Arthritis is the main cause of disability among people over fifty-five
years of age in industrialized countries.
What is the cause?
In order to better understand what is going on when a person suffers from some form of arthritis, let us look at how a joint works. If you have arthritis, something goes wrong with the joint(s). What goes wrong depends on what type of arthritis you have. It could be that the cartilage is wearing away, a lack of fluid, autoimmunity (your body attacking itself), infection, or a combination of many factors. Whatever the type or cause, arthritis is usually painful, and it can be frustrating trying to find relief.
Different Types
There are over 100 types of this condition. Here is a description of some common ones, together with the causes:
- Osteoarthritis – cartilage loses its elasticity. If the cartilage is stiff, it becomes damaged more easily. The cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber, will gradually wear away in some areas. As the cartilage becomes damaged, tendons and ligaments become stretched, causing pain. Eventually, the bones may rub against each other, causing very severe pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – this is an inflammatory form of arthritis. The synovial membrane (synovium) is attacked, resulting in swelling and pain. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is significantly more common in women than men and generally strikes when the patient is aged between 40 and 60. However, children and much older people may also be affected.
- Infectious arthritis (septic arthritic) – an infection in the synovial fluid and tissues of a joint. It is usually caused by bacteria, but could also be caused by fungi or viruses. Bacteria, fungi, or viruses may spread through the bloodstream from infected tissue nearby and infect a joint. Most susceptible people are those who already have some form of arthritis and develop an infection that travels in the bloodstream.
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) – means arthritis that affects a person aged 16 or less. JRA can be various forms of arthritis; it basically means that a child has it
Duluth Injury & Rehab Center & Injury Center ’s 21st Century approach has received amazing pain management results!
How is Arthritis pain treated?
At Duluth Injury & Rehab Center, our team offers personalized treatment plans to relieve Arthritis pain that include:
- Physiotherapy including EMS, Hot/Cold Packs
- MLS Laser Therapy
- Acoustic Wave Therapy using (The Miracle Wave)
- Safe, gentle, and science-based chiropractic adjustments
Depending on your diagnosis, the team will recommend a tailored approach to relieve your pain, decrease inflammation, and reduce Arthritis pain.
