Arthritis is a condition where the joints get affected and can have over 200 variations, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This condition results in tenderness or swelling of the joints and is common among adults over 65 years of age. Furthermore, it is more common in women than in men and also affects those who are overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54.4 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with one of the forms of arthritis.
What are its symptoms?
There are two types of arthritis that affect the human body: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. While the symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, they may also surface suddenly. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling or numbness of joints
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Fever
- Fatigue
What causes Arthritis?
As mentioned earlier, there are two types of arthritis that might be responsible for your pain.
Osteo Arthritis happens when cartilage, a soft and slippery tissue that covers the end of the bones that form a joint, starts to get thinner resulting in the collision of bones against each other. Although this happens as we age, any kind of infection, trauma or injury will fasten the natural wear and tear process of cartilage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis happens when a misdirected immune system starts to attack the joints. The exact reason for this immune disorder is unknown but some scientists have come up with genetic markers that might be responsible for increasing one’s chances of getting this condition.
What are the treatment options?
Although there is no way you can completely treat Arthritis, you can always get rid of the pain and prevent additional damage to the joints. At home, you can use either heating pads or ice packs to the hurting joint, whichever works best for you. You can also use assistive devices like canes and walkers to reduce the amount of pain until further treatment. Likewise, you can take medications prescribed by experienced doctors, go for surgery or use a natural method like physical therapy to treat arthritis.
At Illinois Back Institute, we have a unique team of practiced doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and nurses who can treat arthritis without surgery or drugs. We use a proven natural technique that has helped more than 500,000 patients with back pain. Book an appointment with us here if you want to get your pain-free life back.
