A frequent illness that affects your joints is arthritis. It may result in pain and inflammation, making it challenging to move or continue being active. It comes in a variety of forms. Each kind has distinct symptoms and can require various therapies. Even while it typically affects older people, it can afflict men, women, and kids of any age.
Joints include areas where your bones meet and move. Inflammation or joint degeneration or breakdown are typical symptoms of arthritis. When you use the common, these modifications may hurt.
It affects people of all ages, races, and sexes and is the main cause of disability in the United States. However, it’s not an age-related disease. Some of its varieties affect older people more frequently than younger people. Women are more likely to have it than males.
Swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and decreased joint range of motion are typical signs of arthritis. Mild to severe symptoms can occur, and they can also come and go. While certain symptoms may stay the same over the years, others may advance and deteriorate. Chronic discomfort, difficulties with daily tasks, and difficult and painful walking and stair climbing are all possible effects of severe cases.
Permanent joint changes might also result from arthritis. Some of these may be obvious, such as knobby finger joints, but frequently the damage can only be observed on X-rays. Some types of this condition affect the lungs, heart, eyes, skin, kidneys, and joints.
It is most prevalent in the following body parts: Feet, Hands, Hips, Knees, and the lower back.
Treatment of Arthritis
You’ve probably thought of visiting a chiropractor if you’ve experienced back discomfort or a stiff neck due to arthropathy or an injury.
While it is true that chiropractors modify or manipulate the spine to reduce pain and increase the range of motion, the advantages may go beyond the back and neck.
Chiropractors attempt to enhance the connection between the spine and nervous system, which they believe may impact the function of all the organs and systems in the body. They do this by using varying degrees of force to realign misaligned joints.
Regular chiropractic appointments can improve overall health and aid with back pain and other symptoms brought on by a misaligned spinal column. To help treat inflammation and pain, they can also work with their patients to design exercise regimens and dietary changes. Visits to a chiropractor are at least partially covered by the majority of insurance companies.
Medication is the most popular treatment for this condition since it helps lessen pain, swelling, and inflammation. While drugs are effective, they have long-term health concerns, including internal bleeding, stomach lining damage, and impaired healing. But managing it can be greatly aided by chiropractors.
By seeing a chiropractor, you can lessen your dependency on these medications while managing your pain and symptoms naturally. Chiropractic care can:
- Keep your spine straight to increase your range of motion.
- Increase flexibility and endurance
- Boost your muscular strength and tone.
- Assist you in creating a diet and nutrition strategy to reduce inflammation naturally.
Additionally, chiropractors might suggest an arthritis-friendly workout program. The American Chiropractic Association states that this is essential for controlling your symptoms.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The most common symptoms include:
- It can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, which may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Swelling in the joints is a common symptom of this condition. The swelling may be accompanied by redness and warmth in the affected area
- It can cause stiffness in the joints, making it difficult to move the affected joints through their full range of motion
- It can cause weakness in the muscles around the affected joints, making it difficult to perform everyday activities
- Many people with this condition experience fatigue, which may be due to the inflammation and pain associated with the condition
If you have arthritis or are experiencing these symptoms, you must see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes of Arthritis
The specific causes of each type of arthritis can vary, but some general risk factors may increase the risk of developing the condition. These include:
- The risk of developing most types of arthritis, also known as arthropathy, increases with age
- Some forms of arthropathy, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may have a genetic component
- Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and gout
- Previous joint injuries: Previous injuries to a joint, such as a sports injury, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.
- Certain infections, such as hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can increase the risk of developing certain types of arthropathy
- Certain occupations or activities: Jobs or hobbies involving repetitive motion or joint stress may increase the risk of developing this condition.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke or pollution, may increase the risk of developing some types of this condition.
Types of Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis, each with its characteristics and causes. The most common types include:
- Osteoarthritis is the most common type of this condition and is caused by wear and tear on the joints. It typically affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. It is a chronic condition that can cause deformity in the affected joints over time.
- A gout is a form of arthropathy caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to the formation of crystals in the joints. It typically affects the joints in the toes, ankles, and knees
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic is a type of arthropathy that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. It can affect any joint but is most common in the fingers and toes.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthropathy that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation and pain. It can also cause inflammation in other joints, such as the hips and shoulders.
- Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in various body parts, including the joints
- Scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder that can cause hardening and thickening of the skin and internal organs and inflammation in the joints
These are just a few examples of this condition’s many types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent arthritis?
Your risk of acquiring arthropathy can be decreased by:
- Avoid using tobacco.
- Exercising without bearing weight and with minimum impact.
- Preserving a healthy weight.
- Lowering the chance of joint damage.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The most common symptoms of this condition include pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and fatigue. The specific symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
How is arthritis treated?
Treatment options may include medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other chiropractic services. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. It could take several visits and testing to arrive at a firm diagnosis for some arthropathy.
Rheumatologists specialize in diseases that affect the joints; therefore, your doctor might also recommend that you see one of them.
When should I see my doctor?
There are several causes of joint pain and swelling. An injury, overuse, or brand-new physical activity could bring it on.
See a doctor if you have pain and stiffness that begins suddenly, lasts more than a few days, and results in swelling, redness, and warmth. To stop the problem from worsening and creating long-term harm, it’s critical to begin therapy as soon as possible.
