Comprehensive Primary Care for Arthritis & Joint Pain Relief

At mediDental care in Astoria, we offer expert diagnosis and long-term care for arthritis and joint diseases. Many patients with arthritis feel pain, which is a common reason for seeking care. As a trusted provider of primary care in Astoria, we recognize that joint issues can significantly impact your daily life, mobility, and overall wellness. Whether you’re managing early signs of arthritis or facing chronic joint pain, our team is here to help you move comfortably again.

What is Arthritis & Joint Diseases?

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints, a condition that affects millions of people of all ages. A joint is the place where two bones meet, allowing movement and flexibility. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, and the common types include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form, caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. OA involves the narrowing of the joint space, which can lead to bone spurs and severely damaged joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease characterized by a disease process in which the immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to inflammation and tissue destruction.
• Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Linked to the skin condition psoriasis, this type is associated with skin diseases and is part of musculoskeletal and skin diseases.

Other joint diseases may include lupus, bursitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis and related rheumatic diseases can also affect other organs beyond the joints.

All of these conditions can lead to symptoms such as:

• Persistent joint pain or tenderness in the affected joint
• Swelling, redness, or stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty walking or using affected limbs
• Other symptoms

There are other forms of arthritis beyond those listed above.

Our primary care physicians in Astoria are equipped to identify and manage these symptoms with personalized care.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is not a single disease but a term that covers more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which typically affects weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, and spine. Osteoarthritis develops as the protective cartilage between bones wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another common form, but unlike osteoarthritis, it is an autoimmune disorder. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing joint inflammation, swelling, and eventually joint damage. This type of inflammatory arthritis can affect people of any age and often involves multiple joints.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people who have the skin condition psoriasis. This form of arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and may also affect connective tissues.

Gout is a unique type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. When there is too much uric acid, it can form sharp uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, often in the big toe.

Understanding the specific type of arthritis you have is essential for choosing the right treatment and managing symptoms effectively. Each form of arthritis involves different disease processes, so a tailored approach is key to maintaining joint health and reducing inflammation.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing arthritis. Previous joint injury, such as a sports injury or accident, can make a joint more vulnerable to future problems. Family history also plays a role—if arthritis runs in your family, you may be at higher risk.

Carrying extra weight is another significant risk factor, as it puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, increasing the likelihood of joint damage and inflammation. Other risk factors include age, gender, and certain occupations that involve repetitive joint movements.

While there is no known cure for arthritis, you can take steps to lower your risk. The Arthritis

Benefits of Managing Arthritis with a Primary Care Provider

Seeking care from a local primary care provider ensures continuity, convenience, and a proactive treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. At mediDental care, our approach to arthritis and joint disease management offers several benefits:

• Personalized treatment plans: Each patient receives a tailored plan that may involve a physical therapist and occupational therapist as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
• Holistic pain management: We use a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and range of motion exercises to address pain and inflammation.
• Early intervention: Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help slow disease progression and protect joint function.
• Ongoing support: Regular follow-ups help monitor your condition and adjust your care as needed.

1. Early Diagnosis

• Detecting arthritis in its early stages prevents irreversible joint damage
• Arthritis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, a physical exam to assess joint health, blood tests, and imaging tests such as X-rays.
• Other imaging tests, such as MRI or ultrasound, may also be used to further evaluate joint damage.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans

• Medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes (such as exercise, diet modifications, and weight loss to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints)
• Referral to specialists if needed

3. Ongoing Monitoring

• Regular follow-ups to monitor inflammation and joint function
• Adjustments to treatment based on changes in condition

4. Holistic Pain Management

• Focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Incorporation of anti-inflammatory diets and activity modifications
• Holistic pain management strategies are designed to address arthritis pain by targeting pain signals, helping to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life

Our Approach at mediDental care in Astoria

Our primary care team in Astoria takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach to managing joint pain and arthritis. We follow evidence-based guidelines from reputable sources such as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases for arthritis management. Here’s what you can expect:

Personalized Consultation

• Thorough health history and symptom review
• Family history screening for autoimmune risks

Advanced Diagnostics

• Lab tests for inflammation markers (CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor)
• Imaging studies like X-rays and MRIs for joint assessment, including evaluation of the joint capsule to detect inflammation or swelling.

Coordinated Care

• Collaboration with rheumatologists and orthopedic specialists when needed
• Seamless referrals for advanced treatments

Patient Education

• Teaching patients how to manage flare-ups
• Guidance on exercise routines, including the importance of keeping joints flexible, joint protection, and stress reduction

We emphasize long-term joint health and preventive care to help patients preserve mobility and live pain-free.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

1. Your First Visit

During your initial consultation, we:

• Review your medical history and symptoms, including evaluating for conditions such as reactive arthritis
• Conduct a detailed joint examination
• Order appropriate lab work or imaging

2. Diagnosis & Planning

Once your condition is identified, we:

• Discuss treatment options tailored to your type of arthritis
• Explain medication pros and cons (NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics)
• Set wellness goals and physical therapy recommendations

3. Ongoing Management

Arthritis requires consistent care. We:

• Monitor joint changes and flare-ups
• Adjust medication or therapies as needed; some patients may benefit from treatments like acupuncture, which uses thin needles
• Schedule routine check-ins to track progress

4. Lifestyle Support

We help you:

• Implement joint-friendly diets
• Choose proper footwear and ergonomics
• Understand daily routines that reduce joint stress, such as using a thin towel as a protective layer when applying heat or cold packs to joints to prevent skin irritation or burns

Physical Activity and Arthritis

Practical Tips for Managing Arthritis

Conditions We Commonly Treat

Our team manages a variety of conditions that cause arthritis symptoms, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Hands, knees, hips, spine
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Multiple small joints
• Gout: Sudden joint pain (often in the big toe)
• Lupus-related arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Joint injuries (sprains, dislocations)
• Tendinitis and bursitis

Why Choose mediDental care for Arthritis Treatment in Astoria?

• Local, accessible primary care in Astoria, plus comprehensive dental services
• Integrated team approach with referrals to top specialists
• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Multilingual staff and culturally sensitive care
• Convenient online booking and evening hours

You don’t have to live in pain. Our team is here to help you regain control, one step at a time.

Book Your Arthritis Consultation Today

If you're struggling with joint pain or suspect arthritis, don’t wait. Let our team at mediDental care guide you toward relief and recovery. We’re proud to provide exceptional primary care in Astoria, with a patient-first approach.

📍 Located conveniently in Astoria, Queens
📞 Call us or book your appointment online

A healthy life starts with a healthy body. Let’s care for your joints together.