Arthritis is a type of disease, which causes mild to severe pain in the joints, making it hard for you to carry your routine activities. In fact, it’s a collective name of a variety of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Here we are going to discuss arthritis, its types, and the effective role played by osteotherapy while dealing with arthritis pain.
What is Arthritis
To put it simply, arthritis is referred to as the inflammation of the joints. This disease may affect single or multiple joints. It causes swelling, pain, and stiffness within or around the joints. The pain may range from mild to debilitating.
The symptoms include swelling, pain, and inflammation, impairing the ability of a person to live an active lifestyle. The factors causing arthritis include infections, abnormal metabolism, injury, genetic makeup, and malfunction of the immune system.
Types of Arthritis
Before we go into details regarding the treatment of arthritis, let’s take a look at the different types of this disorder.
Osteoarthritis
This is one of the most common types of arthritis, which relates to the wear and tear of joints. It normally appears with age, but there are numerous instances where this condition also arises due to obesity or joint injuries.
During this condition, the cartilage, which acts as a protective shield between the two bones is completely or partially damaged. It affects joints like feet, hips, and knees. Arthritis may take months or even years to show its symptoms.
The affected joint hurts a lot, which affects the overall mobility of such a joint. The symptoms may include:
- Painful Joints
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling around the joints
- Difficult while walking or climbing stairs
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation. This may lead to joint damage if left unattended. These often form over joint areas that receive pressure, such as over knuckles, elbows, or heels.
The symptoms are more severe than osteoarthritis and may include:
- Inflammation
- Painful joints
- Swelling
- Stiffness around joints
Psoriatic Arthritis
It’s a type of inflammation that affects the skin and joints. Psoriasis arthritis results in raised and patchy, areas of inflamed skin. This kind of disorder normally affects the tips of the knees, elbows, and scalp. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause inflammation and swelling of the toes and fingers.
- Pain and restricted movement
- Swelling around toes, fingers, and knees
- Inflammation
Gout
It’s a condition, where uric acid crystals start to build up in the joint. The increased level of uric acid in the blood is the true cause of gout disease. However, the excessive stress or use of drugs may also trigger this ailment.
- The symptoms include:
- Severe joint pain and discomfort
- Inflammation and stiffness
- Restricted movement
Treating Arthritis with Osteotherapy
An experienced and qualified osteopath knows how to release muscle stress. By removing tension around the affected joint, it is possible to improve the flexibility and range of motion. It also encourages the joints to stay in better shape due to better lymph and blood flow. As a result, the patient notices a reduction in pain and inflammation.
At Osteopath Sutherland Shire,our expert osteopaths use specific techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes to minimize arthritis pain. The osteotherapy techniques involve massage, gentle articulation, joint mobilization and stretching. Besides, we also suggest and advise a few stretching and strengthening exercises to our patients, which they can perform at home.
However, prior to treating arthritis, we conduct a variety of tests including, blood tests, x-rays, or even MRI. It helps to identify the cause of this condition. The treatment offered by our osteopaths isn’t painful. Usually, patients feel immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
The basic aim of such a treatment is to improve mobility and minimize the inflammation. By utilizing the gentle and manual osteopathic techniques, it is possible to minimize the stiffness, tension, and inflammation of muscles and ligaments around the joints.
Osteotherapy can assist while reducing the pain and ease muscle tension. As a whole, it enhances mobility as well as joint movement.
Osteopath near Me
If you are living in the Sutherland Shire and looking for an osteopath near you, the Osteopath Sutherland Shire is the option to consider. We offer patient-centric osteotherapy, and every patient receives customized treatment.
Especially, when it comes to treating arthritis pain,our specialized osteopaths know how to lower the pain and discomfort. For further information on arthritis and its treatment through osteopathy, don’t hesitate to visit our clinic. We will be more than happy to assist you while minimizing your pain and discomfort.