Arthritis
Arthritis is essentially an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. With there being more than a hundred different types of arthritis and related conditions, it becomes difficult to diagnose the proper cause of pain. It can affect people of all ages, both men and women, and is the leading cause of disability in America. The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, stiff movements and a decreased range of motion.
Causes of Arthritis
Most commonly, wear and tear between the cartilage and reduction of cartilage due to wear and tear is a primary factor as to how and why arthritis forms. Normal wear and tear causes osteoarthritis, which is the most prevalent types of the condition. An infection or injury may lead increased break down of cartilage which also leads to osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder, occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissues within the body. The destruction of these tissues negatively affect the synovium which produces synovial fluid between the joints. The reduction of this fluid also leads to arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms come and go in waves. They can be anywhere from mild to severe. Symptoms generally tend to stay consistent over time or they get progressively worse without treatment. Severe arthritis may result in chronic pain and hinder daily activities. These symptoms are limited range of motion/stiffness, clicking or cracking sounds when bending, swelling, excessive pain after activity.
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness
- Clicking or cracking sounds when bending.
- Swelling.
- Excessive pain after activity.
Diagnosis
To diagnose for arthritis, your primary care provider will perform a physical exam to check the body for swollen joints or loss of motion between joints. In addition, blood tests and x-rays will be utilized to support the diagnosis.
Treatment of Arthritis
Premier Pain & Rehab will assist in a variety of treatments including physical therapy to relieve your body of joint pain. Premier Pain specializes in holistic and allopathic medicine which, when used in combination, provides the most dramatic results of pain relief and cartilage regeneration between the joints. Call Premier Pain & Rehab today so they can get you on the track to relief.