Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a collection of diseases that cause inflammation in the joints. While there are over 100 varieties of arthritis, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. It is estimated by the CDC that over 32 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis, with many of these individuals above the age of 50. There is not a cure for any form of arthritis, but there are therapies that can slow joint damage and offer relief for symptoms. Primary Care Joliet offers effective treatment for osteoarthritis at our clinics in Joliet and Wilmington, IL.
Causes and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when damage occurs within the joint. This can be due to an injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain, or from repetitive use. This is a degenerative type of disease that progressively gets worse over time. Damaged cartilage results in more friction in the joint during movement, causing inflammation, stiffness and pain. Genetics, weight, lifestyle, injuries, age and repetitive movements can all impact your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Many people have osteoarthritis and have had no symptoms for years. It is a progressive and degenerative disease that worsens over time. Some of the symptoms that can occur as the inflammation becomes worse include:
- Swollen joints
- Pain with movement
- Reduced mobility
- Stiffness
Any joint can be inflicted with osteoarthritis, especially if it was injured earlier in life. Weight bearing joints are especially susceptible to wear and tear, such as the hip and knee joints. Over time, osteoarthritis pain can make it difficult to perform daily activities, if no treatment is performed.
Relief from Arthritis Pain
There are many different ways to slow the progressive nature of degenerative joint disease. Some include lifestyle changes, including losing weight if you are obese or overweight and adding more exercise to your daily routine. In addition, there are medications and treatments that can offer pain relief by reducing the inflammation and improving the lubrication within the joints.
If you are one of the millions of people living with osteoarthritis pain and you want to explore treatment for your arthritis, contact us at Primary Care Joliet. We offer many non-invasive treatments for osteoarthritis that can improve your pain and mobility. Call one of our clinics in Joliet or Wilmington, IL, to make an appointment.