Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the hips, shoulders, and knees.
Gout affects about 4% of adults in the United States. This disease occurs when high levels of uric acid in your blood cause needle-like crystals to form within a joint, leading to sudden and severe pain.
Dr. Gul has treated many patients with above mentioned arthritis and various medications have been used to but not limited to
· Orencia®
· Simponi®
· Remicade®
· Actemra®
· Rituximab®
· Kineret ®