Arthritis is a medical condition that occurs when there is severe inflammation in the body’s joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types of the medical condition. While osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are caused by completely different underlying factors and damage the joints in different ways, they both deliver the same painful symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it is usually caused by normal wear-and-tear of the joints. The cartilage protecting the bones and joints starts to erode and get damaged as it is used. If the cartilage is damaged enough, then your bones may start to rub against each other when you move. Since this level of damage usually takes a long time, osteoarthritis is most common in older individuals. Several injuries, infections, obesity and family history can speed up the cartilage deterioration process, so it is possible for an adult of any age to suffer from this condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when there is damage to the lining of the joint capsule, which is the hard membrane that covers all of the parts of the joint. The lining of the joint capsule becomes swollen and inflamed, which causes a malfunction in the body’s autoimmune system. If rheumatoid arthritis becomes bad enough, then it can lead to completely destroyed bone and cartilage in the affected joint. While anyone can suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, it is more common among women and anyone with a family history of the condition.
Whether you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, you will experience intense pain and stiffness in the affected joints. This pain and stiffness will only continue to get worse until treated properly, and it can even make it difficult to perform normal tasks. Swelling, limited movement in the joints and redness are the other common symptoms.
Since there are several conditions that can cause joint pain and stiffness, it is best to get a checkup to make sure you do not have a more serious problem. The treatment for your arthritis will likely begin with taking medications to reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and creams have been proven to be the most effective at treating the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Massage therapy can be combined with the medications to improve the chances of successful treatment.
If medication does not help to reduce your pain, then more drastic treatment measures will need to be taken. At La Grange Chiropractic in La Grange, we often think it’s best to find and treat the underlying cause of the problem to fully treat your condition. During a consultation at our office, our trained medical professional will be able to evaluate your arthritis and then come up with a plan of treatment that is customized for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.