Living with arthritis can make even the most mundane daily activities a painful struggle. Symptoms of arthritis can happen over time or can be a sudden onset, but starting treatment at the early stages can prevent it from worsening over time.
Some early signs and symptoms of arthritis to look out for include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Arthralgia
- Fever
- Burning sensation in joints
Although there are many different types of arthritis, the two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the joint’s cartilage. This usually occurs on the weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. This type of arthritis can also affect the fingers. If joint damage is severe enough, the bone can grind directly against another bone, the result being extremely painful. Osteoarthritis mostly affects adults over 60 years old but can also affect people as young as their 20’s and 30’s. If you are an athlete or in a career that involves doing a repetitive motion, you are at a greater risk of experiencing osteoarthritis than others.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system is attacking the body’s joints and tissues, causing inflammation. This arthritis affects the joint’s lining and can wear down the cartilage and bone. If the bone wears down enough, it can cause erosion or deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis weakens the tendons and ligaments that hold the bone in place, causing the joint to lose shape and alignment. If this condition is left untreated, damage to other parts of the body can occur such as eyes, skin, and organs.
Treatments for Arthritis Pain
Genvisc Plus is a treatment plan that offers a nonsurgical option for those with early signs of arthritis specifically in the knee. This treatment has been proven to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The first step of the treatment begins with wearing a brace. The bracing is to prevent bone on bone grinding and relieve pressure in the joints. After the brace is worn, Genvisc 850 injections are administered to the joint. The components in the injection mimic the fluid that is lost with arthritis and lubricates the joints. The final step of this treatment is an injection of growth factors that is used to smooth tissues and promote cell repair.
Chiropractic therapy is a great way to manage pain and symptoms of any type of arthritis. It is a safe, noninvasive alternative to typical oral medications that are used to treat pain. Chiropractors are skilled in identifying and correcting misalignments and joint issues that come along with arthritis.
This therapy is gentle and specialized with specific adjustments to help alleviate pain and inflammation. When the body is in proper alignment, pressure is taken off nerves and appropriate range of motion is restored in the bones and joints. The benefits of having chiropractic therapy includes increased dexterity in the joints and improved strength.
If you are interested in learning more about nonsurgical treatments for arthritis, call us today at (727) 866-4420 for a complimentary consultation.