Orthopaedics
Joint Disorders and Conditions
Our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is one of the top 2% of orthopaedic hospitals in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. We offer the best care and most advanced procedures to help you live with less pain.
Medically reviewed by Mauro Giordani, M.D. on Sep. 06, 2024.
Joint Disorders and Conditions
Our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is one of the top 2% of orthopaedic hospitals in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. We offer the best care and most advanced procedures to help you live with less pain.
On this page
Types of Joint Disorders
Some of the more common joint conditions we treat include:
- Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis affecting your spine.
- Bursitis: Inflammation in bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones of your joints.
- Gout: Arthritis due to uric acid crystals forming in your joints.
- Osteoarthritis: A common type of arthritis where the cartilage between bones of a joint wears away.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Arthritis that sometimes happens in people who have psoriasis.
- Lupus: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation in the joints, skin, and other parts of the body.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation and damage in your joints.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of your tendons, which connect your muscles to your bones.
Joint Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of joint conditions depend on the specific condition. Each person experiences symptoms differently.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of joint disorders include:
- Pain or tenderness
- Stiffness
- Swelling or heat
Causes of Joint Disorders and Conditions
The causes of joint disorders vary depending on the condition.
Autoimmune Disorders
Certain autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis and lupus, can cause joint inflammation and pain.
Overuse and Repetitive Activities
Overusing a joint can cause bursitis. Repetitive activities for hobbies, sports or work can lead to osteoarthritis.
Previous Injuries
Joints with previous injuries may develop osteoarthritis.
Joint Disorder Risk Factors
Age
The risk of osteoarthritis, for example, increases as you get older.
Biological Sex
Women have a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Family History
Having a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis raises your risk.
Genetics
Some types of osteoarthritis may be genetic.
Weight
Being overweight increases your risk of gout and osteoarthritis.
Diagnosing Joint Disorders and Conditions
We use the most advanced equipment and techniques to diagnose joint conditions.
You may need one or more tests, such as:
- X-ray, an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to help show the shape and alignment of your joints.
- MRI, a scan that gives detailed images of your bones and tissues.
- CT scan, an imaging test that reveals problems with your joints and other tissues.
- Ultrasound, a scan that uses sound waves to create images of the bones and structures inside your body.
- Blood tests, to look for signs of inflammation or infection.
Treatments for Joint Disorders at UC Davis Health
The UC Davis Health Department of Orthopaedics specialists collaborate with researchers to bring the latest techniques and treatments to your care plan.
Treatments for joint disorders depend on what type of condition you have and how advanced it is.
Physical Therapy
Special exercises may help improve your mobility and strength and relieve stiffness. Physical therapy is part of your recovery if you have arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement.
Oral Pain Medications
Drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®) can help with pain and inflammation. Prescription drugs for pain are another option.
Topical Treatments
Pain relief creams and ointments are available over the counter and by prescription.
Steroid Shots
Cortisone injections (shots) can give you temporary relief from joint pain and inflammation.
Surgery
For arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon makes small incisions in your skin and inserts a thin, flexible instrument (arthroscope). Through the arthroscope, your surgeon repairs your joint. For a joint replacement, an orthopaedic surgeon replaces all or part of a joint. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a unique program to preserve as much of your joint as possible.
Preventing Joint Disorders and Conditions
Staying at a healthy weight and avoiding overuse of your joints may help prevent some joint conditions.
Who does it affect?
32.5MU.S. adults have osteoarthritis
Total hip or knee replacements
>1Myearly in the U.S.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Osteoarthritis (OA)
J Bone Joint Surg Am: Prevalence of Total Hip and Knee Replacement in the United States
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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