Arthritis Specialist

Weiss Orthopedics

Sonoma and Marin’s Premier Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine and Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist

According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million American adults suffer from arthritis. To find relief from your joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, see orthopaedist Noah Weiss, MD, at Weiss Orthopedics. With locations in Novato in Northern Marin and Sonoma, California, Dr. Weiss and his team offer comprehensive and compassionate care for arthritis symptoms. To book a consultation and learn about your treatment options, call Weiss Orthopedics to schedule today.

Arthritis Q & A

What are the signs of arthritis?

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, all with unique symptoms and causes. Some of the most common signs of arthritis include:

Joint pain, tenderness, and swelling
Stiffness, especially in the morning or with certain movements
Joint pain isolated to a single joint
Joint pain in multiple joints on one or both sides of the body
Joint deformity
Popping, cracking, and clicking of the joint
Locking of the joint

Arthritis symptoms may come and go depending on your activity level and overall health.

What causes arthritis?

Since there are so many different types of arthritis, Dr. Weiss categorizes your arthritis based on its cause. The categories of arthritis include:

Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is the most common type of arthritis and may also be called osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear arthritis. It develops in frequently used joints, like the knees, shoulders, wrists, and hands.

Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis develops when inflammation attacks your joints and damages the surrounding cartilage and soft tissue surrounding. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are the most common types of inflammatory arthritis.

Infectious arthritis

Infectious arthritis occurs when an infection attacks your joints, leading to the destruction of the joint. Infections can enter the joint through a cut in your skin and rapidly destroy your joint if not treated immediately.

Metabolic arthritis

Metabolic arthritis is caused by metabolic end-products that your body deposits into your joints rather than removed as waste products. The most common type is gout, which often affects the big toe.

Depending on your symptoms and which joints are affected, Dr. Weiss can determine the best tests to perform during your exam to determine your diagnosis.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Arthritis is diagnosed through a series of orthopaedic tests, X-rays, and in some cases, blood tests. At Weiss Orthopedics, most testing is performed on-site for fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment. The Weiss Orthopedics team uses the best available technology to perform diagnostic testing so you can fully understand your condition and treatment options.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment for arthritis depends on the severity of your symptoms and the degree of joint damage. In the early stages, you can benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and joint injections.

For more severe cases with significant joint damage, Dr. Weiss offers minimally invasive surgical procedures to remove damaged tissue within your joint and repair your cartilage to improve the feel and function of your joints. Joint replacement surgeries are performed if needed.