Arthritis Specialist
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Edward Carden, MD
Interventional Pain Management Physician located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Almost a quarter of American adults have arthritis and live with stiff, painful joints. At his practice in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Edward Carden, MD, provides personalized interventional pain management plans to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life. You don’t have to accept arthritis as an inevitable part of aging. Call Dr. Carden to schedule an appointment today.
Arthritis Q&A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the collective term for a group of over 100 different conditions that cause joint disease and pain.
Osteoarthritis, the degenerative form of the disease, is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It develops as the cartilage that cushions and lubricates your joints wears away. Without cartilage, your bones grind together when you move, which irritates and inflames your joints.
Other common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. All types of arthritis cause symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Your symptoms can limit your range of motion and mobility, which takes a toll on your overall quality of life.
While your genes and family medical history contribute to your risk of developing arthritis, other issues factor into your chances of developing the condition. For example, your age and weight influence your risk of arthritis. You also have an increased chance of developing arthritis if you had a joint injury in the past.
When should I talk to a doctor about arthritis?
You should never ignore or accept joint pain, especially if you can’t extend or flex your joints fully or if it affects your mobility and quality of life. Dr. Carden helps many patients who previously assumed that joint pain was just something they need to live with as they age.
However, if you have daily joint pain that doesn’t go away with rest, Dr. Carden can diagnose the issue causing your pain and provide customized treatment.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Dr. Carden provides thorough exams and testing to identify the cause of your joint pain. He reviews your symptoms and medical history before examining your joints. He checks for signs of inflammation, deformity, and limitations in your range of motion.
Dr. Carden also uses diagnostic imaging studies, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to examine your joints for details to confirm your diagnosis. He might also order lab tests to check your blood for signs of gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
How is arthritis treated?
Dr. Carden provides individualized treatment plans for arthritis. Depending on your needs, he might recommend:
- Joint injections
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Antirheumatic drugs
- Physical therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulators
Dr. Carden might also recommend lifestyle adjustments. For example, if you have gout, changing your diet can reduce your risk of a flare-up.
If you have arthritis or are living with joint pain, call Dr. Carden to make an appointment for expert diagnosis and treatment.
