Osteoarthritis FAQ’s from Our Chiropractor in Arcadia CA

As you get older, the chances of being diagnosed with osteoarthritis increases. This is a chronic condition that can end up affecting your everyday life, so it is important to know as much about it as possible. If you think you might have osteoarthritis, our chiropractor in Arcadia CA can treat it. 

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

The ends of the bones in each of your joints are covered in cartilage, which prevents the bones from rubbing together as you move. If this cartilage starts wearing away, the bones in your joints can bump against each other, resulting in inflammation. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis?

Having certain risk factors can raise your risk of having osteoarthritis. These risk factors include being older, being obese and having joint injuries. The aging process can increase wear and tear on your joints, causing cartilage to wear away more. Obesity puts more pressure on your joints, while injuries can weaken your joints. Other risk factors include being a woman, having a job doing repetitive movements and having bone deformities. 

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Common signs of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness. Pain can occur in any joint, although it is more common in certain joints, such as the spine and hips. If you have stiffness, it might be worse in the morning when you first get up. Other symptoms include a restricted range of motion, tenderness in the affected joints and the development of bone spurs.  

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing osteoarthritis involves doing a physical exam to check the affected joints and having imaging tests done. These imaging tests can show cartilage loss in your joints. You might also have lab tests done, such as a blood test to rule out other conditions or a joint fluid analysis to check for inflammation.

What Chiropractic Treatments Are Available for Osteoarthritis in Arcadia?

Our chiropractor in Arcadia can do chiropractic adjustments on your affected joints in order to ensure that they are properly aligned. This can help ease inflammation, stiffness, pain and other symptoms caused by osteoarthritis. Chiropractic adjustments also promote healing and allow oxygen and nutrients to get to your joints. 

What Other Treatments Are Available for Osteoarthritis?

When you have osteoarthritis, you might benefit from having physical therapy, which helps you maintain flexible and strong joints. Massage therapy might also help ease muscle tension around the affected joints. 

Visit Us for Chiropractic Care in Arcadia

If you have severe or persistent pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis, contact S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute to schedule an appointment. We offer chiropractic care in Arcadia for those who suffer from this condition and need effective pain relief.