Introduction
Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most people.Often the word, “arthritis,” inspires images of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. However “arthritis” is generic word that includes many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will restrict this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
The most common form of arthritis has many terms: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. Essentially, the condition is due to the erosion of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is injured and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is normally guarded by the cartilage. Occasionally, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can develop when the bone around the joint proliferates. Bone spurs produce painful hypersensitivity to other tissues surrounding the joint exacerbating the already grievous condition.
Usually the areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, especially in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to affect both the onset and severity of DJD.
Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. 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. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is sufficiently worn and movement is impossible without severe pain.
The best management of DJD is, naturally, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.
- Making sure that all injuries to joints are correctly treated will help to avoid future problems.
- People involved in occupations that require standing or walking should wear proper shoes that give good support and shock absorption.
- Weight loss through proper diet will help to reduce stress on weight-bearing body joints.
- Care should be taken to protect knees from strain and pain when kneeling on hard surfaces.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contained in fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.
Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but can possibly help to rebuild joint cartilage.
Chiropractic adjustments aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only a smart idea, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly skilled when it comes to arthritic pain relief. 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 necessary to help stabilize the joint in an attempt to alleviate pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.
Gout
An increased level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints create gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided include a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. People with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the accumulation in the bloodstream and the ensuing 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 refraining from drinking 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. The condition is usually associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Additional symptoms can involve general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are definitive blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic treatments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness accompanying this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be helpful. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
