ARTHRITIS… HELP!

By Robert Swift, D.O.
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Arthritis is a group of disorders that cause inflammation and pain in the joints. It affects millions of people worldwide, and it is one of the leading causes of disability. There are over 100 types of arthritis, and each one has unique symptoms, causes, and treatments. While there are many types of healthcare professionals that can help manage arthritis, an orthopedic surgeon is an essential part of the treatment plan for certain types of arthritis.

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Arthritis affects the joints, which makes an orthopedic surgeon a crucial part of the treatment team for certain types of arthritis.

One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the joints over time. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many treatment options available to help manage the symptoms. An orthopedic surgeon can provide surgical options such as joint replacement, which can greatly improve the quality of life for people with osteoarthritis.

Another type of arthritis that may require the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain, and damage to the joints. The most commonly affected joints in rheumatoid arthritis are the hands, wrists, and feet. While there are many medications available to help manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, some people may require surgery to help improve joint function. An orthopedic surgeon can perform procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement to help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is another type of arthritis that may require the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon. This type of arthritis is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and it often occurs in people with psoriasis. The most commonly affected joints in psoriatic arthritis are the fingers, toes, and spine.

While medications can help manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, some people may require surgery to help improve joint function. An orthopedic surgeon can perform procedures such as synovectomy or joint replacement to help alleviate the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

In addition to the types of arthritis mentioned above, there are many other types of arthritis that may require the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon. These include gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis, among others. An orthopedic surgeon can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the joints and recommend the best course of treatment based on the individual’s specific needs.

Arthritis is a complex and varied group of disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. While there are many types of healthcare professionals that can help manage arthritis, an orthopedic surgeon is an essential part of the treatment plan for certain types of arthritis. With their specialized training and expertise in the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic surgeons can provide surgical options that can greatly improve the quality of life for people with arthritis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with arthritis, it is important to work with a healthcare team that includes an orthopedic surgeon to ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Everyone has a busy life and being hurt or injured can get in the way of the enjoyment of life.”  Dr. Swift believes that movement gets us back to enjoying our lives.  Our goal is to restore pain free motion to the injured spine, shoulder, knee, elbow, hip and ankle using the most modern, innovative and safety proven techniques available in orthopedic surgery today.  My practice uses state of the art procedures that treat injured joints.  It doesn’t matter if you are an accomplished athlete, a weekend warrior, a busy professional, an active parent, or grandparent, our goal is to keep you active and get you moving. I believe it is important to spend time together and understand how we can accomplish your goals.

Robert D. Swift, DO is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.  He has subspecialty and advanced training in minimally invasive surgery of the shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, and elbow.  He has additional orthopedic trauma training to better manage fractures and Training in Robotic Knee and hip replacement. He has been an adjunct professor of Orthopedics at Vanderbilt University and at Upstate University Medical Center.  Dr. Swift attended medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He completed a general surgery internship with the US Army at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center and was then stationed in Europe.  As a physician he supported missions and troops throughout Europe.  He was asked to be the military physician for medical support to the White House Mission to Chernobyl.  Dr. Swift completed his orthopedic residency training at UMDNJ-SOM/Copper Medical Center.  He rejoined the military after residency and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY.  He deployed to Afghanistan as the Chief of Orthopedics at Bagram.  His service was decorated by the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.  Dr. Swift is accomplished in his field; he has been the Team Physician for Division I Athletic programs, been a course instructor, presenter, and author on fracture care and on minimally invasive shoulder and knee surgery.  While in Michigan he was selected as a Top Doctor for 2019-2021.

Call Blue Sky Orthopedics today!

Blue Sky Orthopedics

4513 Executive Dr., Ste. 102, Naples, FL 34119
(239) 877-4662 | www.drrobertswift.com