If you or a loved one suffer from osteoarthritis, you may feel like all hope is lost when grappling with the challenges of this debilitating condition. Although there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms, such as lifestyle changes and medication, living with this can be difficult as you try to go about your daily routine. That’s where red light therapy for osteoarthritis comes in! Using this innovative technology for osteoarthritis treatment not only eases the symptoms, but targets the underlying cause so you can get back to feeling like you again. If you’ve never heard of red light therapy before and are wondering how it can provide pain relief for osteoarthritis, then you’re in luck! In this blog we dive into the symptoms of osteoarthritis, how to manage the condition and why red light therapy is the best treatment option for this condition.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness. Often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, this condition frequently occurs in the hands, hips and knees. Unlike other variations of arthritis which stem from autoimmune and inflammatory responses, osteoarthritis arises from the gradual breakdown of cartilage. When the natural cushioning in the joint diminishes, it leads to an increased friction and stress on the affected joints. Although osteoarthritis can manifest in various joints, it most commonly impacts areas of the body that carry a lot of weight. This includes the knees, hips and the spine. In order to live with this chronic condition it’s important that individuals explore innovative osteoarthritis treatments in order to have relief and improved joint function.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Multiple factors influence the health of our joints over a long period of time. One of the prominent causes of osteoarthritis is age. As we get older, we experience a gradual breakdown of cartilage which is the protective tissue responsible for cushioning our joints. Pain, swelling and problems moving the joint can result from this, making it more difficult to be active and go about your daily routine.
Repetitive use, joint injuries or even carrying excessive weight can all lead to the wear and tear of cartilage, contributing to its erosion. Using the same joints frequently, whether you’re taking part in a sporting activity or you’re in a job that requires you to use your joints, can contribute to your cartilage eroding through excessive rubbing. Experiencing a joint injury from a bone fracture to a ligament tear, can also lead to osteoarthritis more quickly than other causes where an injury has not taken place. Suffering from obesity is also a cause for concern; carrying excess weight creates more stress and pressure on your joints which breaks down the cartilage more quickly. It’s important you are aware of what causes osteoarthritis, so you can make any necessary lifestyle changes to improve your chances of preventing the disease.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis In The Knee
Not sure if you’re experiencing osteoarthritis? There are symptoms that may be a telltale sign that you’re suffering from this condition. Symptoms normally gradually build up over time, therefore making them harder to spot than if they suddenly appeared. Commonly, patients experience pain or aching in your joints during or after taking part in physical activity, or after a long day. Stiffness in the joins when you first wake up or after long periods of rest can also be a clear sign you might be suffering from this condition. Also, if you hear a clicking or popping noise when bending your joints; this is also one of the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee.
Osteoarthritis affects your joints differently as symptoms vary depending on which joint is affected. Pain in the inside of the knee or in the thigh area can be a sign of osteoarthritis in the hips. Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee include a grating or scraping sensation when moving the knee. When affecting your fingers, you might experience growths on the joints and swollen fingers, whereas in the feet it can cause swelling in the ankles and toes.
Here are some more osteoarthritis signs and symptoms:
- Pain in joints
- Stiffness
- Swelling of the joints
- Limited movement of the joint
- Weakness in the joints
- Joint deformity
- A grating sensation in the joints
- Bone spurs
- Tenderness
Spotting any of the osteoarthritis signs and symptoms mentioned above early, can give you a better chance of managing the condition effectively. Since the symptoms typically develop over time and get worse the longer you leave it, seeking treatment for osteoarthritis as soon as you start developing this condition, can help to improve your quality of life faster.
Osteoarthritis Management
If you’re experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee or anywhere else in the body, you may be looking for ways to manage it. By combining lifestyle changes, self-care strategies and dietary adjustments you can alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well being. By implementing low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or cycling, you can help maintain joint flexibility and strengthen surrounding muscles. This will help with osteoarthritis management as it will put less pressure on your joints, helping to alleviate pain. Introducing anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids into your diet can also be beneficial for your joints, by helping to reduce inflammation and pain. Making these adjustments can help you with osteoarthritis management, although they won’t cure the disease, they can assist with alleviating some of the symptoms by providing pain relief for osteoarthritis.
Treatment For Osteoarthritis
Although you can’t completely reverse osteoarthritis after it’s developed, there are some ‘treatments’ available that can help reduce your symptoms and improve mobility.
- Physical therapy:
Seeing a physical therapist can be a beneficial treatment for osteoarthritis when it comes to managing symptoms. This is because a physical therapist will show you exercises that will help to strengthen your muscles around your joints as well as improve your flexibility. This can help to reduce some of your symptoms such as pain.
- Medication:
You may choose to take medication for the pain associated with this condition. These could include over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Opioids such as codeine is another painkiller that can be used to relieve pain that is more severe, however doctors will only prescribe this drug for temporary use because of the side effects. It’s important that you talk to your GP before taking any medication.
- Weight management:
Making sure that you maintain a healthy weight can help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms, this is because if you are overweight you will be putting excessive strain on your joints such as your knees and hips. By taking part in low impact exercises and maintaining a balanced diet you can relieve some of the pressure as well as reduce pain.
- Procedures:
There are some procedures you can consider if other methods haven’t improved your symptoms, or they’ve got worse. You might consider Hyaluronic Acid injections for some cushioning in your joints which may provide some relief. If severe, your doctor may recommend that you get joint replacement surgery, for when your joints are severely damaged.
Red Light Therapy For Osteoarthritis
Sometimes referred to as photomodulation or low level laser therapy, red light therapy is an innovative treatment for providing pain relief for osteoarthritis. There’s no surprise that this treatment is gaining in popularity among those who suffer from this degenerative joint disease. This non-invasive treatment works by using red light wavelengths to trigger the body’s natural healing process. These red light wavelengths then penetrate deep into the affected joints where it stimulates cellular activity. By using this technology, you can reduce inflammation and pain, making it one of the most beneficial osteoarthritis treatments out there today. Unlike traditional treatments, such as various medications that may result in unpleasant side effects and only treat the symptoms of the disease, red light therapy for osteoarthritis is a safe, non-invasive approach that targets the underlying cause. Individuals who have gone down this treatment path have seen improved joint function, increased mobility and an enhanced quality of life.
Why Choose Active Care To Treat Osteoarthritis
Choosing Active Care Chiropractic for red light therapy for osteoarthritis will provide you with many benefits. Our chiropractors not only have a strong commitment to providing the highest level of patient care, but have extensive experience in red light therapy technology. Our state of the art NovoThOR machine ensures precise and effective red light therapy sessions that target the affected joints with precision. Not only providing symptom relief but also improvements in joint function and overall well being. Contact us today and try it out for yourself!
Osteoarthritis FAQS
How does osteoarthritis make you feel?
Osteoarthritis typically causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can make everyday movements, like walking or bending, difficult and uncomfortable. Some osteoarthritis signs and symptoms can include a loss of flexibility in the affected joint as well as a grating sensation when moving.
Can osteoarthritis get better?
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, you may find some relief by pursuing treatment for osteoarthritis. Mild symptoms may be managed with physical activity, whereas more aggressive symptoms can be treated with medication and red light therapy. It’s important that you consult a doctor before starting treatment.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
The difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is that osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness. There are other types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, which can be caused by autoimmune conditions where the body attacks its own joint tissues, leading to inflammation.
Can you use red light therapy for osteoarthritis?
If you start seeing osteoarthritis signs and symptoms, then red light therapy can help in managing this condition by reducing inflammation and stimulating the repair of damaged tissues. This can be effective alongside other treatment plans such as medication, make sure you talk to your GP before starting any treatment plans.
