Diagnosing and Symptoms of Arthritis

There are more than 200 different types of arthritis, which are all different kinds of joint inflammation. Arthritis is typically associated as being a condition that only affects the elderly, but it can affect people of all ages. It can affect different parts of your body and there is a different cause for each type. Although it generally causes damage to your joints, in some cases arthritis may also affect the soft tissues of your body, including your lungs, ligaments, and heart valves. Without treatment, arthritis can be debilitating and painful.  The most common type of arthritis that affects millions is osteoarthritis.  Osteoarthritis is typically age-related but can occur even in younger people due to chronic misalignment over time.  Just like a muscle gets bigger from stressing it, like working out in a gym, the bones and joints can get bigger from extra stress that misalignment causes.  The “bigger bone/ joint” is called arthritis.  The good news is here at Synergy Oviedo Chiropractic we can help not only relieve your arthritis-related pain, but we can also help slow the progression of it through proper spinal care.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Arthritis, like any other medical condition, requires a diagnostic workup that is conducted by chiropractic or medical professional. Your diagnostic workup will typically include your complete medical history and a physical examination, and if arthritis is suspected, you may also need to have blood tests, a urine test, and an x-ray or MRI. Once you have been diagnosed with arthritis, it is essential that you begin chiropractic treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms, as well as their severity, may vary from one person to the next and may vary according to the type of arthritis you are diagnosed with. However, there are many symptoms that are common for the disease, including:

• Fatigue from poor misalignment and chronic pain
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning and after sitting for long periods
• Joint swelling from the joints rubbing with improper movements
• Fever if there is a possible infection
• Tingling and numbness in extremities from possible pinching of the nerves
• Decrease in range of motion from poor alignment and extra calcium buildup

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your chiropractor as soon as possible. The quicker you begin chiropractic treatment, the quicker you’ll have relief from the symptoms associated with arthritis.

How Can Our Oviedo Chiropractor Help?

Studies have shown that most types of arthritis can benefit from chiropractic care and should be considered as the first option in addition to medical care, especially osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis. Many people have often prescribed only anti-inflammatory medications as treatment for arthritis. Unfortunately, using these medications in the long term has been shown to interfere with the healing of cartilage and may damage the stomach lining, especially in the elderly. Fortunately, there is a better way to manage your osteoarthritis. Your chiropractic treatments may include recommendations for diet changes, mild exercise, and therapy, as well as spinal adjustments. All of which can help to relieve your pain and reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications.

To learn more information about the benefits of chiropractic care or to schedule your consultation, contact Synergy Oviedo Chiropractic in Oviedo for a consultation.  Our number is 407-359-2757.