• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Locations
  • Providers
  • Patients & Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Make an Appointment
  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Arthritis

Condition: Arthritis

Did you know that about one in three Americans has some form of arthritis or joint pain? Arthritis inflammation that occurs in the joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip or elbow as the body’s natural reactions to injury or disease.

The term “arthritis” actually represents more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect the joints. Arthritis is usually chronic, meaning that it rarely changes or progresses slowly. There are no specific causes for most forms of arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis vary by type and in severity from person to person. However, the most common symptoms of arthritis include but are not limited to the following:

  • Pain and stiffness in the joints
  • Swelling in one or more joints
  • Continuing or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
  • Difficulty using or moving a joint
  • Warmth and redness in a joint
  • Fatigue and lack of energy

The symptoms of arthritis can resemble other medical conditions. It is important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Risk Factors for Arthritis

Risk factors for arthritis include:

  • Age – The risk increases with age.
  • Gender – Arthritis occurs more often in women than men.
  • Obesity – Extra weight puts more stress on the joints.
  • Occupational factors – Jobs requiring more bending, squatting or lifting put more stress on joints.
  • Joint infections, injuries or damage

The best treatment for arthritis is to take measures to control pain, joint damage and to maintain or improve function.

Treatments

The following are some ways to treat arthritis:

  • Medication
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Splints or joint assistive aids
  • Weight loss
  • Healthy diet
  • Exercise
  • Surgery

Providers Treating Arthritis

Note that every treatment or procedure listed above may not be provided by each provider listed below. Review each provider for availability.

Larry Balle II, M.D.

Larry Balle II, M.D. Sports Medicine Physician

View Profile
John  W.  Bracey Jr., M.D.

John W. Bracey Jr., M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Sheena W. CarlLee, M.D.

Sheena W. CarlLee, M.D. Internist

View Profile
G. Thomas Frazier Jr., M.D.

G. Thomas Frazier Jr., M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Navin R. Kilambi, M.D.

Navin R. Kilambi, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Chelsea S. Mathews, M.D.

Chelsea S. Mathews, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Sean M. Morell, M.D.

Sean M. Morell, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Kathryn L. Nance, M.D.

Kathryn L. Nance, M.D. Sports Medicine Physician

View Profile
Thomas K. Schulz, M.D.

Thomas K. Schulz, M.D. Internist

View Profile
Mark A. Tait, M.D.

Mark A. Tait, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Sharmilan Thanendrarajan, M.D.

Sharmilan Thanendrarajan, M.D. Hematologist/Oncologist

View Profile
Larry D. Wright, M.D.

Larry D. Wright, M.D. Internist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Arthritis

UAMS Northwest exterior (FMC sign)

Family Medical Center — Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
(479) 521-8260
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Family Medical Center — Fort Smith

1301 South E St.
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Appointment Phone Number
(479) 785-2431
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Northeast building exterior

Family Medical Center — Jonesboro

311 E. Matthews Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401

Appointment Phone Number
(870) 972-0063
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of Family Medical Center - Little Rock

Family Medical Center — Little Rock

521 Jack Stephens Drive
First floor
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
(501) 686-6560
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Family Medical Center, Texarkana

Family Medical Center — Texarkana

3417 U of A Way
Texarkana, AR 71854

Appointment Phone Number
(870) 779-6000
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
exterior of North Street Clinic

Neighborhood Clinic — North Street

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
(479) 713-8701
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Autumn Road Clinic

Orthopaedic Clinic — Autumn Road

600 Autumn Road
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Numbers
(501) 526-1046
New Patients
(501) 320-7776
Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic exterior

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic — Fayetteville

201 W. Van Asche Loop
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
(479) 966-4491
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Arthritis

Male runner touching foot in pain due to sprained ankle.

Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics (Part of Orthopaedics)

The fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons at UAMS provide comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions and injuries that affect the foot and ankle.  With our extensive knowledge …

View Area of Expertise
Elderly woman holding her arthritic hands

Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopaedics (Part of Orthopaedics)

At UAMS, our fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeons offer comprehensive care for acute injuries and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, finger, and forearm.  These conditions are often caused …

View Area of Expertise
Senior Couple Climbing Hill On Hike Through Countryside

Hip and Knee Orthopaedics (Part of Orthopaedics)

Did you know hip and knee complaints are one of the leading reasons patients seek care from primary care physicians? Hips ache. Knees give out. Osteoporosis makes bones fragile, and …

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

© 2021 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue