Arthritis in Madison, OH

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that cause pain, limited range of motion and other symptoms. At French Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis experienced by the residents of Painesville, Mentor and surrounding communities in Ohio.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a Greek term that is literally translated as “joint inflammation”. Inflammation is one of your body’s many normal responses to injury and illness and typically involves stiffness, pain and swelling. However, it can also include redness and localized warmth, and the area may be uncomfortable to touch. When inflammation lasts for a prolonged period or keeps coming back, such as with arthritis, tissue damage and deterioration may result.

Joints are comprised of areas where two or more bones meet, such as your knees, fingers or shoulders. The ends of these bones are coated with a soft tissue known as cartilage, which acts as cushioning between the two bones and keeps them from grinding together. On top of the cartilage is a thin membrane known as the synovium. This secretes a slick fluid that lubricates the joint and provides nourishment. Meanwhile, tough strips of flexible tissue called ligaments hold the two bones together to stabilize the joint. Tendons and muscles allow movement and provide additional support.

In arthritis, these areas become inflamed, resulting in stiffness, pain and often trouble moving. Some variations of the disease can also strike other body systems, such as the skin and organs.

The Different Types of Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease, is caused by repeated injury to joints. It tends to be more prevalent in older individuals. Some research suggests that abnormalities in joint structures, such as hip dysplasia, can lead to osteoarthritis’ premature development. Malnutrition, damaged nerves, lack of adequate blood flow and prolonged immobility can also contribute to the development of the disease.
• Psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are autoimmune variants of arthritis. This causes the immune system to mistakenly label the body’s own tissues as pathogens and attack them, which can be crippling and disfiguring. These are more likely to affect young individuals.
• Bacterial and viral infections of the joints are known as septic arthritis.
• Gout, a metabolic disorder caused when poor elimination of uric acid leads to its crystallized accumulations in the joints, is also a form of arthritis. A less common type of gout, pseudogout, involves a similar action with calcium pyrophosphate.

What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis?

The various kinds of arthritis feature different symptoms, the severity of which often differs for each person. Osteoarthritis does not generally cause any symptoms outside the joint. Symptoms of other arthritic conditions can involve fever, rash, fatigue and the following signs of joint inflammation.

• Warmth and redness
• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Cracking or popping sounds with movement
• Pulling sensations with movement

What Causes Arthritis?

There are several kinds of arthritis, and probably numerous possible causes. Scientists are still researching how lifestyle and genes can play into the disease’s development. There are also numerous risk factors for arthritic conditions. These consist of habits or traits that increase your odds of contracting a disease or that make you naturally more predisposed to it. Arthritis risk factors include

• Age. Older people are more likely to get arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
• Sex. Arthritis is more likely to strike females than males.
• Overweight. Excess body weight strains the joints, accelerating their deterioration and promoting osteoarthritis. It is also associated with higher rates of gout.
• Work. If your job involves heavy lifting, frequent bending or repetitive motions, it can put your joints through considerable wear and tear. It can also lead to joint injuries, which further promote the development of osteoarthritis.

What Is The Treatment For Arthritis?

French Chiropractic and Wellness Center uses two forms of spinal decompression including flexion/distraction chiropractic tables, and a spinal decompression table delivering FDA-approved spinal decompression therapy. Manual adjustments by hand or assisted by an instrument are also employed for conservative treatment of arthritis.

Chiropractic care focuses restoring proper segmental motion to dysfunctional vertebral regions or other joints of the body. French Chiropractic and Wellness Center is a cutting-edge clinic located in Madison, Ohio that can help patients who are tired of struggling with pain and discomfort brought on by arthritis.

Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of arthritis, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.