(910) 762-1182 | Facebook About Diseases Treated Medical Services News Contact Pay Bill GOUT Crystalline Arthritis is a term used to describe arthritic disorders characterized by small crystals that are present in joints and soft tissues. These crystals can trigger episodes of severe inflammation, and can lead to destructive arthritis or premature degenerative arthritis over time. The most common causes of crystalline arthritis are gout, and CPPD arthropathy (generally termed “pseudogout”). Gout is caused by chronically elevated levels of uric acid. The uric acid eventually forms crystals which can deposit in many different joints but most commonly in the lower extremities and other distal joints. Often times, severe attacks of arthritis occur which can be quite debilitating. If the crystals are present in high numbers they can lead to accumulations of crystals called tophi which can deform or destroy joints. Gout is usually treated with medications to lower uric acid levels and to treat episodes of inflammation, and often times dietary and lifestyle changes can assist in the recovery. This condition is very treatable with many options available. CPPD arthropathy (calcium phyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disorder) often presents as “pseudogout” with severe attacks of inflammation and demonstration of a CPPD crystal in the joint and/or soft tissues. CPPD arthropathy is unique in that it can be associated with metabolic disorders that rheumatologists are able to rule in or out with clinical examination, and x-ray / laboratory studies. This condition can be associated with premature osteoarthritis in unusual locations. The crystals themselves cannot be removed, but the crystals do not form large masses and the disease itself is usually quite manageable after diagnosis. DEC 1, 2020 Seven Tips for Balancing Arthritis Care with Holiday Cheer The holidays are officially here, and I don’t think we have ever been so excited for a fresh new holiday season! The holidays provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family, take some time off of work, revel in some downtime, and celebrate traditions. However, while this can be a joyous time, it […] Read More » NOV 2, 2020 An Arthritis-Friendly Home Makeover When you have arthritis, stiffness, pain, and swelling can make everyday tasks much more challenging. In addition, your mobility can be compromised by this chronic condition, so it’s crucial to set up your home for maximum ease and comfort. Fortunately, you can make life easier and your home more functional. Start with this room-by-room approach […] Read More » JUN 7, 2020 Eight Walking Strategies for Those That Suffer from Arthritis For those who have arthritis, exercise is excellent medicine. Low impact exercise eases joint pain, fights off fatigue, and can cause your body to release endorphins that help relieve pain and improve mindset. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to active, try walking. And there is no better time to get started […] Read More » APPOINTMENTS Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and plan to be in the office for 2 hours. Please bring the following items with you: Insurance card(s) Co-pay and/or coinsurance payment - cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Completed System Review Form Signed Payment Policy Signed HIPAA Consent/Authorization Signed Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices/Assignment of Benefits Completed Patient Registration Current medication bottles/ Medical Records from other physicians PATIENT FORMS New Patient Packet Download, view and complete our New Patient Packet DOWNLOAD PACKET Patient System Review Download, view and complete the Patient System Review Form DOWNLOAD PACKET Release Authorization Form Download, view and complete our Release Authorization Form DOWNLOAD PACKET CONTACT Carolina Arthritis 1710 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 tel. 910.762.1182 fax 910.762.1291 Hours of Operation M - Th. 8:00 am - 4:30pm GET DIRECTIONS OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BONE DENSITOMETRY INFUSIONS LABORATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND CLINICAL RESEARCH X-RAYS VIEW SERVICES OUR TREATMENTS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OSTEOPOROSIS VASCULITIS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GOUT SJOGREN’S SYNDROME SCLERODERMA SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS INSIDE CAROLINA ARTHRITIS Since its founding in 1991, Carolina Arthritis Associates has been leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune illnesses and osteoporosis. CONTACT US © 2021. Carolina Arthritis. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy Website design and hosting provided by Sage Island