Osteoarthritis – Arthritis Relief Springfield MO

 

Osteoarthritis - Arthritis Relief Springfield MO

Osteoarthritis – Arthritis Relief Springfield MO

Arthritis.  The very word fills us with a specter of fear and pain.  People think of getting old, unable to get around, and of becoming more dependent upon others.  Arthritis is not just a single disease.  There are over 120 kinds of arthritis, all of which have something to do with one or more joints in the body.  Technically, arthritis simply means inflammation of the joint.  However, in many types of arthritis, the joint is not inflamed.  A better definition may be problems with the joint, or the ligaments, tendons, and muscles near the joint.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the kind of arthritis that almost everyone will eventually get.  Fortunately, osteoarthritis is usually a much less severe form of arthritis than rheumatoid arthritis. The changes that occur with age are inevitable. They cause symptoms in many people but only severe symptoms in very few.

The consequence of osteoarthritis can be the loss of physical function.  Because of pain, patients tend to be less active, and this further accelerates the loss of function.  In our clinic, we focus on restoring and maintaining joint function for arthritis relief.  This is a key component to the chiropractic experience.  In addition to seeing the chiropractor, following a dedicated regular exercise program is essential to increase, heart, muscle, ligament, tendon, and bone strength.

Joints should be exercised through their full range of motion several times a day.  If weight-bearing joints are involved, body weight should be kept under control; obesity accelerates the rate of damage.  The most helpful exercise seems to be walking, swimming and bicycling, which are easy.  Strengthening exercises can also be helpful.  Exercise should be a regular part of your lifestyle.