Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects over 20 million people. Three times as many women end up with osteoarthritis than men. It normally develops past the age of 40 and it almost everyone has some osteoarthritis past the age of 60. Why?
Previously called “degenerative joint disease,” osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by the general wear and tear the human body endures throughout life. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that is meant to protect the synovial joints (moveable joints) begins to deteriorate. The result is painful inflammation and degeneration of the joint. The bone material in the joint becomes brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
Osteoarthritis most often affects the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and back) as well as the hands and knuckles. As degeneration continues in the joint, the tendons, ligaments and muscles become weak. The joint may become deformed, painful and stiff. Stiffness is usually the first symptom, followed by pain and possibly swelling down the road. Eventually, osteophytes (bone spurs) may develop.
Certain factors increase the development of osteoarthritis as well as the severity and onset age. Diet, lifestyle and activity all affect your overall joint health. Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to early osteoarthritis. Obesity is another risk factor. Smoking decreases joint health and increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Although a healthy activity level (moderate exercise an hour a day) decreases your risk of developing osteoarthritis by improving bone health, excessive or repetitive activities due to work or sport as well as misuse of joints (excessive strain) can increase your risk. Old joint injuries can also lead to osteoarthritis.
Early detection of osteoarthritis and preventative maintenance can improve joint health and prevent the rapid deterioration that can take place if left untreated. Managing osteoarthritis through proper diet, lifestyle, exercise (AIS stretching and strengthening) and therapeutic treatment can extend the life of the affected joints and prevent further debilitation.
Most often, treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on increasing the strength and flexibility of the surrounding joint components such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as reducing inflammation.
At the heart of any musculoskeletal problem, there is a process taking place that is the body’s normal response to any injury or degenerative condition. There are three phases to healing, during which time there are specific treatments necessary to promote faster more efficient healing to avoid chronic pain in the future.
The first phase is inflammation, which is the body’s way of attempting to protect an area that is injured. Inflammation, along with nerve entrapment can cause painful compression of the nerves and other components.
As well, proper fluid movement is hampered. This means that nourishing, healing fluids are restricted and toxic fluids from the injury remain in the tissue. Addressing this inflammation is crucial to the healing process. Passive motion should be used at this point to reduce the inflammation.
The second phase is the repair phase where your body attempts to replace the damaged tissue with new collagen. Nutritional supplements such as vitamin C are essential to this process.
The third phase is the remodeling phase in which the new collagen needs to be properly aligned. This new collagen is irregular and in order for it to function properly, it needs a little help being “modeled” with various techniques.
Osteoarthritis in Clearwater, FL is common, but the good news is that at Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center, Frank Pugni is here to help! Frank’s unique approach to osteoarthritis pain in Clearwater, FL and surrounding areas is a revolutionary way of treating not only osteoarthritis pain, but virtually any painful musculoskeletal problem throughout the body.
Pain relief is right around the corner with Frank’s perfect skill set that marries several disciplines and brings you the best of many specialties that are highly effective in restoring musculoskeletal health. Feel free to click around the site and learn about what Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center can offer you! Be sure to play the patient testimonial movie to hear how Frank gave his patients a new lease on pain free lives!
