Arthritis

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis isn’t a single disease but instead refers to more than 100 different conditions. Two or more bones come together to form joints throughout the body. Elbows, hips, and knees are all joints. When our joints become damaged through injury or disease, arthritis can develop.

Arthritis causes joint pain and swelling that, over time, can be debilitating. People with severe arthritis may have trouble doing simple daily tasks like climbing stairs or getting dressed. Arthritis affects people of all ages, though it is most common in older women.

The three most common types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis

(Commonly treated in our office)

This form of arthritis breaks down the cartilage that cushions the end of bones. As the bones rub together, joints become painful, swollen, and stiff. Injury, family history, and obesity are risk factors for osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your tissues. RA is found in the joints and can also affect other parts of your body, including your eyes and lungs. The cause of RA is unknown.

Psoriatic Arthritis

People with the skin disease psoriasis sometimes also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis causes itchy patches on the skin that may or may not come with joint pain and inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms range from mild to severe and can affect multiple joints.

What are symptoms of arthritis?

Among the more than 100 different forms of arthritis, there are several common symptoms:

• Decreased range of motion
• Pain
• Redness
• Stiffness
• Swelling

Symptoms vary from person to person. They can be mild or severe and can plateau for years or progress quickly. Some forms of arthritis damage joints permanently.

Because arthritis can impair movement, it's essential to get treatment at Taber Chiropractic & Laser Spine Therapy Center if you experience any of these common symptoms.

How is arthritis treated?

There is no cure for arthritis, but modern treatments can significantly control pain, improve mobility, and limit joint damage. The Drs. Taber complement or replace traditional care with a holistic approach to pain management.

Corrective exercises, physical therapy, spinal adjustments, and diet and nutritional counseling work together to reduce inflammation and increase your mobility. Over time, chronic pain can affect your mental health and well-being, and these methods can make the pain manageable.

At Taber Chiropractic & Laser Spine Therapy Center, Dr. D and Dr. T strive to help you enjoy your life without being impaired by arthritis. Call or click to book your consultation conveniently.