Chronic Conditions

Arthritis Care

A person gently holding their knee while seated, a common sign of joint pain from arthritis

Keeping you moving, with less pain

Joint pain has a way of quietly shrinking your world, making stairs, gardening, or a walk around the block feel like more than they should. At PremCare Family Medical Center in Orlando, Dr. Rasool helps patients manage both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with a practical, whole-person approach: understanding your specific pain pattern, building a realistic plan for relief and mobility, and bringing in rheumatology support when your case calls for it.

Arthritis is not one single condition. Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage protecting your joints wears down over years, most often affecting weight-bearing joints and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis, by contrast, is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks joint tissue, often causing more pronounced swelling and stiffness, particularly in the morning. Because the two conditions call for different treatment approaches, getting an accurate picture of what is driving your symptoms is the first step toward real relief.

What we help you manage

Joint pain and stiffness can stem from several underlying patterns.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) — the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage from wear over time, commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation, often in a symmetric pattern across both sides of the body.
  • Gout and other inflammatory flares — sudden, painful joint inflammation that benefits from prompt evaluation and treatment.
  • General joint pain and stiffness — symptoms that have not yet been fully diagnosed, which we work through methodically to identify the cause.

What your care includes

Dr. Rasool tailors your plan to the type and severity of arthritis you are dealing with.

  • Pain management, using appropriate medications to reduce discomfort while minimizing side effects over the long term.
  • Mobility and activity guidance, including which movements support your joints and which to modify or avoid.
  • Weight management support, since even modest weight loss meaningfully reduces the load on weight-bearing joints.
  • Monitoring of joint symptoms over time, tracking swelling, stiffness, and range of motion at follow-up visits.
  • Coordination with physical therapy when strengthening and mobility work would help your specific joints.
  • Rheumatology referral for inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis that needs specialized diagnostic testing or medication.

Why staying ahead of arthritis matters

Untreated joint pain often leads people to move less, which can make stiffness and weakness worse over time and create a discouraging cycle. Addressing arthritis early, with the right mix of pain management and appropriate activity, helps preserve mobility and function for longer, rather than letting the condition dictate what you can and cannot do.

For rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms, early treatment matters even more, since ongoing inflammation can gradually damage joints in ways that are harder to reverse later. Getting a rheumatologist involved promptly when inflammatory arthritis is suspected can meaningfully change the long-term course of the disease. Whatever type of arthritis you are managing, having a physician who checks in regularly and adjusts your plan as your joints change over time helps you stay as active and comfortable as possible.

Schedule your visit

If joint pain or stiffness is limiting what you can do, do not assume it is just something to live with. Dr. Rasool and the team at PremCare Family Medical Center can help you find real relief and keep you moving. Call (407) 380-1428 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward less pain and better mobility.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition in which the cartilage cushioning your joints breaks down over time, most often affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine as we age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation that can affect multiple joints at once, often with more swelling and morning stiffness. Dr. Rasool evaluates your symptoms and history to help determine which pattern fits and whether rheumatology involvement is appropriate.

Will I need to see a rheumatologist for my arthritis?

It depends on the type and severity of your arthritis. Many cases of osteoarthritis are managed well through internal medicine with pain control, activity guidance, and monitoring. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory or autoimmune forms of arthritis typically benefit from rheumatology involvement, since they often require specialized medications. Dr. Rasool will refer you when your symptoms suggest an inflammatory process or when your case would benefit from a specialist's ongoing input.

Can arthritis pain be managed without surgery?

For many patients, yes, especially in the earlier stages. A combination of appropriate pain management, physical activity suited to your joints, weight management, and sometimes physical therapy can meaningfully reduce pain and improve function. Surgery, such as joint replacement, is generally considered when other approaches no longer provide enough relief or when joint damage has progressed significantly. Dr. Rasool will help you understand where you stand and what options make sense at each stage.

Ready to feel your best?

We care and listen to our patients.

Request an AppointmentCall (407) 380-1428