Covina Arthritis Clinic

What Causes a Blood Clot? When blood doesn't circulate properly, it pools together in a vein or artery and forms a blood clot. One factor that leads to blood clot formation is sitting still for long periods of time. To reduce these chances, you can get up and walk around from time to time so blood can circulate well. Smoking is another factor that leads to poor blood circulation. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #walking #exercise

Knee Gout vs Blood Clots Both of these conditions are characterized by pain, swelling and redness. However, a thrombus (blood clot) is much more serious as it can completely block the flow of blood. The clot may also travel through the blood to the heart or lungs. If shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood are experienced alongside earlier symptoms, a doctor should be seen immediately. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicine #bloodclot #gout

Smoking and Arthritis Medication Smoking does not only just increase risk of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, it can also decrease the effectiveness of arthritis drugs. Research has showed that anti-rheumatic drugs, biologics and TNF inhibitors have been less effective in heavy smokers. Not only that, smoking reduces the odds of RA remission. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #smoking #medicine

Why Is Smoking Bad for RA? Cigarette smoking is linked to the rheumatoid factor that causes inflammation in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking exacerbates inflammation and leads to a poor immune system that attacks its own healthy tissues. Though previous smokers are at risk for RA, stopping smoking can cause this risk to decrease over time. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #inflammation #arthritis #rheumatoidarthritis

Acute Gout Attack in the Foot If you're having an acute gout attack in the foot, there a few quick steps that can help treat the condition. First, a common NSAID like ibuprofen can be taken to alleviate inflammation. The foot can also be elevated above the hip to reduce pain. A cloth covered ice pack may also be applied to the affected joint in 15 minute intervals. If symptoms do not abide, driving is ill advised and a friend or family member should be contacted to take you to see the doctor. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #gout #goutattack #inflammation

Infectious and Reactive Arthritis If arthritis is not contagious, what is infectious arthritis? Infections, whether respiratory or sexually-transmitted may trigger development of arthritis. However, this does not mean that arthritis is passed on from one to another. It merely means that infection can trigger factors within the body that provoke the immune system, causing arthritis development. This is why it's important to protect yourself and stay healthy! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #arthritis

At Covina Arthritis Clinic, the safety of our patients is our top priority. Through following the guidelines set by the CDC, we have implemented precautionary measures which include the following: 1. Monitoring temperature and pre-screening patients and staff for Covid-19 symptoms upon entry. 2. Distributing masks and gloves to patients and staff upon entry. 3. Implementing social distancing policies within the clinic.... 4. Investing considerably in stocking additional personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. 5. Enforcing strict hand hygiene protocols for both patients and staff. We are working hard to continue to provide care for our patients during this public health crisis!

What is Lymphadenitis? Lymphadenitis is a term for swollen lymph nodes. Though there are hundreds of lymph nodes, you generally only feel those found in the neck, under the armpits, and in the groin. These swell up in response to irregularities in the immune system, so this may occur as a result of inflammation from arthritis. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #lymphadenitis #arthritis #inflammationv

What is Sciatica? The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine down the back of the leg. Sciatica is the sharp, shooting pain that radiates through these areas due to irritation and inflammation. Though those with osteoarthritis may experience sciatica due to spinal injury or disc herniation, sciatica itself is not a definitive sign of arthritis. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicare #sciatica #arthritis #OA #osteoarthritis #inflammation

RA: Overlooking Mood Inflammation and pain can cause you to feel down at times. However, if your mood is consistently low, make sure to let your doctor know! Though depression is a lesser known symptom, it's just as important to treat! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #rheumatoidarthritis #arthritis #comfort

Fires in Silverado have been spreading in southern California. Stay safe and be careful out there everyone! #silverado #california #californiawildfires

Arthritis and Facet Joints Within the spinal cord, vertebrae are connected by two small facet joints. When combined with the spinal disc, this allows for movement of the spine like bending, twisting or arching. Arthritis in the spine usually occurs due to the wearing down of these joints, so physical therapy or exercise is highly recommended to buildup muscles that lessen the burden placed upon your joints. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicare #learn #spinalcord #arthritis

What are Some Early Arthritis Warning Signs? Swollen hands, immobility, and morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour can be early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Basic exercise and stretching, such as walking around and swinging your arms goes a long to keeping blood moving and promoting a healthy body. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #exercise #stretching #arthritis #RA #rheumatoidarthritis

Have You Tried This Stretch? Simple stretches improve flexibility and eases joint pain in arthritis. This particular stretch helps to maintain range of motion which helps with activities of daily living such as putting on jackets and seatbelts. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #stretching #jointpain

How Does Arthritis Affect the Liver? Studies show that psoriatic arthritis has a definite effect on increasing chances of liver damage or developing liver disorders. Aside from an orderly diet, those with PsA should consult their doctor, especially in regards to medication. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #liver #PsA #arthritis #psoriaticarthritis

Hematochromatosis and Osteoarthritis To diagnose OA, doctors first consider the signs and symptoms. With hemochromatosis, iron overload that causes joint pain can be mistaken for OA. However, this condition mostly affects only the wrists and the closest joints to the palm. In this particular case, different x-rays and scans are used to differentiate between the two. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicine #xray #DEXA #OA #osteoarthritis

What is Fatty Liver Disease? Officially known as "hepatic steatosis", this is a condition where excess fat builds up in liver cells. This buildup can eventually cause inflammation in the liver. Common prevention methods are to watch out for excess calories and alcohol intake! ##covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #liver

