Arthritis is a general term given to over 150 different conditions
Arthritis describes a range of conditions in which the cartilage that covers the end of your bones is damaged. This affects your joints and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints, and generally will progress and worsen with age. It is very, very common, with just about all adults having some degree of arthritis visible in their spines or joints on X-Ray. It can progress to a point where it is causing someone difficulty with activity, sleep and work, and this is what we aim to prevent at Sydney Health Professionals.
There are a multitude of arthritis conditions, from autoimmune arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, to infections causing arthritis. The most common arthritis by far is osteo arthritis. This is an accelerated wear and tear process that affects the weight bearing bones of your legs and spine mostly. It is also common in hands as people get older.
Arthritis Symptoms
Recurring pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. The location depends on which joint is affected, and by what type of arthritis.
Arthritis Causes
The autoimmune arthritis causes are complex and not well understood, but come from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental conditions. Osteo arthritis is caused by combinations of trauma to joints, genetics, weight and repetitive activity.
Arthritis Risk Factors
There are other contributing factors like poor joint strength, weight, diet and smoking that can be controlled or avoided
How our practitioners help
Osteopath
- Relieve stiffness from arthritis changes in cartilage and spinal discs
- Improve muscular strength and coordination for prevention of further arthritic change
- Reduce pain associated with age, arthritis and diminished strength and body function.
Massage
- Soften tight, tense and sore muscles
- Reduce pain associated with arthritis and age-related changes in your body
- Manage ongoing issues related to arthritis, age and diminished strength and body function