Inflammatory Arthritis Treatment in Little Rock, AR
What is Inflammatory Arthritis?
Inflammatory Arthritis is another type of arthritis that is less common than degenerative or osteoarthritis. These types of arthritic diseases occur when there is a malfunction of one’s immune system and the immune system errantly recognizes joint cartilage as ‘foreign’ and attacks the joints and attempts to destroy the cartilage in the joint. This can cause severe destruction of joints and has been called ‘crippling arthritis’.
Types of Inflammatory Arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus arthritis
- Sjogren’s disease
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease-associated arthritis
Conservative Inflammatory Arthritis Treatment
Conservative treatment includes resting the joints, modifying one’s activities, walking aids, and medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Alleve.
Aggressive Inflammatory Arthritis Treatment
More aggressive medical management is available. An entire field of medical specialists called Rheumatologists is devoted to treating these diseases. Many new (and some old) regimens to suppress the immune system’s joint destruction activities now exist that are limiting this damage and preserving joints better than ever before. Multimodal therapy using low doses of several different medications seems to be particularly effective.
Unfortunately, the joint destruction does become severe in some patients and when the symptoms and loss of function are too great, then, joint replacement can bring marked improvement in pain, function and mobility.
Patient Testimonials
What People Say About Us!
- “I have been a patient at Arkansas Specialty Orthopaedics for over 10 years now. I have had almost every joint treated or operated on. Dr. Tucker and his nursing staff are amazing! They are so personable and really care about getting you back to what you were doing before you got injured or whatever the case may be! I have also in the past year became a patient of Dr. Sprinkle’s for injections in different areas. I have previously seen Dr. Anderson, whom was so sweet and caring. Again, I love ASO and would not go anywhere else!”- A.M.
- “Great experience. Entire staff is very professional. Amazing facility. Doctors are the best!” – R.H.
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Schedule Your Consultation Today!
For more information on inflammatory arthritis or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Newbern in Little Rock, AR, contact us today by calling (501) 663-3647 or filling out one of our online contact forms.
Why Choose Dr. Newbern?
- Orthopedic care is coordinated with the medical treatment of inflammatory disease. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders are often managed medically by a rheumatologist. Dr. Newbern focuses on structural joint damage when pain, deformity, or loss of function remains limiting despite medical care.
- The decision for surgery is based on damage and function, not diagnosis alone. An inflammatory arthritis diagnosis does not automatically mean joint replacement. Dr. Newbern weighs pain, mobility, deformity, imaging, and response to medical treatment before recommending reconstruction.
- Complex joint-replacement experience is valuable in altered bone and soft tissue. Longstanding inflammatory disease can affect bone quality, alignment, ligaments, and surrounding tissues. Dr. Newbern’s adult-reconstruction fellowship training is valuable when the joint is no longer a straightforward primary arthritis case.
- The goal is restoring daily function when joint destruction becomes limiting. When severe joint damage continues to limit daily life despite medical treatment, Dr. Newbern can evaluate whether joint replacement may meaningfully improve pain and mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inflammatory arthritis?
Inflammatory arthritis is a group of disorders in which the immune system contributes to inflammation and damage within the joints. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis associated with lupus, Sjogren’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
Many patients need both. A rheumatologist manages the underlying inflammatory disease and medications, while an orthopedic surgeon evaluates structural joint damage and surgical options when pain, deformity, or loss of function becomes severe.
Can joint replacement help rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis?
Yes, when the joint has been permanently damaged and symptoms remain severe despite appropriate medical treatment. The timing should be individualized and coordinated with the patient’s broader medical care.
Do immune-suppressing medications affect joint replacement planning?
Yes. Dr. Newbern and the prescribing specialist should coordinate medications that could affect infection risk, healing, or surgery.
