Arthritis refers to pain and inflammation in the joints, affecting millions of people in the UK. You may think that this condition only affects older people, but arthritis can affect people of all ages. Arthritis symptoms can be extremely difficult to live with, as this can often affect joint mobility which can negatively impact your quality of life. If you are living with this condition you will probably be wondering how to treat arthritis. Although there is no cure, there are steps that you can take to help you manage this condition and get you back to a higher quality of life.
In this blog, we at Active Care Chiropractic explore arthritis causes, arthritis symptoms and how to treat arthritis so you can get back to a higher quality of life. We offer chiropractic treatments for arthritis as well as offering red light therapy treatments that can help to improve the uncomfortable symptoms that you may be experiencing. So let’s take a look at how you can live with arthritis more comfortably.
Arthritis Symptoms
The most common arthritis symptoms are pain and inflation in the joints. Depending on the type, some people may experience arthritis in fingers, knees and hips. Here are some of the arthritis symptoms you should look out for if you think you have this condition.
- Pain
One of the most prevalent arthritis symptoms is pain in the joints. The intensity and nature of the pain can vary from person to person. It could range from a constant ache to a throbbing sensation that’s unbearable to deal with. Pain is typically worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity, however, some people may experience pain more during arthritis flare ups.
- Swelling
Inflammation in the joints is one of the most common arthritis symptoms. Swelling is due to an increase in fluid in the joint. It’s important to seek treatment as swelling can contribute to pain and lead to further damages if left untreated.
- Stiffness
Arthritis can lead to stiffness in the joints, which is most noticeable after waking up in the morning or long periods of staying still lasting between several minutes to hours. Taking part in consistent, gentle exercises can help to reduce this stiffness in the joint, however, some people find that it may persist despite regular movements.
- Redness of the skin
Arthritis symptoms can also include irritation to the skin, which may include the skin around the affected joints appearing red and feeling warm to the touch. This is because as the body attempts to heal the inflamed joint, an increase in blood flow causes redness.
- Decreased range of motion
One of the most frustrating arthritis symptoms is it can lead to a reduction in the ability to move the joint and decrease range of motion. This could manifest as difficulty in performing everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, gripping objects and bending over. As you can imagine, this reduced range in motion can negatively impact your quality of life as it disrupts normal daily tasks, due to pain, swelling or stiffness. It could even be caused by damage to the joint itself.
Arthritis Flare Ups
Arthritis flare ups are periods of time where arthritis symptoms get worse or intensify. This could result in joint pain, swelling and stiffness, which can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. The cause of arthritis flare ups will vary from person to person, but factors such as stress, weather changes and even certain foods can all lead to these flare ups. Since each person will have their own triggers, the first step to managing arthritis involves learning to recognise and avoid personal flare ups when possible.
What Causes Arthritis Flare Ups?
Here are some of the common causes of arthritis flare ups to help you manage your symptoms easier.
- Stress
- Weight gain
- Weather changes
- Infection
- Bone spurs
- Repetitive movements
How To Treat Arthritis
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Arthritis. However, there are steps you can take to help manage your symptoms and minimise the amount of flare ups you experience.
- Manage weight
Your weight can make your arthritis pain worse as it can put excessive pressure on your joints, including knees, hips and feet. Losing any excessive weight you might be carrying can improve mobility, decrease pain and prevent damage to your joints.
- Exercise
Taking part in regular, gentle movement can help to ease stiffness and pain associated with arthritis and keep your joints flexible. Walking, swimming and other water activities are fantastic low impact exercises that you can perform.
- Medication
After visiting a doctor, medication may be offered to help reduce symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help overcome swelling and doctors may inject steroids into your joints. However, medications also come with side effects so they may not be suitable long term. Before taking any medication, make sure to consult with a medical professional.
- Chiropractic For Arthritis
Seeing a chiropractor for arthritis is an effective option, whether you use them standalone or as part of a wider treatment plan. Chiropractic treatments are a great non-invasive alternative to medications as they work to target the cause of the problem instead of just masking the pain. Various chiropractic techniques alleviate joint pain and improve mobility which is beneficial to arthritis sufferers who are experiencing reduced mobility in certain joints. Soft tissue therapy can release tension and improve muscle function around affected joints. Chiropractors can also offer stretching exercises to enhance joint flexibility and strength, reducing the burden on arthritic joints.
Red Light Therapy For Arthritis
One of the lesser known, though still fantastic, options is to use red light therapy for arthritis symptom management. By exposing the affected joints to red and near-infrared light, specific wavelengths can deeply penetrate the skin to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation, key components in arthritis pain and joint damage. This can lead to reduced joint stiffness, pain and swelling, as well as enhancing mobility and improving overall joint function. Whether you choose to use this treatment on its own or along with other options, it’s a great alternative for arthritis relief.
Why See A Chiropractor For Arthritis Treatment
At Active Care Chiropractic we have experience in treating patients with arthritis, our team of friendly chiropractors will make you feel at ease during your sessions with us. Not only do we have expert knowledge in treating arthritis, we also offer red light therapy treatments to help you manage arthritis more effectively and take a step towards a pain free life. Contact Active Care Chiropractic and start treatment for arthritis today.
