Osteoarthritis Treatment In Murfreesboro, TN
Osteoarthritis Specialist
Arthritis refers to a family of diseases that affect joints in the body. Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is considered the most common disease affecting joints in the United States. According to NCBI, an estimated prevalence of knee osteoarthritis is about 11.5% among people older than 60. Osteoarthritis can affect many other parts of your body too.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can cause various symptoms. Some of the signs you should look out for include:
- Pain in the joints that are affected
- Pain may be worse after you have moved
- Joint stiffness tends to occur too
- The joints may feel tender
- There may be a reduction in joint flexibility
- A grating sensation is sometimes experienced with movement
- Bone spurs can develop in the affected areas
- The area around the affected joint may be swollen
Causes Of Osteoarthritis
Gradual deterioration of cartilage causes osteoarthritis. It occurs with wear and tears over the years. As cartilage wears down, bones will rub against other bones.
Certain risk factors increase your likeliness of developing osteoarthritis. Some of these risk factors include:
- Age
- Gender
- Injuries to joints
- Repetitive stress placed on joints
- Obesity
- A family history of osteoarthritis
- Bone deformities
- Hemochromatosis
- Diabetes
Temporary Pain Relief For Osteoarthritis
There are a few ways to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis. You can use an NSAID medication to bring down swelling. Prescription drugs are also available. Hot and cold therapy might also help reduce pain and swelling.
Long-Term Problems Due To Untreated Osteoarthritis
Many people with osteoarthritis will experience long-term complications, primarily if early treatment is not implemented. This is a degenerative disease. It means osteoarthritis tends to worsen as time goes by. Eventually, daily activities like washing the dishes and hanging the washing can become painful and difficult.
Many people with osteoarthritis will also develop sleep-related problems down the line. Another possible long-term complication includes depression.
Treatment For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a long-term and chronic disease. No cure exists. Treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms that you experience. There are also some treatments that help reduce the rate at which the disease progresses.
Acetaminophen is often used to help reduce pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also help treat the symptoms. Some people may benefit from Duloxetine, which is an antidepressant. It may help with alleviating chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.
There are specific surgical options for osteoarthritis. This includes cortisone injections, which reduce pain in the affected joint. Lubrication injections may sometimes be provided.
Osteoarthritis And Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by years of wear and tears on joints and bones. On the other hand, Arthritis is a general term used to describe many conditions. Osteoarthritis is just one type of arthritis that can develop. Another typical example is rheumatoid arthritis.
What Is The Best Vitamin For Arthritis?
A few supplements may help reduce the effects of arthritis. Curcumin may help to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, as well as other types of these diseases. Curcumin has been linked to the same potency as diclofenac in treating the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Vitamin D is another essential supplement, along with a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Additionally, a natural herbal dietary supplement can also be taken that combines chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. This may also help slow down the disease’s progression and reduce the severity of symptoms.
How Do They Test For Osteoarthritis?
No specific blood test is available to diagnose osteoarthritis. A blood test may still rule out rheumatoid arthritis and other possible causes of joint pain. A joint fluid analysis may sometimes be needed. This can show if an infection or gout is present.
Imaging tests are generally used to diagnose osteoarthritis. This includes a magnetic resonance imaging test. Standard X-rays can also be helpful in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Can Chiropractic Help With Osteoarthritis?
Chiropractic care can help with osteoarthritis. Pressure related to the spinal vertebra rubbing together can be relieved. The rub action causes a loss of cartilage. Chiropractic care could reduce the rate at which cartilage is lost in this area.
According to an NCBI study, a female patient experiences osteoarthritis symptoms. She underwent chiropractic care sessions over a period of 12 weeks. Her gait speed increased, along with her balance. The patient also experienced an increase in her range of motion. A reduction in disability was noted by the patient too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chiropractors Help With Inflammation?
Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the production of specific neuropeptides possibly. In turn, this might be a helpful strategy for reducing inflammation in the body. The adjustments made by a chiropractor could also reduce cytokine production.
Can Massage Help Osteoarthritis?
Massage is another alternative therapy that may be useful for people with osteoarthritis. Massage may assist in relieving the pain that the patient is experiencing. You may also find a release in stiffness among the affected joints. This could improve your range of motion.
Is There A Cure For Osteoarthritis Of The Spine?
No cure has been developed for osteoarthritis, including scenarios where the disease affects the spine. Treatment available focuses on reducing how quickly the disease progress and helping to alleviate your symptoms.
What Are The 4 Stages Of Osteoarthritis?
There are generally four stages related to osteoarthritis:
- Stage one means minor signs of osteoarthritis
- Stage two means mild signs of osteoarthritis
- Stage three means the disease has progressed to a moderate severity
- Stage four means the osteoarthritis is severe
How Do You Stop Osteoarthritis From Progressing?
There is no way to stop osteoarthritis from progressing entirely. A few treatments are available to help slow the disease down. Taking advantage of these can help delay some of the complications associated with the disease.
Does Osteoarthritis Hurt All The Time?
During the earlier stages of osteoarthritis, pain may be worse after movement. Some people find that the pain fluctuates with time. At a later stage, pain may become chronic.
Will Osteoarthritis Cripple Me?
Osteoarthritis does not cripple everyone. It depends on how quickly the disease progress and the joints deteriorate. It also depends on the specific joints in your body affected by the disease.
What Type Of Doctor Can Diagnose Osteoarthritis?
A general practitioner will usually refer you to a rheumatologist if they suspect osteoarthritis. This specialist will order more tests and provide an official diagnosis of the disease.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Osteoarthritis Treatment?
First, check your mattress; it may be one of the causes of neck pain. It is better to use an orthopedic mattress. Second, sleep with a good pillow that aligns your neck with your back and the rest of your body. The pillow should be comfortable and supportive. And third, sleep in a comfortable position, preferably on your back with a thin pillow on your side or between your knees.