What is arthritis?
There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, a term used to describe joint inflammation. Wherever at least two bones come together in your body, they form a joint.
Arthritis can trigger a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, but the most common complaints include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
When you have arthritis, it’s common for your symptoms to be worse in the morning.
What causes arthritis?
The most common cause of arthritis is cartilage degeneration. Your cartilage is the flexible tissue covering and protecting each of your joints. As this tissue breaks down, your bones begin rubbing against each other, leading to pain and reduced movement.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis usually develops because of normal wear and tear on your joints that cause cartilage degeneration. This type of arthritis usually comes with age, but your chances of having osteoarthritis are higher if it runs in your family. Certain traumas to the joint can accelerate arthritis formation.
Rheumatoid
This kind of arthritis is an autoimmune disease. When you have an autoimmune disorder, your body misfires and attacks healthy tissue. With rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system targets the tissue lining your joints that nourish your cartilage.
How is arthritis treated?
During your appointment at Enhance Center, the team performs a comprehensive physical exam to identify the cause of your arthritis symptoms. Whenever possible, they look for issues they can reverse and treat them directly at the source.
Based on the cause of your arthritis, its location, and your symptoms, the team might suggest a variety of therapies, such as:
- Hyaluronic acid gel joint injections
- Natural homeopathic injectables, like Zeel® and Traumeel®
- Platelet-rich plasm
- COOLIEF* water-cooled radiofrequency ablation
- Peripheral nerve stimulators and DRG stimulation (especially for failed joint replacement patients)
The team also offers prolotherapy and physical therapy programs to tighten the supporting structures of your joints.
If you have joint destruction and pain from a cancerous tumor, the team might recommend OsteoCool™ or STAR™ Tumor Ablation Systems. This innovative therapy uses cooled radiofrequency ablation technology to destroy cancer cells in your spine, or other bones coupled with cement augmentation of the bone.
To find relief from arthritis symptoms, call Enhance Center to schedule an appointment today.
