One of the most frequently misunderstood conditions among sufferers is arthritis..When some people hear this word they contemplate a future with crippled and twisted joints. However, many conditions from benign to severe are filed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will confine this analysis 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. Essentially, the condition is due to the wearing out 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 occurs when joint cartilage is injured and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily preserved by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are often called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues surrounding the joint, therefore complicating the already painful condition.
Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to impact both the onset and severity of DJD.
The symptoms of DJD always involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition advances there can be loss of mobility, particularly when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are affected. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is measurably worn and movement is unattainable without severe pain.
Prevention is always the best option, beginning at an early age.
- Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
- People involved in occupations that require standing or walking should wear suitable shoes that offer good support and shock absorption.
- Weight loss through proper diet will help to decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.
- Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and produce knee pain.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.
Recently there have been some studies that offer proof that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and might help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over a long-term period and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only sound, but extremely effective in relieving the dibilitating pain of arthritis. Your Tampa chiropractor is highly trained when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is necessary to support the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. Your Tampa chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.
Gout
An elevated level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints cause gouty arthritis. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by intense pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are generally 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 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 buildup in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most correlated 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 created 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 generally 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 particularized 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 adjustments 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 Tampa chiropractor is dedicated to supporting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.