Arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the musculoskeletal system specially joints. It can affect every bone in the body and in some cases it can affect the internal organs as well. Women are affected by it more than men. Even kids have them.
Arthritis could be the reason your body feels stiff and feels pain while moving around especially in the morning or after resting. There could be pain and swelling in the joints also. Complaint of the hands, lower back, hips, knees and feet are the most common. This is why it becomes difficult to walk, climb the stairs, pick up things, use computer, cutting, or brushing. In certain cases it is systemic and can involve any organ or system in the body.
‘Arthritis’ means ‘joint inflammation’ a term often used for Rheumatic disease. RA is the umbrella, under which more than 100 medical conditions come. Type of arthritis depends on what has gone wrong with the joint(s). Is it the wear and tear of the cartilage, lack of fluid, infection or autoimmunity? There could be a combination of many factors as well. Some of the common types are
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- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis)
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
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Arthritis mostly sets in, in adults seniors being more frequently affected. Its symptoms: discomfort, pain, stiffness fatigue vary from person to person. Some suffer from ‘mild arthritis’ in which symptoms may last from few months to few years. In the ‘mild to moderate arthritis’ there are phase of flares and fading of symptom. In cases with ‘severe arthritis’; pain is there most of the time and lasts for many years and causes severe joint damage and disability. Many experts state that smaller joints are affected first and several joints may exhibit involvement.
Most types of the arthritis are due to combination of different factor. And factors could be,
- Genetic predisposition.
- Repetitive movement of joints.
- Injury to the joint.
- Infection of allergic reaction (reactive arthritis) in the joints.
- Certain foods.
- Obesity causes extra burden on the joints.
- Autoimmune disease.
Diagnosing ‘Rheumatoid arthritis’ can be difficult, its symptoms may overlap with other diseases, in early stages. Lab test can be negative or positive even if you have arthritis. X-ray finding are seen much later stages. The diagnosis is mainly based on the history and physical examination of patient.
Rheumatoid arthritis is said to be incurable. Usually in medical intervention, the medications are prescribed to reduce the joint inflammation, so the joint function improves and damage is lessened. Therapies like rest, joint strengthening exercises and change in life style are advised. It is publically recognized that the drugs given have potentially serious side effects. The anti-inflammatory and steroid are used to contain the immune system and to retard the damages caused. Medically the last resort is surgery. There is some evidence that nutrition can help control the inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease.
Traditionally bed rest and drug therapy was recommended to the arthritis patient but not anymore. Rest is important during the active inflammation while exercise is as crucial in arthritis management for healthy and strong muscles and joint movement. Best therapy would be the one which keeps a balance between rest and exercise.
Is arthritis your concern? The cure might not be there but our chiropractic office may have treatment plan for you. Our Chiropractor can help the arthritic patient in developing
- The muscle mass, tone and strength
- To maintain range of joint’s motion and flexibility.
- We can also guide you in nutrition to restrain the inflammation. A healthy diet: to keep the body weight under control.
- Low Level laser therapy can show improvement.
Don’t give up and keep enduring the pain and losing hope, call 713-529-4808. At our ‘Walk in chiropractic clinic welcomed by our well trained chiropractors and all your worries will be addressed to your satisfaction.
