Arthritis

Are you seeking arthritis pain relief? People of all ages suffer from arthritis, but it is most common in the elderly. According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children suffer from arthritis. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when two bones grind together because the joint cartilage between them has worn away. Osteoarthritis is most common in the elderly, but can also occur in adults and children. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks its own body tissue. It affects the lining of joints and often causes painful swelling that can be debilitating. 

Symptoms of Arthritis

  • Joint Pain – Arthritis can cause joints to swell and become hypersensitive to movement.
  • Stiffness – Many people experience stiff joints and have difficulty moving. Consult your personal trainer or therapist for exercises to help loosen stiff joints.
  • Swelling – Arthritis can cause the area around affected joints to become red and inflamed. 
  • Feeling Tired – Rheumatoid arthritis affects the immune system and can cause feelings of exhaustion.
  • Loss of Appetite – Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a lack of appetite due to inflammation in the immune system.
  • Anemia – Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a decrease in red blood cells.

Risk Factors

  • Age – Though arthritis can occur at any age, the older you get the more likely you are to suffer from arthritis.
  • Weight – Obesity puts added pressure on joints and increases the chances of having arthritis.
  • Family History – Children whose parents have arthritis are at greater risk.
  • Smoking – Smoking cigarettes increases your chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis.

Remedies and Prevention

  • Exercise – Exercising is a great way to prevent and manage arthritis. It helps keep your joints loose, strengthens the muscles around your joints, and keeps your body in motion.
  • Custom Orthotics – Custom-fit orthotics are shoe insoles that help align your body and balance the pressure on your joints. 
  • Weight Loss – Losing extra weight helps to take the pressure off of irritated joints and relieve pain.
  • Hot and Cold Therapy – Taking a hot shower or icing affected joints can reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort. 
  • Medication – Consult with your doctor to learn what medications are safe and effective at relieving pain from arthritis.
  • Massage – Getting a massage can soothe pain and reduce stress. Massage techniques are usually limited in their ability to relieve arthritis pain. 
  • Percussion Therapy – Percussion therapy relaxes muscle tissue and can help to loosen joints, release muscle tension, and relieve pain caused by arthritis.

Request your appointment to experience arthritis pain relief today!

Kelen Caswell
Kelen Caswell
Owosso, MI
Very knowledgeable staff and great relief from back pain and headaches.
James Woodworth
James Woodworth
Owosso, MI
I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen. I always leave feeling they truly care about my health and wellness.
Brian Keesler
Brian Keesler
Owosso, MI
Drs. Cushman is absolutely amazing! I lived in constant pain and I am virtually pain free now.
Laurie Haase
Laurie Haase
Owosso, MI
Wonderful doctors and staff. So caring and friendly. They’ve helped me so much. I highly recommend these doctors!
Richard Ross
Richard Ross
Owosso, MI
Dr. Kenn and his wife Dr. Amanda have corrected our chronic skeletal problems with diminishing pain and finally no pain!
Judy Mills
Judy Mills
New Lothrop, MI
The doctors are wonderful and very caring. Their staff is very helpful.
Diane Wisniewski
Diane Wisniewski
Owosso, MI
I highly recommend the Shiawassee Spinal Center.