Arthritis Osteoarthritis

Arthritis/Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a progressive disorder made worse over time as cartilage is lost and bony spurs and cysts develop on the joints. It is one of the most common disabilities, especially in people over 50. While only five per cent of the US population has the problem, over 30 per cent of those over the age of 45 suffer from arthritis/osteoarthritis. It usually appears at the age of 40 and gets increasingly worse as the person ages.

Cause

Arthritis/osteoarthritis is the result of deterioration and loss of bone cartilage. This cartilage acts as a natural cushion between the bones. This is most important in the joints that bear weight, such as the knees and the hips. When the cartilage isn’t as thick anymore, the bones begin to rub up against each other causing bone spurs to develop as well as abnormal hardening and cysts.  Pain occurs due to the fluid in the joints and the deformed bones. Rest will make the pain go away or lessen, while putting strain on the joint, such as by bearing weight, will make the pain worse. At first, the problem will only cause stiffness in the joints, but eventually it will lead to chronic inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Besides arthritis/osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is another problem that can cause pain in the joints. This is an autoimmune disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints, the area around the joints, and even the organs as well. Autoimmune means that the areas of the body are attacked by its own immune system. While this is a long-term disease, patients may have long periods, even years, where they do not suffer symptoms. Even so, it is pretty dangerous and can lead to destruction of the bones and disability. The inflammation that rheumatoid arthritis can case leads to pain, swelling, and the destruction of bone, cartilage, and ligaments. It can even permanently deform the joints.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common reasons for disability in those persons over the age of 50. Chiropractic care is the leading alternative method for dealing with the afflictions, and many people who try it claim that it does help alleviate the pain and lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis. If you have symptoms of either, you may wish to make an appointment with a chiropractor and see if he or she can do something that will make you feel better.