Arthritis
This is perhaps one of the most commonly used words by patients with any joint pain. More often than not it is used without a clear understanding of what it is. Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint. There are two main types, osteo and rheumatoid:
Osteoarthritis is often explained as “wear and tear” to the joint, which is true to a certain extent. But what has brought on this “wear and tear” and why only that joint? Well, it can be put down to occupation (i.e. the body being used repetitively in the same way) as well as obesity (more pressure on the joint surfaces), however, sometimes it is due to altered postural and biomechanics (movement of the body). This can be caused by a past trauma, growth patterns and even as far back as the most traumatic experience in any ones life – the birthing process. Symptoms include tenderness and stiffness, which are somewhat relieved after a period of movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more complex, it is an autoimmune condition, i.e. one in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. It usually affects the whole body, particularly the membranes of the joints. The joints typically affected are the hands and feet, wrists, ankles and knees. These tend to be warm, tender and swollen, and the skin over the joint will take on a ruddy purplish hue. Joint deformities occur in the hands and feet, as the disease progresses.
Osteopaths are highly skilled in helping patients with either form of the condition. As the symptoms are produced largely by the inflammation around the joint, specific movements and treatment techniques can be extremely effective. By encouraging the movement of fluid around the joints and tissues, this helps to remove the inflammatory substances. In the elderly, minimal treatment can often have profound effect in reducing the pain.
Osteopaths will also address diet and lifestyle in order to help control the symptoms experienced. For more information from an osteopath or to book an appointment why not follow the link below:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is often explained as “wear and tear” to the joint, which is true to a certain extent. But what has brought on this “wear and tear” and why only that joint? Well, it can be put down to occupation (i.e. the body being used repetitively in the same way) as well as obesity (more pressure on the joint surfaces), however, sometimes it is due to altered postural and biomechanics (movement of the body). This can be caused by a past trauma, growth patterns and even as far back as the most traumatic experience in any ones life – the birthing process. Symptoms include tenderness and stiffness, which are somewhat relieved after a period of movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more complex, it is an autoimmune condition, i.e. one in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. It usually affects the whole body, particularly the membranes of the joints. The joints typically affected are the hands and feet, wrists, ankles and knees. These tend to be warm, tender and swollen, and the skin over the joint will take on a ruddy purplish hue. Joint deformities occur in the hands and feet, as the disease progresses.
Osteopaths are highly skilled in helping patients with either form of the condition. As the symptoms are produced largely by the inflammation around the joint, specific movements and treatment techniques can be extremely effective. By encouraging the movement of fluid around the joints and tissues, this helps to remove the inflammatory substances. In the elderly, minimal treatment can often have profound effect in reducing the pain.
Osteopaths will also address diet and lifestyle in order to help control the symptoms experienced. For more information from an osteopath or to book an appointment why not follow the link below:
Arthritis
