Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Your joints are areas where two bones connect and are bound by connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. Between your bones are protective barriers, such as cartilage, to prevent bones from rubbing against one another. 

But with arthritis, components within and around your joints start to deteriorate or break down. This can cause bones to rub against each other. Dozens of forms of arthritis exist, but below are some of the most common forms:

• Wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis)
• Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Injury or trauma (posttraumatic arthritis)
• Infection (septic arthritis)

You can even develop jagged uric acid crystals in your joints due to poor diet, decreased kidney functions, or obesity. This is known as gouty arthritis, or simply, gout. 

When should I see a doctor for arthritis?

The expert providers at Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness understand how debilitating arthritic pain can be. It’s important to come in for an evaluation and get started as soon as possible if you’re experiencing:

• Decreased range of motion
• Joint tenderness or swelling
• Redness or warmth over a joint
• Inability to perform daily tasks, like writing
• Difficulty bearing weight on your foot or ankle

Without proper treatment, arthritic deterioration can permanently affect your joints, which may require surgical correction. Before your arthritis symptoms worsen, even if they seem minor now, contact the team for an evaluation. Your doctor at Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness can gather X-ray or ultrasound images and get to the root of your arthritic condition quickly. 

What is the treatment for arthritis?

Treating arthritis involves a multifaceted approach that incorporates solutions to relieve pain and swelling, while minimizing the severity of future flare-ups. Your arthritis treatment plan from Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness may include:

• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy
• Joint injections
• Viscosupplementation injections 
• Osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) 
• Splints or joint assistive aids 

Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness specializes in innovative arthritis solutions that can help restore your quality of life. The team is dedicated to helping you recover from serious arthritic pain and discomfort while assisting you with making lifestyle changes to prevent further arthritis issues.

Before suffering from arthritis pain another day, contact Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness for an evaluation. Click on the online scheduler or call either office directly to schedule.