Arthritis is a widespread and potentially debilitating condition that affects well over 50 million adults nationwide. As an experienced physician, Dr. Chaula Patel provides care to help patients manage arthritis, preserve joint function, and provide relief from the associated symptoms.
Arthritis is not a single disease; instead, it is a term that applies to more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect the joints, the structures within the joint, as well as other connective tissues in the body. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis.
Although unique characteristics define each rheumatic disease, all types of arthritic conditions include symptoms of pain and stiffness around either a single or multiple joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are associated with a degenerative process that wears down the cartilaginous cushion within the joint. As the cartilage diminishes, painful bone-on-bone contact ensues. While the damage of osteoarthritis is generally confined to the joint itself, rheumatoid arthritis involves a more widespread inflammatory and immune response, which can also affect the surrounding connective tissues as well as other organs.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the symptoms of an arthritic condition can develop slowly over time or seemingly emerge out of the blue. And, while some arthritic joint changes are visually apparent, as in the case of knobby fingers, some cases of joint damage can only be detected with diagnostic imaging.
Of course, the specific treatment for an arthritic condition depends upon which rheumatic disease is present. However, the goal in every case remains the same. Treatment is designed to help alleviate discomfort, preserve joint function, and reduce disability to the extent possible. With this in mind, Dr. Patel takes an integrative and holistic approach to care; prescribing medication, exercise, and physical therapy to suit a patient’s needs. She may also recommend yoga and tai chi, or integrative therapy such as ozone prolotherapy to alleviate symptoms and restore healthy tissue.
Arthritis is a widespread and potentially debilitating condition that affects over 50 million adults nationwide. It applies to more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions, which involve inflammation and immune response in the joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. Some common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of an arthritic condition can develop slowly over time or seemingly emerge out of the blue. Some common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling around affected joints. As the cartilage diminishes in osteoarthritis, painful bone-on-bone contact ensues.
As a practitioner of Integrative and Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Chaula Patel offers comprehensive care to manage arthritis, preserve joint function, and provide relief from the associated symptoms. She uses medication, exercise, and physical therapy, as well as other integrative therapies like ozone prolotherapy, to alleviate pain and restore healthy tissue.
Call our office today at (718) 733-6369 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel and learn more about how we can help you manage your arthritis.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaula Patel, you can call our office at (718) 733-6369 or visit our website to use our online scheduling tool. Our team will verify your information and confirm the availability of your requested date and time. We look forward to helping you feel better!
Our practice accepts a variety of insurance providers, including Aetna Health Plans, AmeriGroup, Cigna, and more. If you're not sure if your insurance is accepted, please call our office at (718) 733-6369 for information about coverage and billing.
At Chaula Patel, MD, we provide a comprehensive range of integrative medicine and aesthetic services. Some of the services we offer include:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a degenerative process that wears down cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone contact and pain. It typically affects joints with high wear and tear, like the knees and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage.
To find out more about Dr. Chaula Patel's background, experience, and expertise, visit our Meet the Doctor page on our website.
We have an online web portal that allows you to access your health information, view appointments, and communicate with our staff securely. Once you sign into the portal, you'll be able to receive alerts, access medical information, and stay informed about your healthcare.
Our office is conveniently located at 1560 Grand Concourse, Suite 102 in the Bronx, NY. We're just a short distance from major highways and public transportation options, making it easy for you to visit our practice.