Can Vitamin C Be Helped to Treat Gout? Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the body, and studies have shown that vitamin C supplements have reduced blood uric acid. Aside from well known fruits, some lesser known vegetables also contain vitamin C. Among these are broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and red and green peppers. ##covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicine #healthydiet #vitaminc #fruits #vegetables

Preventing Arthritis with Noisy Knees Taking care of your joints to decrease joint degeneration is important in preventing arthritis. Keeping your weight down is one way to do so, but the primary method of stopping arthritis progression is through strengthening muscles through regular exercise. Though some worry that exercise may increase cartilage loss, low-impact exercise actually produces healthy joints. Taking steps to improve your health is always recommended whether or not arthritis risk exists! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicine #jointpain #arthritis #osteoarthritis

What are Symptoms of Gout in the Knee? When gout affects the knee, it may make walking or standing uncomfortable due to swelling and inflammation. Tenderness, redness and warmth to the touch are also symptoms that may be observed. Gout can be managed through medication and diet, so it's important to see a rheumatologist to diagnose your symptoms and start a treatment plan! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #gout #rheumatology

Are Noisy Knees Indicators of Arthritis? Noise from the knee joint is known as "creptius", the grinding of rough cartilage. Doctors do suspect crepitus to be a sign of early joint degeneration. However, though chance of arthritis may be increased, it is not definite. Other noises like snaps and pops, if accompanied by pain should be looked at as tehy indicate cartilage damage. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicine #jointpain #arthritis #osteoarthritis

Myth: "RA Treatment is Dangerous." Though all medication can cause side effects, the potential benefits of RA drugs and treatment plans outweigh the risks by a large margin. Don't ignore arthritis and make sure to consult your doctor! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicare #arthritis #rheumatoidarthritis

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving! #thanksgiving #turkeyday #turkey #covinaarthritisclinic

Flu season begins in October and ends in May. Make sure to get your seasonal flu shot to protect yourself and your immune system! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #FluShots #fluseason

What is Palmar Plantar Psoriasis? This is psoriasis that shows up on the hands and soles of the feet. It can cause skin to crack, swell or blister. There are topical medications that can treat this condition and a doctor should be consulted if acute flare-ups are common. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #psoriasis #psoriaticarthritis #arthritis

Differential Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis vs PsA Differential diagnosis is a process where a particular condition is distinguished from others that have similar features. In the case of osteoarthritis and PsA, they both are similar as they involve the distal joints (near the fingertips) of the hand. However, psoriatic arthritis also presents with finger abnormalities like ridges and dactylitis. Differentiating particular conditions is important for prompt treatment! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicine #diagnosis #osteoarthritis #psoriaticarthritis #psoriasis #PsA

Why is Natural Sugar better than Processed Sugar? Fructose, or "fruit sugar" doesn't affect blood sugar levels as quickly as added processed sugar. It is also accompanied by fibers and assorted vitamins and minerals. It's also more difficult to consume sugar when in fruits. For example, it's a lot easier drinking a glass of orange juice then eating 4 oranges! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicare #fruits #sugar

Food Allergies, IBS and Arthritis Both arthritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome result from systemic inflammation. This can be due to food allergies or autoimmune responses from the body. It's best to determine the cause of inflammation with your doctor so that a treatment can be immediately developed. ##covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicare #IBS #arthritis

Food for Gout: Alcohol Alcohol causes massive buildup of uric acid, making the body prone to gout flares. This is especially so for beer in particular, as it is made with brewer's yeast which is a high source of purine. Though alcohol does not need to be removed from your diet, limiting intake is recommended and should be interspersed with adequate hydration. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #gout #alcohol

What's the Difference between Primary and Secondary Osteoarthritis? Primary OA usually impacts joints on one side of the body. It usually results due to wear and tear on the joints that comes about with age. On the other hand, osteoarthritis as a result of injury or other medical conditions are considered secondary. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #osteoarthritis #OA

Why is Whole Blood Split 3 Ways? Blood is spun in a centrifuge to be processed into plasma, red cells and platelets. Though it is split in three, there are many more individual uses. In fact, plasma alone produces 16 products! Besides transfusion, it can also be used immunoglobulin, clotting factor and more! #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #blood #medical #diagnostics #plasma

How Long do RA Flares Last? RA flares are aptly named as symptoms gradually heighten, just like a growing fire. RA flares can last from weeks to months, depending on how early they are treated. Corticosteroid therapy is typically prescribed to reduce inflammation but you should always consult your doctor for the optimal mode of treatment. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #medicare #rheumatoidarthritis #arthritis

How do you know if you have Hip Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis of the hip can come from injury, disease or genetics. Pain is localized in the groin area as well as close to the thighs. Limited range of motion and pain in the hip are also indicators of osteoarthritis. Treatment plans for osteoarthritis are personalized for patients and help manage symptoms while preventing further degradation in the bones. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #osteoarthritis #jointpain

What is "Bone-on-Bone" Osteoarthritis? "Bone-on-bone" is a term that refers to joint space narrowing between two bones, which occurs due to cartilage loss. This bone grinding is what causes pain in joints in osteoarthritis as there is less cushioning between the ends of the bones as cartilage disappears. Treatment for osteoarthritis puts much focus on preventing cartilage loss by keeping it healthy. This allows for unhindered joint function and mobility. #covinaarthritisclinic #health #educate #healthylifestyle #medical #osteoarthritis #jointpain