Arthritis is a painful disease of the joints that affects more than 50 million adults worldwide. There are more than 100 different variations of arthritis, but most can be grouped into larger categories.

If you are concerned about your rheumatic health and are seeking diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, we highly encourage you to speak with our experienced rheumatologists. To schedule a consultation for arthritis diagnosis and treatment at Weirton Medical Center, please call 304-797-6000 and schedule an appointment at our area office today.

Types of Arthritis

The specific type of arthritis is defined based on the areas of the body affected by arthritis, prior injury of the joint, cause of the arthritis, and the age of the patient. These factors make up four common types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

This first form of arthritis is the most common. Osteoarthritis can be found in any area of the body, but is most often located in the knees, hips, low back, or neck.

Causes

Osteoarthritis is degenerative, meaning that it occurs from natural wear and tear of the joint’s cartilage over time. As a person ages, the cartilage between their joints begins to wear down. After much of this cartilage is gone, the joint begins to rub one bone directly against another, often resulting in very intense pain.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-Traumatic arthritis is a more specific form of osteoarthritis.

Causes

This type of arthritis is caused by the same degeneration of cartilage. However, this wear and tear is worsened by a particular injury to the joint. An example would be knee arthritis following a tear of the meniscus or the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis because rather than being solely located in one particular joint, rheumatoid arthritis can also be present throughout the rest of the body. You will find that if rheumatoid arthritis exists in a joint on one side of the body, it will also exist in the same joint on the other side of the body, which means that it will often be present in both knees, both hips, or both shoulders.

Causes

As of now, there is no real explanation for the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Many experts point to the proven relationship between autoimmune diseases and inflammation of the joints. It is unclear what exactly propels the immune system to go awry, but evidence suggests that genes, hormones, and environmental factors may play a crucial role.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

This particular form of arthritis is very similar to rheumatoid arthritis with the major difference being that juvenile idiopathic arthritis is found in children rather than adults.

Causes

Like rheumatoid arthritis, little is known about the exact cause of juvenile idiopathic arthritis except that it is believed to be linked to an autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease.

Symptoms

Patients usually report the following symptoms of arthritis:

• Accumulation of fluid around the joint
• A grating or scraping sensation
• Clicking or cracking during movement
• Fever and rash (specific to juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
• Limited range of mobility
• Pain that worsens during or after daily activity
• Soreness/stiffness of the joint
• Swelling

Mild Arthritis Treatment Options

For individuals who have just started to experience arthritis symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers and joint supplements should be able to significantly reduce their pain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise are also key components in ongoing treatment of arthritis.

Treatment for Severe Cases of Arthritis

If any of the above symptoms are drastically altering your lifestyle or causing severe pain, then you will likely require some form of surgery whether it be a partial knee replacement or a total joint replacement.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arthritis Specialist in Pittsburgh

If you have been diagnosed with a rheumatic condition or are seeking diagnosis, contact Weirton Medical Center to discuss your treatment options. Our rheumatologists have extensive experience treating a variety of rheumatic conditions and the different types of arthritis.

Appointments

To schedule your consultation at our area clinic, please call 304-797-6000 today.

Locations and Directions

560 Steubenville Pike
Burgettstown, PA 15021
304-723-1097

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-489-6445

Gout is a condition caused by an excess of uric acid in your body, which may result from the body either producing too much or excreting too little. The term “gout” is used generically to describe the spectrum of this illness from acute to chronic.

People who have gout typically suffer from symptoms affecting the feet, including swelling, pain, and redness, particularly in the joint behind the big toe. Acute gout causes sporadic attacks and can affect almost any major extremity joint, with the small joints of the hands and feet affected most often.

With chronic gout, hard swellings known as tophi can form on the joints. These tophi are made of uric acid and can grow very large, even to the point of breaking through the skin.

The board-certified rheumatologist at Weirton Medical Center specializes in the treatment of gout and other rheumatic conditions. To meet with our rheumatologist and discuss your symptoms and discover what treatment options will work best for you, please call our rheumatology clinic at 304-797-6000 today.

What are the symptoms of gout?

The signs and symptoms of gout typically occur suddenly, and often at night. They can include:

• Inflammation and redness. The affected joint, or joints, become swollen, tender, warm and red.
• Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.
• Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.
• Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.

What factors can lead to a higher chance of developing gout?

