Introduction

One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among people is arthritis.When some people hear this word they envision a future with crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is generic word that encompasses many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this discussion to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the names for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the degradation of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily guarded by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are often called bone spurs. These spurs can create painful irritation to other tissues surrounding the joint, therefore complicating the already painful condition. 

As a rule areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, principally in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.

The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition continues there can be loss of mobility, particularly when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are implicated.  In some cases, if the joint is sufficiently worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should try to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.

Prevention is invariably 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 demand standing or walking should wear suitable shoes that provide 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 pain aad strain when kneeling on hard surfaces.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they contain natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the 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 help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only safe, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago 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. On occasion a brace is used to help stabilize the joint in an effort 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

Gouty arthritis is produced by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of the wrong foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Particular foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms have the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot properly metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream produces joint problems. In addition to the foods specified and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be connected to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is generally associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Further symptoms can consist of general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through particularized blood tests. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic treatments. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.