Arthritis

If you have aching joints due to arthritis, achieving an ideal weight offers symptom relief. At SlimWell, a virtual weight-loss practice based in Richmond Heights, Ohio, and serving adults living in Ohio, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, Dr. Carmen Gota, MD, offers superior weight-loss solutions to maximize joint health and your overall well-being. Schedule an evaluation by phone or online today to get started.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disease often characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Nutritional habits and carrying excess body weight can affect the condition and the symptoms you experience. See Dr. Gota if joint pain diminishes your quality of life and you’re ready to reach a goal weight.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Hallmark arthritis symptoms include:

• Joint swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Joint redness
• Reduced joint range of motion
• Limited mobility
• Joint disfigurement

When not treated, your symptoms may progressively become worse over time. Schedule a medical evaluation at the first sign of joint problems.

What may increase my risk of arthritis?

Factors that may increase your risk of developing arthritis include:

• Aging 
• Previous joint injuries
• Infections
• Wear-and-tear
• Family history of arthritis
• Obesity

Carrying excess weight places added stress on your joints, particularly your spine, hips, and knee joints.

Men are more likely to have gout (a type of arthritis), while rheumatoid arthritis is more common among women.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

A medical provider can diagnose arthritis by reviewing your symptoms, examining your joints, discussing your medical history, and ordering a blood test. You may also need imaging procedures to determine the extent of your joint damage.

How does weight loss help with arthritis?

Losing weight takes pressure off painful, arthritic joints. The practice offers education and support to help you overcome weight-loss barriers. Dr. Gota discusses your usual diet and exercise habits, your food diary, the root cause of being overweight, and your body weight goals.

She also orders blood work or other diagnostic tests if necessary, and addresses any mental health needs.

Your weight loss plan may include:

• Informational material
• Nutrition management plans
• Meal replacements when needed
• Structured exercise prescriptions
• Weight-loss medications if necessary 
• Follow-up appointments 

Dr. Gota offers nutrition and exercise plans customized to your needs and abilities. SlimWell provides follow-up weight-loss visits to ensure long-lasting success and joint pain relief. The practice accepts cash payments for medically supervised weight-loss plans and arthritis relief.

Schedule an evaluation at SlimWell by phone or online today to slim down and minimize arthritis symptoms.