People are more likely to develop gout if they have high levels of uric acid in their body. Factors that increase the uric acid level in the body include:

• Age and gender. Gout occurs more often in men, primarily because women tend to have lower uric acid levels. After menopause, however, women’s uric acid levels approach those of men. Men are also more likely to develop gout earlier — usually between the ages of 30 and 50, whereas women generally develop signs and symptoms after menopause.
• Diet. Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish, as well as drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose), can increase levels of uric acid, which can increase the risk of gout. Alcohol consumption, especially beer, also increases the risk of gout.
• Family history of gout. If other members of your family have had gout, you’re more likely to develop the disease.
• Recent surgery or trauma. Experiencing recent surgery or trauma can sometimes trigger a gout attack. In some people, receiving a vaccination can trigger a gout flare.
• Weight. If you’re overweight, your body produces more uric acid and your kidneys have a more difficult time eliminating uric acid.

What are the treatments for gout?

Treatments for gout are designed to reduce either the pain and inflammation of individual attacks or the frequency of attacks. Traditional treatments include making dietary changes and taking certain medications.

Diet Modification

Maintaining a balanced diet that is low in uric acid is important for lowering the risk of a gout attack. Following a Mediterranean diet that includes plant-based proteins, vegetables, fruits and nuts can have a favorable impact on reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Avoiding foods high in purines, such as red meat, alcohol, and high fructose corn syrup, will also help gout medicine be more effective and prevent flare-ups.

Gout Medications

Medications used to treat gout attacks can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or stronger prescription medications, such as indomethacin or celecoxib. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, may be prescribed to control gout inflammation and pain. Your doctor may also recommend an anti-inflammatory drug colchicine.

Is this a condition that can reappear after treatment?

In most people, a first acute gout attack comes without warning, and there aren’t any other symptoms of high uric acid. Prevention efforts for gout are focused on preventing future attacks or lessening their severity.

Schedule a Consultation for Gout Treatment

If you are looking for treatment for gout, please contact the board-certified rheumatologist at Weirton Medical Center to discuss your condition and treatment options.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment at our arthritis treatment center in Burgettstown and Pittsburgh, PA, please call 304-797-6000 today.

Locations and Directions

560 Steubenville Pike
Burgettstown, PA 15021
304-723-1097

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-489-6445

If you are looking for fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment, we highly encourage you to speak with our board-certified rheumatologist. To make an appointment at our area office, please call 304-797-6000 today.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

What Do We Know About Fibromyalgia?

Although we do not know what causes fibromyalgia, we do know:

• It is a chronic or long-lasting condition
• You may have a heightened sensitivity to pain
• Fibromyalgia is more common in women than men
• It can affect people of any age, including children
• Usually starts around middle age but can occur anytime
• Occurs in people of all races and backgrounds
• Affects only two-four percent of people, so it is quite rare
• Tends to run in families but doesn’t have to
• Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune or inflammation-based illness
• Research suggests the nervous system is involved
• There is no test to diagnose the disease but providers can help

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are sometimes confused with joint pain or arthritis.

If you have fibromyalgia, you may experience:

Pain issues

• Face or jaw pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• Difficulty sleeping

Mental processing problems

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Issues with memory
• Trouble concentrating

Digestive problems

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain and bloating

How Can a Provider Help?

Although there is no test for fibromyalgia, Dr. Ghassan Alayli may order laboratory tests and X-rays to rule out conditions resembling fibromyalgia.

Your provider will talk to you about your medical history and any events that may have occurred recently. Sometimes fibromyalgia can occur after a change in routine, trauma, fluctuation of hormones, stressors, or changes in sleep.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is clinically based on your symptoms and physical exam.

Your provider may also suggest:

• Assessing the number of tender points, or areas, on your body that is highly sensitive to touch
• A basic blood test to exclude other causes of fatigue such as anemia or thyroid disease

You may be diagnosed if you have had widespread pain for three months or longer with fatigue and other symptoms.

What are my Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia?

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, you can get relief from your symptoms in a number of ways including:

Lifestyle treatment options

• Address sleep habits – treat sleep apnea or other conditions to give more quality, restful sleep
• Behavioral therapy – to help cope with cognitive thoughts that impact pain
• Diet recommendations – nutrition to fuel your body and alleviate pain
• Strength training and exercise – physical therapies can help relieve symptoms
• Stress management techniques – to improve overall wellness

Medication treatment options

• Anti depressants – to improve mood
• Brain chemical drugs – to increase serotonin levels
• Drugs to block brain overactivity – block nerve cells involved in pain transmission
• Sleep medications – to give you a more restful night’s sleep

Schedule a Consultation for Fibromyalgia Treatment

Fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose. Our providers are highly trained to look for symptoms and give you the relief you need. You don’t have to live in pain.

