Arthritis doctor Elkridge, MD

Pain and Spine Specialists

Our arthritis doctor Elkridge, MD residents trust knows firsthand the excruciating pain that arthritis can cause. Working with one of our board-certified doctors at Pain and Spine Specialists can help patients to finally experience relief through our individualized treatment plans. We work closely with our patients to help them reach an optimal recovery from arthritis. We know that when it comes to the chronic pain that arthritis may cause, you will be looking for anything that may be able to provide you with relief.

It’s only natural that you will have questions for our arthritis doctor. For the answers you are in search of, we recommend contacting Pain and Spine Specialists for help today. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that results in swelling and inflammation of the joints. There are a variety of types of arthritis that can impact many aspects of the body ranging from joint pain to even the internal organs. Often arthritis affects older people but can be present in younger people as well. The two most common types of arthritis that our arthritis doctor can help treat include:

  • Osteoarthritis: this form of arthritis often comes with age as joints deteriorate over time from normal wear and tear. 
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: is an autoimmune disease that impacts the joints within the body. 

Both types of arthritis come with symptoms that include:

  • Swollen Joints
  • Stiff Joints
  • Exhaustion

How might I get my arthritis symptoms under control?

Your Elkridge, MD arthritis doctor will tell you that certain things may worsen your condition. This is why you must take proper care of yourself to ensure that you do not experience flare-ups. Here are some tips for managing your symptoms:

  • There is no one size fits all cure which is why it’s essential that you not only seek proper treatment but also make lifestyle changes that complement treatment.
  • Share everything with your arthritis doctor; they will need to know the full extent of your symptoms to provide you with the proper treatment. 
  • Stay on top of your pain by taking care of yourself.
  • Pay attention to the way that you engage in your everyday activities like how you sit, stand, and move.

How do I know when it’s time to see an arthritis doctor?

People are commonly surprised to learn that the term arthritis in itself is a broad term that refers to a hundred different types of conditions. Knowing what kind of arthritis you have is the first step towards getting the right treatment for you. Some forms of arthritis require immediate action due to intense pain, and others may have gone untreated because the pain was manageable until now. Most patients who come into our office regarding arthritis express having taken pain medications to curb the intensity of the discomfort, only to find that it only lasted so long.

Signs that it is probably time to visit a doctor at the Pain and Spine Specialists clinic include:

  • Your joints are a reddish color or warm to touch
  • You have trouble moving a joint and participating in everyday activities 
  • Pain, stiffness, and swelling is in one or more of your joints
  • Your joint symptoms are causing you to be concerned
  • You have had several episodes of joint pain or discomfort in the last 30 days
  • Your joint symptoms have lasted for three days consecutively or more

If I have joint pain, does this mean that I should rest it more?

Contrary to popular belief, what may actually be contributing to your joint symptoms is the fact that you are resting for too long or too often. Avoiding activities you normally do out of fear of causing joint pain may only make matters worse. However, not every patient is the same and there may be times when it is best to rest but then eventually get back up and do things you enjoy. Our arthritis doctor can suggest gentle exercises, stretches, and other approaches to taking care of your joints.

Are there certain food items that can help my arthritis? 

Diet does play a role in managing arthritis symptoms. Eating right for your joints and overall health starts with what you purchase when you go grocery shopping. The key is avoiding over-processed food that is full of fat. An arthritis doctor can talk with you about which vegetables and fruit are packed with the most antioxidants, and which to eat sparingly. You may not have to give up treat items that you enjoy, it’s just about balancing your diet with considerations for your joint health. Foods that are beneficial for joint pain include:

  • Fatty fish
  • Garlic
  • Broccoli 
  • Ginger
  • Berries 
  • Walnuts
  • Grapes
  • Spinach
  • Tart cherry juice
  • Olive Oil

Examples of food items that may not be good for your arthritis are sugars and refined carbs, corn oil, salt and preservatives, fried and processed, tobacco and alcohol, and dairy. 

Are there lifestyle changes I can make that can reduce symptoms of arthritis?

In addition to administering treatments for arthritis, our doctors may also recommend that you make specific lifestyle changes to help improve overall wellness and better manage your arthritis. Lifestyle changes that may help to better manage symptoms include:

  • Losing Weight
  • Making Diet Changes
  • Managing Stress Levels
  • Exercising
  • Getting Enough Rest

How can Pain and Spine Specialists help me?

The doctors of Pain and Spine Specialists are dedicated to providing people living with arthritis with premium care. Our doctors know that arthritis can be a real pain, often impacting the lifestyle you once knew. We want you to know that with treatment from our providers, relief is an option. Our doctors will work with you to carefully assess your symptoms, create a treatment plan, and treat your pain so that you may finally experience relief. 


Our doctors will tell you that chronic pain from arthritis doesn’t have to be a daily occurrence. Get started today with the help you need to get your condition under control. To schedule your appointment at Pain and Spine Specialists, call our arthritis doctors serving Elkridge, Maryland today.