Posts Tagged ‘arthritis’
Introduction
Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most suffers.When some people hear this word they envision a future with crippled and twisted joints. However “arthritis” is an all-inclusive word that includes many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will confine this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the labels for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is harmed and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is normally preserved by the cartilage. Sometimes, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can ensue when the bone around the joint proliferates. Bone spurs create painful irritation to other tissues around the joint aggravating the already grievous condition.
Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity influence the degree of the condition and its onset.
The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected notably in the more advanced stages of the condition. In some cases, if the joint is sufficiently worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should try to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.
Prevention is always the best option, beginning at an early age.
- Making sure that all injuries to joints are correctly treated will help to avoid future problems.
- Shoes with suitable support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
- Weight loss through proper diet will help to reduce stress on weight-bearing body joints.
- Care should be taken to cushion knees from strain and pain when kneeling on hard surfaces.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are vital for healthy joints and a healthy body.
Recently there have been some studies that reveal that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over an extended period and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only a smart idea, but an effective treatment for arthritis, and can aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Orlando chiropractor has many of years of training in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is required to stabilize the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.
Gout
An high level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints create gouty arthritis. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by intense pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists. Many people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that need to be avoided contain a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Individuals with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the accumulation in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most connected with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be caused by immune system dysfunction. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness aggravated by movement is most often associated with the disease. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. There are definitive blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic adjustments. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Orlando chiropractor is dedicated to helping sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.