Up to 24% of American adults have some form of arthritis –– a group of chronic illnesses that causes joint pain and stiffness. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, the team offers various minimally invasive treatments to relieve arthritis pain. Their patient-centered approach ensures lasting relief and improved mobility. Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule an arthritis consultation, or book your appointment online.
Yes. Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 diseases that cause joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine, practitioners focus on two types of arthritis, in particular:
This type of arthritis causes cartilage –– a flexible, connective tissue that pads the joints –– to break down due to wear-and-tear. Without cartilage to provide a cushion, your bones rub against each other, resulting in swelling and stiffness.
This type of arthritis causes your immune system to attack and destroy the lining of your joints. As your joint lining deteriorates, it results in swelling, stiffness, and joint deformities.
There’s no cure for arthritis, but various treatments can prevent the disease from progressing and improve your quality of life.
Arthritis symptoms include:
As the condition worsens, it becomes harder to move your joints and perform routine tasks.
Your chiropractor reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it’s worse at certain times, like after exercise. They also examine your affected joint (or joints), checking for redness, bruising, or swelling.
Assessing your joint’s range of motion and gently pressing on your skin to pinpoint sensitive areas can also aid in the diagnostic process. Practitioners might order lab work and diagnostic imaging, including:
For this test, a very thin needle draws joint (synovial) fluid from one or more joints. They sample then goes to the onsite lab, where it’s assessed for signs of arthritis.
X-rays provide detailed photos of your bones and joints, revealing signs of cartilage loss, bone spurs, and bone damage.
Chiropractors treat arthritis using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Some examples include:
Certain types of arthritis benefit from healthy lifestyle changes. For example, eating an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce swelling and help restore your mobility.
Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule an arthritis appointment, or book online.