Arthritis causes joint pain in approximately one in four adults, or more than 54 million men and women in the United States. Board-certified rheumatologist Behnam Khaleghi, MD, offers innovative treatments, including biologic drugs, for various types of arthritis at Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center in Orange and Laguna Hills, California. If arthritis is affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.

request an appointment

Arthritis is a group of more than 100 different disorders that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in one or more joints. Some types of arthritis are mild and short term, while others are severe and long-lasting (chronic).

Effective arthritis treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. As a highly trained rheumatologist, Dr. Khaleghi has extensive expertise diagnosing and treating all types of arthritis in adults.

What are the different types of arthritis?

Dr. Khaleghi cares for patients with many types of arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the slippery tissue that cushions your joints (cartilage) wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that happens when your body attacks the tissues in your joints. Without treatment, your immune system continues to destroy the soft tissues, and even bone, inside your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type.

Psoriatic arthritis

An estimated 30% of people who have psoriasis (a common skin condition that causes an itchy, scaly rash), also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack healthy cells in your skin and joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the joints in your spine. If left untreated, this disease can cause your backbones (vertebrae) to fuse together, making your spine stiff and inflexible. Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect your hips, shoulders, and knees.

Gout

Gout affects about 4% of adults in the United States. This disease occurs when high levels of uric acid in your blood cause needle-like crystals to form within a joint, leading to sudden and severe pain.

What medications treat arthritis?

Before he recommends the best course of treatment for you, Dr. Khaleghi performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history.

Dr. Khaleghi offers the most current arthritis treatments, including biologic drugs. Depending on your needs, he may recommend one or more of the following:

  • Simponi®
  • Remicade®
  • Orencia®
  • Actemra®
  • Rituximab

These innovative, genetically engineered medications relieve arthritis symptoms by controlling your immune response.

To learn more about available treatments for arthritis, call Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center or book an appointment online today.