What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that affect the joints, connective tissue, and tissue surrounding joints.
Who gets arthritis?
About one in seven Americans, or about 40 million people, have arthritis. People of all ages can develop arthritis but the condition is more common in older adults. Most types of arthritis are more common in females and about 60 percent of people with arthritis are women.
What are the most common types of arthritis?
The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Each type of arthritis can present a slightly different pattern and location of symptoms but many types of arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints. Arthritis symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and, since arthritis is a chronic condition, symptoms may come and go.
Can arthritis cause numbness?
Arthritis can also cause numbness, which is a symptom that arthritis has involved a nerve. A numb arm might indicate nerve involvement in your neck, for example, especially if the numbness increases when you turn or bend your head.
What are the risk factors for developing arthritis?
There are modifiable and non-modifiable risks for arthritis. This means that there are certain factors associated with arthritis; a person may change some risk factors but not others.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age
- Gender
- Family history of arthritis
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Joint injuries
- Infections that damage joint tissue
- Occupations that involve repetitive knee bending and squatting
Can I prevent arthritis?
You can decrease your risk for developing certain types of arthritis by addressing any modifiable risks. You can achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, for example, avoid injuries and infections, and protect your joints from overuse.
What should I do if I think I have arthritis?
If you have joints that are sore, swollen, and stiff, consult with a healthcare practitioner. Only a trained healthcare professional can accurately diagnose arthritis and determine which type of arthritis you might have.
What can I do to treat or manage arthritis?
- Learn about arthritis
- Develop a team of healthcare professionals including your chiropractor
- Follow through with treatment
- Keep a positive attitude
What about chiropractic care for arthritis?
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by breakdown of tissue in one or more joints, which prevents proper joint movement and makes you more vulnerable to joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joint, which also impedes joint mobility and increases susceptibility to joint damage. Chiropractic care improves mobility, reduces inflammation, and eases pain and numbness associated with arthritis.
Movement and gentle physical exercise are the best treatment options for arthritis. The doctors at Chiropractic Health Clinic will keep your body in motion.
Make an appointment today – give us a call at (402) 778-5470.
