Arthritis
Board Certified Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in San Ramon, CA
About Dr. Temkin
“I consider myself a very proactive physician. I focus on getting my patients looking and feeling their best.”
Michael Temkin, DO grew up in a family of physicians and is carrying on that legacy at his primary care practice in San Ramon, California. Serving patients in the Tri-Valley and throughout the Bay Area, Dr. Temkin provides compassionate care that treats the whole person, not just symptoms.Dr. Temkin is a highly-regarded internal medicine physician with more than 20 years of experience.After graduating from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California, he completed his residency in internal medicine at Alameda Medical Center in Oakland, California, through a University of California San Francisco Medical Center Program.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
- Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis, the most common chronic condition of the joints, occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. The deterioration of this flexible tissue can lead to joint damage and symptoms of stiffness, swelling, and pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage that occurs with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing inflammation and painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. In some people, the condition also leads to damage in a variety of systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)?
In addition to treating arthritis, Dr. Temkin can also diagnose and manage other musculoskeletal problems such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Ligament or tendon strain
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger and trigger thumb
- Degenerative disc disease
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
How is Dr. Temkin’s approach to arthritis treatment unique?
While medication can help control the symptoms of arthritis, Dr. Temkin focuses more on lifestyle modifications to help decrease pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. For patients who are carrying a few extra pounds, losing weight helps relieve pressure on the joints. Patients with arthritis can integrate Dr. Temkin’s LeanMD program into their treatment plan for effective, sustainable weight loss.