Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Treatment through Chiropractic Care in Arlington, VA

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases, causing joint pain and stiffness. At District Wellness, our chiropractors have more than 10 years of experience dealing with osteoarthritis symptoms. Call us today at (571) 568-8496  and let us design a custom plan for you to have some pain relief.

According to the National Institute of musculoskeletal and skin diseases, osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis, often called wear and tear arthritis, and is more common in older people. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The disease can lead to joint deformity and disability.

What is Osteoarthritis Pain and What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) pain is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of our bones. As this cartilage breaks down, it no longer acts as a buffer between the bones, causing them to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis pain is most commonly felt in the knees or hip joint as these are the weight-bearing joints of the body.

You can develop osteoarthritis due to following reasons:

• Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. This is because the cartilage in our joints breaks down and wears away over time
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on our joints, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis, especially hip osteoarthritis
• Injury: Suffering from a joint injury, such as those sustained from playing sports or being in an accident, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis later on in life
• Repetitive Movements: Doing the same motions over and over again (such as typing on a keyboard) can put a strain on the joints and lead to the development of osteoarthritis
• Genetics: Osteoarthritis can be hereditary, so if your parents or grandparents had it, you may be more likely to develop it as well

Osteoarthritis (OA) Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of osteoarthritis can differ from person to person. For some people, the joint damage is mild hence the symptoms are bearable, while for others day-to-day life can become unmanageable due to the pain. Some common arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, and/or tenderness in the joints, joint swelling, decreased range of motion in the joints, joint deformities, nodes or bone spurs forming around the affected joints, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask about your family history, as osteoarthritis can run in families.

During the physical exam, your doctor will check for signs of osteoarthritis, such as pain or tenderness in the joints, joint stiffness, loss of range of motion, or deformity. Imaging tests, such as x-rays or MRIs, can help confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may also be done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Options for Degenerative Joint Disease

There are many different treatments available to relieve pain, and the best approach depends on the individual case. Some common ways of pain management include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be effective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis. Prescription painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be an option for more severe cases.

• Exercise

Regular exercise is important for maintaining joint function and flexibility. Low-impact activities such as swimming or walking are often better tolerated than high-impact activities such as running.

• Weight Loss

If you are overweight, losing weight can help to reduce the stress on your affected joint and relieve pain due to osteoarthritis.

• Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a treatment option for severe osteoarthritis. In this procedure, the damaged parts of the painful joint are removed and replaced with artificial components (called prostheses). Joint surgery can be an effective way to reduce pain and improve joint function. However, it is major surgery and there are some risk factors involved. These risks include infection, blood clots, and problems with the artificial joint. This surgery is typically only considered when other treatment options have failed.

Chiropractic Care for Painful Joints

Chiropractic treatment is based on the concept that your nervous system functions best when your bones are aligned properly, which benefits not only your muscles and joints but also all of the body’s systems. Many individuals utilize it to cure musculoskeletal injuries.

Chiropractic care has been found to be effective in treating osteoarthritis, particularly in the early stages of the disease. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients with early-stage osteoarthritis who received chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain and function compared to those who did not receive chiropractic care.

Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve joint function and reduce inflammation. In addition, chiropractic care can help to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis. If you are considering chiropractic care for the treatment of osteoarthritis, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.

If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis or other health issues, contact the District Wellness office in Arlington, Virg., right away to schedule an appointment. Our qualified team has years of expertise assisting our patients who are suffering from arthritis and other chronic diseases. Now is the time to make a call (571) 568-8496!