Arthritis Treatment
Find Relief From Arthritis Pain & Symptoms in Twin Falls, ID
The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation” and is often used in reference to rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases include more than 100 conditions, which includes: gout, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and many more. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a rheumatic disease, affecting about 1 percent of the U.S. population (about 3.3 million people.) Although rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age and is more frequent in the older generation, young people and children can also suffer from it. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints.
Since there are many types of arthritis, we focus on how chiropractic care can help resolve your joint inflammation and reduce your pain associated with arthritis, and our treatment plan may need to be co-managed with your physician for optimal care.
What is Arthritis?
Services to Help Treat Arthritis
Sunrise Chiropractic offers a range of specialized services designed to alleviate the discomfort and enhance the mobility of individuals suffering from arthritis. Our targeted approach aims to provide relief and manage symptoms effectively:
-
Chiropractic Adjustments: We provide gentle spinal and joint adjustments to reduce pain and improve joint function. These adjustments can decrease stiffness and increase range of motion, helping to restore balance in the body’s musculoskeletal structure.
-
Physical Therapy: Tailored physical therapy sessions focus on strengthening the muscles around affected joints, enhancing flexibility, and reducing the strain on joints. This can be particularly beneficial for arthritis patients to maintain as much mobility as possible.
-
Therapeutic Massage: Massage therapy can be a valuable tool for managing arthritis pain. It helps to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease muscle tension around affected joints.
-
Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling: Our holistic approach includes advice on lifestyle changes and nutrition that can help manage arthritis symptoms. We provide guidance on anti-inflammatory diets and healthy habits that support joint health.
-
Education on Self-Management Techniques: We empower our patients with techniques to manage pain at home, including hot and cold therapies, exercises, and ergonomic tips.
At Sunrise Chiropractic, we are committed to helping our patients lead more comfortable and active lives despite their arthritis, using a comprehensive and personalized care approach.
What Causes Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis, including:
- Genetic Factors: Certain types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, have a genetic component, making some individuals more predisposed to the disease than others.
- Age: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age as the wear and tear on joints accumulates over time.
- Joint Injuries: Injuries to joints, such as those from sports or accidents, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees, which can lead to arthritis.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, are autoimmune conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.
- Infections: Certain microbial infections can affect the joints and potentially trigger forms of arthritis such as septic arthritis.
Understanding these risk factors can help in managing symptoms and preventing the progression of arthritis.
At Home Exercises to Help With Arthritis Pain
Managing arthritis pain at home is essential for maintaining joint function and overall mobility. Here are some effective exercises that can be done safely at home to help ease arthritis symptoms:
-
Range of Motion Exercises: Gently move your joints through their full range of motion daily. This can include arm lifts, leg raises, and rolling your shoulders, which help keep joints flexible and can be done several times a day.
-
Strengthening Exercises: Building muscle around the joints supports and protects them. Use light weights or resistance bands to perform exercises like bicep curls, leg presses, and chair squats. Aim for two to three times per week, but avoid working the same muscle groups two days in a row.
-
Aerobic Activities: Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling help improve cardiovascular health without straining the joints. Try to include these activities in your routine for about 30 minutes most days of the week.
-
Stretching: Regular stretching helps maintain flexibility in the muscles and joints. Incorporate gentle stretching exercises into your daily routine, focusing on areas that support arthritic joints, like the hips, knees, and back.
-
Balance Exercises: Improving your balance helps prevent falls and injuries. Simple exercises like standing on one foot or walking heel to toe can be done at home with the support of a chair or countertop.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have arthritis. They can help tailor exercises to your specific needs and conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.