ARE YOU STILL TRYING TO MANAGE YOUR ARTHRITIS WITH SELF-CARE?

Many people try to cope with the pain of arthritis on their own, but it is best treated by medical professionals that understand the disease and can help their patients find substantial relief through interventional methods.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Some of the common arthritic symptoms are joint pain, stiffness, warmth, immobilization, and loss of range of motion, fatigue, and inadequate blood flow. Two of the main types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). With Osteoarthritis, wear and tear damages the cartilage in the joints and causes friction between the bones rubbing together. Injury or infection usually causes Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own lining of the joints and membranes; this results in painful swelling and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis
Wear and tear and injuries that progress are the main causes of arthritis. Elderly patients are more susceptible to OA, but it can happen to younger individuals as well. Uric acid is also thought to play a role in OA. When too much uric acid builds up, it circulates as bodily waste in the blood stream and causes inflammation, which exacerbates arthritic conditions. Uric acid creates tiny needle-shaped crystals that accumulate in the joints and cause excruciating painful swelling.

Common things that can trigger uric acid
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Food high in Purines (Shellfish, fin fish, organ
meat, sugar, and alcohol)

There are many diets and medications that can help reduce the symptoms associated with uric acid.

When arthritis affects the neck, back, hands, feet or hips, difficulties arise when trying to get through even the most menial daily tasks. The surrounding muscles begin to tighten as they try to overcompensate for the pain and protect the injured area.

These tight muscles can create tension headaches and impinged range of motion. Most people may find that there is little to no relief with over-the-counter NSAID’s like ibuprofen. OA can be treated successfully with medications and lifestyle changes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
If your arthritis is from RA, that is an autoimmune disorder, which needs to be treated with immunosuppressants and with lifestyle changes. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, and like all other autoimmune related conditions, it causes the cells in the body to attack itself. In the case of RA, it causes the body to attack its joints. The synovial fluid that lines the bones of the joints is the first to become inflamed, and it deteriorates. As the disease progresses, especially if left untreated, it can deteriorate the cartilage and then the bone of the joints. Individuals with RA have severe stiffness, and mobility issues from the disorder and their joints may begin to look deformed as RA advances.

Well-Being Medical Center can work with you to help you achieve a personalized plan to reduce your symptoms of arthritis by implementing lifestyle changes as well as medications and alternative methods that will manage your pain and stiffness.

Our Services
• Acute Diseases
• Chronic Disease
• Annual Physical
• Preventive Care
• Women’s Health Care
• Internal Medicine
• Mental Heath Care
• Botox Injections and Fillers
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound
• Walk-In Clinic
• Urgent Care
• Sclerotheray Treatment
• Medical Marijuana and Low THC Cannabis
• Concierge Medicine
• EmScultp Neo

Routine Exams & Internal Medicine
Routine exams provide piece of mind for our patients, as well as preventative care to ensure a desired level of health.

Addiction Medicine
At our clinic, we assist in counseling and prescribe opioid medication treatments for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders following latest data, research and guidelines.

Health Consultations
Our patients can consult an esteemed health professional about any potential treatment plans.

Urgent Care Services
We provide care for minor illnesses and injuries outside of a hospital-based or freestanding emergency department. Just walk-in, no appointments needed.

Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease.

As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.

Well-Being Medical Center
239-315-7801
www.well-beingmedicalcenter.org
851 5th Ave. N. Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102