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Arthritis
Overview
Understanding Your Condition
Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions that involve inflammation of the joints. It can affect one or multiple joints, and there are several different types, each with its own causes and treatment methods. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Causes & Types
- Osteoarthritis (OA): caused by wear and tear of joint cartilage; typically affects older adults; commonly impacts knees, hips, lower back, and hands.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks joint tissues; can occur at any age; often affects smaller joints first.
- Gout: caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: primarily affects the spine.
- Juvenile Arthritis: occurs in children.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and tenderness in the joints
- Reduced range of motion
- Redness around the joints
- In severe cases, joint deformity
How We Can Help
- Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs for RA.
- Physical therapy: exercises to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
- Lifestyle modifications: weight management, low-impact exercise, joint protection.
- Surgical options: joint replacement surgery in severe cases.
Prevention & Management
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Stay active with low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling.
- Use proper body mechanics and joint protection techniques.
- Apply heat or cold therapy to manage flare-ups.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants.
Ready to Find Relief?
Our team is here to help you address the root cause and get back to feeling your best.
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