osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. It mainly affects the weight-bearing joints e.g., the spine, hips, knees, ankles, and joints in the hands.

Osteoarthritis begins with the breakdown of the cartilage in the joint. As the cartilage wears down, the ends of the bone can thicken and form bony growths (spurs). Bone spurs interfere with the movement of the joint. Pieces of bone and cartilage can float in the joint space. Fluid-filled cysts can form in the bone, limiting joint movement.

CAUSES

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Wearing down of joints due to aging.

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Severe injury to a joint.

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Being overweight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on your joints, especially your knees.

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Overuse: Using the same joints over and over in a job or sport can result in osteoarthritis.

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Genetic and hereditary factors: People with family members who have osteoarthritis are more likely to develop it.

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Menopause: Levels of estrogen, which protects your bones and cartilage, fall after menopause.

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Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive movements in a particular joint increase the risk.

SYMPTOMS

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Joint pain.

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Joint stiffness, especially after sleep or inactivity.

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Joint inflammation.

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Limited joint mobility.

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A grinding feeling of the joint when moved, as the cartilage wears away (advanced stages).

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Tenderness or discomfort.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

Dr. Goel see patients with osteoarthritis daily and is extremely successful in diagnosing and treating the condition. She begins with a thorough consultation to learn more about the patient’s past activities and lifestyle. Once a thorough history has been established a chiropractic evaluation will be performed. This evaluation includes orthopedic and neurologic testing, a physical exam as well as any necessary X-rays. X-rays will show degeneration of cartilage between joints, bone spurs called osteophytes and disc degeneration.

The chiropractic approach to treating osteoarthritis is to find the underlying cause of the problem. Once we determine which joints are misaligned, the joint is gently and  effectively realigned with a chiropractic adjustment. This realignment restores motion back into the joint and decreases pressure on the nervous system. Patients with osteoarthritis experience pain relief with chiropractic care but ultimately continued chiropractic care will prevent the arthritis from progressively getting worse. Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative process meaning that if a patient does not continue to maintain the proper alignment and motion of a joint, the degeneration will start up again. Chiropractic care can effectively alleviate the pain from arthritis without the need of drugs by naturally restoring the function and range of motion of your joints.

Do not let your osteoarthritis symptoms stop you from enjoying your life and being active. Take control of your health and Fight back against these debilitating symptoms.  Reclaim your pain-free life once and for all.

CLICK TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT OUR CLINIC TODAY

At the Decarie Square Wellness Chiropractic Clinic, we believe the body works as one connected system. The spine, nervous system, muscles, and joints are all connected to each other, affecting the way our bodies maintain and restore their health. Dr. Goel combines a variety of treatments that reflect this holistic approach so that your body can be resilient in facing everyday challenges.

Chiropractic care is a safe, efficient, and effective way not only for eradicating the pain but also to address the underlying cause. If you are dealing with osteoarthritis, contact our friendly clinic to book an appointment, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of your condition. You can contact us online or call 514.344.6118.