It’s World Arthritis Day today!
Do you know? There are many types of arthritis (more than 100). The common types of arthritis that we have heard about are Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (affecting children), Gout, SLE (Lupus) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).
We have shared in detail on each particular condition in our blog post last year. You can read more about them here.
In general, arthritis (arthro = joint, itis = inflammation) occurs when there is inflammation and tenderness of one or more joints in your body- causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in and/ or around the area where the discomforts may begin to affect your daily life.
What are the early warning signs of Arthritis?
The first signs of arthritis are usually stiffness, a dull ache or a burning sensation (arthralgia) which often occurs through repetitive use of the affected joint(s). It could be through simple actions like walking up a flight of stairs or from doing house chores.
Commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60 and more prevalent in women than men, the pain is not consistent (although it can be constant OR just comes and goes). If left as is and without proper management, severe conditions would manifest pain and discomfort even while at rest!
What are the risk factors for arthritis?
- Family history of arthritis (Risk of RA, Lupus)
- Female (Risk of OA, RA)
- Male (Risk of Gout)
- Age (40-60 years old)
- Overweight/obesity (Risk of Knee arthritis)
- Smoking (Risk of OA, R.A.)
Is it possible to reduce your risks?
Yes! To reduce the risks of certain arthritis conditions, you can consider lifestyle modifications (healthy diet, healthy weight (BMI), not smoking), reduce repetitive tasks, replace high-impact sports with low-impact activities, correct the biomechanics of how you perform your daily activities and exercises and incorporate a routine stretching exercise.
These can help reduce the risks of contracting Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and particularly, arthritis of the knees, hips and spine.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Those with Arthritis?
If you have arthritis, your doctor may prescribe long-term anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, Steroids, etc.), advice on chiropractic care or physiotherapy sessions, corticosteroid injection to reduce severe pain and in more serious cases, suggest surgery for joint repair, joint replacement or joint fusion.
While taking these commonly prescribed medications may help to reduce or block the pain signals, a proper chiropractic care plan initiated at an early stage of diagnosis can help you manage your pain and discomfort better and more holistically (natural, non-invasive and non-addictive (Drug-free) as well as slowing down the wear and tear process.
Here’s 3 Types of Arthritis That Chiropractic Can Help With
- Osteoarthritis (Mechanical Wear and Tear)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease associated with Psoriasis)
For someone who suffers from arthritis, taking steps to relieve the symptoms means a lot to them. It may even help them regain their quality of life.
Professional Chiropractors take into consideration the type of arthritis you have before recommending methods to:-
- Improve your range of motions
- Help keep your spine healthy and aligned
- Improve flexibility and endurance
- Increase muscle tone and strength surrounding joints
- Help develop a nutritional plan (anti-inflammatory) and recommend exercises you can do at home
An arthritic patient can consider chiropractic care for long-term, routined management of his condition. When the right chiropractic care plan is combined with advanced therapeutic technologies like the Ultrasound, Electrotherapy, low-level lasers and the use of heat/ice therapy coupled with rehabilitative strengthening exercises as well as home stretching, patients are able to manage their pain and discomfort symptoms better.
They will be able to heal and regain their quality of life back faster, too.
When to see My Chirocare for Arthritis care?
If your pain and discomforts are beginning to affect your day-to-day living and quality of life, it’s time to seek professional help. Or better yet, see us for preventative care! 😉
Routine chiropractic care coupled with complementary therapy, home exercises and an anti-inflammatory diet plan goes a long way in helping arthritic patients gain back their quality of life. At My Chirocare, we are committed to guiding our patients to better health through wellness. 💙