Arthritis
Our excellent treatment and advice can reduce or eliminate pain and help you back to the activities that you miss
There are many types of arthritis, making it essential to identify the type of arthritis that is causing the typical symptoms of pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis responds well to chiropractic treatment whilst other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, will need a medical referral. Arthritis can flare up and then disappear or become an ongoing constant ache. We see many people who find our excellent treatment and advice eliminates or reduces this pain and allows them to return to activities such as gardening, walking or a sport that they had felt they could not continue with.
Lots of people find that our excellent treatment and advice eliminates or reduces their pain and lets them go back to activities like gardening, walking, or a sport that they had thought they could no longer do.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
This is the most common type of arthritis, often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ or ‘degenerative arthritis’. These terms can be misleading and cause unnecessary worry as osteoarthritis is often present with no associated pain at all. The pain of OA can come and go and we can teach you ways to reduce or eliminate that pain. Although pain and stiffness can increase after activity, it responds well to gentle exercise and is often worse after rest. Too much exercise or hard work does not cause osteoarthritis. For example, marathon runners do not have more OA unless they have suffered an injury. OA is more common in older people and in joints with previous injuries, for instance, a past joint fracture. Other factors include genetics and body mechanics, including body weight and body alignment.
OA responds very well to different treatment types, including joint and muscle mobilisations and manipulations, K-Laser and dry needling, as well as exercises. This means we can choose the right therapy for each person according to their needs and wishes.
Gout
This is a type of crystal arthritis, often affecting one joint at a time, typically the big toe. The joint becomes exceedingly painful, hot and swollen. Often it is so painful that even a bed sheet over the foot is too much to bear. A buildup of uric acid crystals causes gout in the joint. It can run in the family and is more common in people with high blood pressure and diabetes. Dietary advice is essential, as red meat, offal, seafood, beer, and spirits can aggravate it.
Inflammatory Arthritis
There are several more common types of inflammatory arthritis (see below). They affect people of all ages, often starting in younger people. Medical treatment is essential, as it is very effective and can prevent joint damage and deformity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis
These occur when the body’s immune system attacks the joints. The pain and stiffness are typically much worse than they are in OA and usually worse in the mornings, lasting several hours.
