2 Main Arthritis Types and How They Affect You

Arthritis

Inflammation of one or more joints is called Arthritis. It is one of the most common causes of joint pain. There are many arthritis types but the most common are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Many things can cause these two arthritis types over time but the treatment for both is similar.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

An Overview

Damage to cartilage at the end of your bone can cause Osteoarthritis. As time passes cartilage may break leading to friction between the ends of the joint, bone against bone. This breakage of cartilage reduces and restricts movement, the joint(s) may swell (called inflammation) and cause pain.

Usually Osteoarthritis affects older people over 65; but it can also happen to injured, obese people, or have specific genetic markers that are more prone to arthritis.

Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Some of the more common Osteoarthritis symptoms are:

  • Pain that decreases as you move
  • Cracking in the joints
  • Morning stiffness
  • Swollen joints
  • Joints that are warm to the touch

Diagnosis

To determine if you are suffering from Osteoarthritis, also known as OA, your chiropractor may take an x-ray to get a more detailed look at the problem and will also consult your medical background and physical condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks your own body. The affected areas of these attacks are usually restricted to the joints. Up until now doctors have been unable find the cause behind this kind of arthritis.

Recent research is showing that one out of every five RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) patients seem to develop lumps on their skin in the affected areas. These lumps are called Rheumatoid nodules and can be found in areas like the heels, elbows, and knuckles.

Women between the ages of 30 – 60 are usually more affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) than men.

Common Symptoms

Some of the common Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms are:

  • Swelling and pain/stiffness in ankles, jaw, hands, wrist, elbows, feet, shoulders, and knees
  • Morning stiffness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Uneasiness for a minimum 6 weeks

Unlike Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) doesn’t fade with movement or exercise. Unfortunately it seems pain from RA increases over time.

Diagnosis

To determine the type of arthritis you are experiencing, your chiropractor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, take some x-rays and look for rheumatoid nodules.

In most cases, the treatment for both types are similar.

Tips for Treatment

Self-care, exercising, and chiropractic care have been shown to help provide relief from arthritic pain. Tell your chiropractor if you are having any kind of discomfort in your joints or are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above. Dickson Chiropractic Clinic is here to help you. Visit our website:  https://dickson-chiropractic.com to learn more about how chiropractic care is a safe, natural method to helping you feel better fast.

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