Arthritis can cause symptoms of inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout. HealthSource docs will design a specific action plan to address your pain. Many people try to find a ‘cure all’ for this process. However, no one thing can cure this disease. It requires people to remain active and take proper supplements to ensure these ‘stiff’ joints do not get worse.

Causes:
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common joint disorder. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, that provides smooth gliding and lubrication between bones, begins to break down. This results in an increase in bone being produced to support the joint.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Rheumatic arthritides are a group of different arthritis that are caused by inflammation of the joint due a person’s own immune cells attacking the cartilage. The end result is the bones attempting to fuse together.
Gout is due to an increase of uric acid in the blood. Excess uric acid leads to crystal formation which cause severe inflammation and pain.

Risk Factors:
Risk factors for arthritis include family history, previous injury, smoking, diabetes, and obesity.
Gout risk factors include male, and post menopausal females with a familial history, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and anemias.

Signs and Symptoms:
~ Aching and pain, most commonly in the hands.
~ Pain and stiffness in the morning
~ Joint pain on both sides of the body (rheumatic) or on one side (osteoarthritis)
~ Swollen and burning joints
~ Numbness or weakness of the hands or feet.
~ Sudden and severe pain, unable to put blanket over at night (Gout)

Tests:
Orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic exams are performed for proper diagnosis. Laboratory exams are useful in deducing which type of arthritis may be occuring. X-rays or MRI may need to be ordered for proper diagnosis.

Treatment:
Treatment ALWAYS begins with conservative pain management at HealthSource of Portland through chiropractic and progressive rehab. Following acute pain relief, rehabilitation begins to support the spine in proper alignment and to strengthen weakened muscles. HealthSource combines massage, chiropractic, and rehabilitation to provide rapid relief and lasting results.

Allopathic medical treatment often includes DMARDS (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and antinflammotry medications. Surgical intervention is needed with more severe problems.