Arthritis is the name for a group of conditions that damage joints causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It affects nearly four million Canadians, 15 years and older – that is almost one in six people. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease; it can affect children and people in the prime of life. Arthritis can be relatively mild or very severe, but common symptoms include:

◾Joint pain and aching

◾Joint swelling

◾Joint stiffness or reduced movement

◾Muscle weakness

◾Reduced function

Causes of arthritis

Arthritis is the thinning or destruction of joint cartilage caused by inflammation or excessive wear and tear. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, the most common forms are:

◾Osteoarthritis (usually affects hands and weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, feet, and spine)

◾Rheumatoid arthritis (can affect all joints in the body)

◾Gout (typically affects the foot)

There are many possible contributing factors for arthritis including:

◾Genetics or inheritance

◾Previous injury or fracture

◾Infection

◾Overactive immune system

How chiropractic care can help

Chiropractors are highly skilled at assessing how arthritis affects joint movement, muscle strength and physical function. Research demonstrates that specific exercises targeted at improving joint mobility and increasing muscle strength help manage arthritis and improve function.

Your chiropractor will:

◾Assess the affected area and ask about daily activities to assess the impact on your joints

◾Develop a treatment plan to safely improve or restore movement and mobility affected by arthritis

◾Help you manage your condition through education and treatment to reduce pain and swelling, strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility without worsening your arthritis symptoms

For help with arthritis, please contact the PRI office.