How To Prevent Arthritis

Joint pain is a common sign of aging, but it could be caused by arthritis, which is a degenerative disorder that affects the joints. Stiffness, swelling, chronic pain and hard nodules that develop under the skin are telltale signs of arthritis, and they can make working and moving quite difficult. Arthritis can develop from repetitive activities, hereditary conditions and obesity, but there are many other contributing factors that affect its development. Luckily, arthritis is treatable with chiropractic adjustments, A2M treatments and even cortisone injections, whichever fits your preference. Find out what you can do to prevent arthritis from developing and how to live with it with these tips!

How Arthritis Develops

Joint pain affects millions of people each year. In most cases, joint pain is caused by arthritis, which is a degenerative disorder that affects the joints in the hips, knees, wrists and fingers. Arthritis is typically associated with aging, especially as the body goes through the process of wear and tear over the years. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that affect men, women and children everywhere, with 50 million adults and 300,000 children suffering from some form of it currently. Over time, the cartilage in your joints becomes worn down as you move, called osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis. This usually develops from excessive athletic activity like running, bone spurs, obesity and repeated injuries in one area of the body. However, the immune system can trigger the body to start attacking one or more joints, causing inflammation and pain. This is called rheumatoid arthritis, and it is extremely painful. It is unknown why the body attacks certain joints in this way, but some hypothesize that genetic disorders influence it. Both forms of arthritis share similar symptoms, such as stiffness, tenderness, chronic pain that worsens with colder weather, hard nodules that grow under the skin by the affected joint and fatigue.

Treatment Options

Luckily, arthritis is fairly treatable, even if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Physical and massage therapy are both effective at strengthening the muscles around the affected joint, which helps improve range of motion. Corticosteroid injections are also used to relieve inflammation and suppress the immune system (which is helpful for rheumatoid arthritis) so that pain is reduced. Many patients take painkillers like NSAIDs or opioids, which reduce pain but don’t relieve inflammation. These aren’t the recommended option for most medical providers since they can become addictive, especially opioids. Chiropractic adjustments are often used with arthritic patients, as well, to relieve tension in their bodies and can be a great pain reliever. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged joints, fuse two joints together or replace an irreparable joint, like in the hip or knees. Even specific exercise regimens can reduce the effects of arthritis, but should be undertaken only by direction of a physician.

One of the most beneficial but least known treatments for arthritis is called A2M, or Alpha 2 Macroglobulin therapy. A2M is effective because when it’s injected into the joint, it neutralizes the destructive enzymes that cause arthritic pain. This procedure is comparable to a power wash that completely cleans out a degenerative joint. It prevents cartilage from being further damaged from osteoarthritis and protects tissue. Very few clinics offer this type of treatment, so you may need to ask around to find someone certified to perform it for you.

At-Home Remedies To Prevent Arthritis

Unfortunately, arthritis can’t be completely prevented; however, there are certain things that you can do to reduce the likelihood that you’ll experience it. Since obesity often causes arthritic pain, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a varied diet is vital if you want to prevent arthritis. Extra weight puts more strain on your body, including your joints, and leaves you susceptible to injury. Additionally, smoking has been connected to the appearance of arthritis in some, so try to wean yourself from cigarettes to keep your joints and lungs healthy. Arthritis can also develop from sports injuries, so wearing proper equipment while you play can help you avoid said injuries and tears that often lead to osteoarthritis in the future. If you do begin to experience joint pain, make sure to meet with your medical provider as soon as possible so that you can nip arthritis in the bud before it has a chance to develop. Preventative care is much easier than treatment, so do what you can now to keep your joints in good health.

Eliminate Your Joint Pain With Our Help!

At Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center, we specialize in arthritis and can help relieve your joint pain. We are one of the only clinics in Austin that offers A2M treatment and can ensure that your experience is a positive one. Call our office today at (512) 806-0015 to schedule a consultation and get moving again!