Appointments

To schedule a fibromyalgia consultation at our local office, please call 304-797-6000 with Dr. Ghassan Alayli.

Locations and Directions

560 Steubenville Pike
Burgettstown, PA 15021
304-723-1097

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-489-6445

Osteoporosis is a condition that reduces bone strength and puts individuals at greater risk of breaking or fracturing a bone. This condition most frequently affects women, as one in four women over the age of 65 will be diagnosed.

Symptoms of osteoporosis are virtually non-existent, which is why many individuals may not be aware or affected by it until they have already suffered a broken bone. For this reason, routine osteoporosis screenings are incredibly important, especially for those with high-risk factors.

Board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Ghassan Alayli specializes in the screening and treatment of osteoporosis and other rheumatic conditions at Weirton Medical Center. Our rheumatologist will discuss your symptoms and discover what treatment options will work best for you. To visit our area rheumatology clinic, please call 304-797-6000 today.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

The following are influential factors that can increase a person’s likelihood to develop osteoporosis:

• Age: Bones naturally become thinner as we age. When women reach menopause, they may rapidly lose bone in the first four to eight years of menopause. For example, if a woman begins menopause at 50, the most dramatic loss of bone mass may occur between 51 and 58.
• Family history: Women with a family history of osteoporosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis during their lifetime.
• Gender: Women are far more likely to be affected by osteoporosis than men. In general, women’s bones are smaller and are more vulnerable to degeneration due to hormonal changes that occur after menopause.
• Race: Due to differences in genetic make-up across all ethnicities, Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis than African-American or Hispanic women.

DEXA Screening for Osteoporosis

Bone density is measured using a unique diagnostic test called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or what is commonly known as a DEXA scan. This procedure measures the density of an individual’s bones in areas of the body that are prone to breaks and fractures, such as the spine, hips, and forearms.

DEXA scans do not require any preparation. The patient will lie on an examination table while X-rays are used to scan specific areas of the body. The process is painless and only takes about ten minutes to complete.

Interpreting DEXA Results

In the majority of cases, the patient’s bone density will be compared to that of an average, healthy young adult. The results of this comparison is called a T-score, which will help Dr. Ghassan Alayli determine if the bone density is at a normal level, or if interventional treatment is necessary to prevent a future fracture. The following levels may be used to classify a person’s T-score:

• Lower than average mass T-score: Between -1.1 and -2.4
• Normal T-score: Between +1 and -1
• Osteoporosis: A score of -2.5 or less

How Often Should Scans be Performed?

Because of the need to expose patients to a limited dose of radiation in order to complete a DEXA scan, it is recommended that these tests only be completed a maximum of once every two years. Even with high-risk patients receiving treatment, our rheumatologists will monitor bone health using other examinations between DEXA scans.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

The main goal of treatment will be to prevent fractures and breaks. In addition to recommending a proper diet that is rich in calcium, Dr. Ghassan Alayli may also prescribe supplemental medications. The following is not a list of all medication options, but simply those most frequently used:

• Bisphosphonates: This type of medication slows cell activity that is responsible for bone loss. Bisphosphonates are intended to maintain or even increase bone density.
• Calcitonin: Meant for women who are at least five years into menopause, calcitonin helps to regulate calcium and bone metabolism.
• Estrogen agonists/antagonists: Typically used to treat postmenopausal women, these medications are not estrogen, but they have estrogen-like effects on the body. These effects can be very beneficial to replenish the body’s hormone levels that often drop off during the stages of menopause.
• Parathyroid hormone: These kinds of hormone supplements are ideal for postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fractures.

Schedule a Consultation for Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment

Osteoporosis is a condition that should not be taken lightly. A broken bone can result in hospitalization, surgery, and many long-term effects.

Appointments

If you have concerns regarding your bone density and would like to schedule an appointment, please call Weirton Medical Center at 304-797-6000 to meet with board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Ghassan Alayli.

Locations and Directions

560 Steubenville Pike
Burgettstown, PA 15021
304-723-1097

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-489-6445