Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of over 100 different conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. If left untreated, arthritis can wear away the cartilage in your joints and lead to chronic pain and joint dysfunction.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis can appear in a single joint or can cause issues in several joints at the same time. Some symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain or tenderness
• Swelling and stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Popping, catching, or locking in your joints
• Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected joint
• In some cases, anatomical deformities

If diagnosed early, treatment for arthritis can be more effective at slowing the progression of the condition and can improve your quality of life.

What causes arthritis?

Since there are so many different types of arthritis, medical professionals classify each type based on the cause of your symptoms. The categories of arthritis include:

Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative arthritis – also called osteoarthritis – is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by overuse or wear and tear. It often shows up in a single joint, like the knee, hip, or shoulder.

Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis is caused by inflammation that attacks and irritates your joints, which can also lead to deformity. Common types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

Infectious arthritis

Infectious arthritis is an emergency situation in which an infection – spread through a cut in your skin or after surgery – attacks your joints. This can quickly cause severe joint damage and deformity.

Metabolic arthritis

Metabolic arthritis, most often caused by gout, occurs when metabolic end-products – substances that form after the digestive process – deposit into joints and cause pain and swelling.

Based on the site of your pain and your symptoms, the team develops an orthopedic exam to assess the structure and function of your joints. They provide referrals for imaging or additional treatment when necessary.

How is arthritis treated?

At River Oaks Chiropractic Clinic, the team offers conservative, drug-free treatments and therapies to relieve pain and improve the function of your joints. These treatments include:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Active rehabilitation
• MLS® laser therapy
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Physiotherapy, including electrical nerve stimulation, moist heat, and cold therapy

Conservative methods can complement other treatments you might be receiving for arthritis, such as prescription medications from your rheumatologist.

To schedule a visit at River Oaks Chiropractic Clinic, call now.