What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad category used to describe over 100 types of joint disorders.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. Cartilage normally acts as a buffer between bones, preventing them from grinding into one another. Regular wear and tear causes the cartilage to deteriorate, resulting in bone-on-bone contact. This painful condition worsens over time, restricting movement and causing great discomfort. The deterioration of osteoarthritis can be sped up by injuries or infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another major form of joint disorder. It is a type of autoimmune disease, which means your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. In the case of RA, the immune system targets the joint capsule, a thick membrane lining the joint. As the disease progresses, the joint is broken down from within, destroying cartilage and bone.
Various factors contribute to your risk of developing arthritis. Some people are genetically predisposed to it—if your parents or siblings have arthritis, you are more likely to experience it as well. Due to its degenerative nature, risk increases as you age. RA affects women at a higher rate than men, but men are more susceptible to gout, another common form of arthritis. Stress on the joint—whether from injury or excess weight—can also increase risk.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Arthritis
Take note if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Pain or stiffness in the joint
- Redness or swelling
- Difficulty moving or bending the joint
Joint disorders typically worsen gradually over time, but can be exacerbated by injury or overuse.
If you are experiencing any these symptoms, we recommend you come in for a consultation. Make an appointment online anytime.
We are here to help
Our mission is to provide a timely and sustainable recovery. We practice a wide range of evidence-based techniques to aid in your recovery, customized for each patient.
Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment to help restore your full range of motion.
Therapy modalities such as cold laser or electric stimulation to minimize muscle tightness, pain, and swelling.
Neuromuscular Massage Therapy to improve circulation and reduce pain.
Therapeutic stretching to increase your flexibility.
Irondequoit Chiropractic Center is proud to have served the Rochester community for more than 20 years. You can schedule an appointment anytime by contacting our office.