According to the CDC, as of 2021, over 58 million adult Americans have arthritis. Arthritis comes in several forms including rheumatoid, gout, and lupus. The most common form, however, is Osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Facts:
- Degenerative condition (gets worse over time)
- Over half of the people with arthritis are working aged adults, ages 18-64
- Limits daily activity
- Prevents certain activities altogether
- Arthritis is the leading cause of work disability
- Costs for medical care and lost earnings are over $300 billion ANNUALLY
- Osteoarthritis brings about the most muscle strength loss due to immobility
- Strength loss in the elderly leads to the highest rate of all-cause mortality—this is a health problem not just a “pain” problem
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- Swelling and joint enlargement
- Tenderness
- Decreased range of motion
- Stiffness
- Grating sensation
- Bone spurs
- Varying degrees of joint pain that is worse with movement
- Pain with joint movement that is worse after rest
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus are autoimmune diseases, meaning the immune system sees certain tissues and organs of the body as a threat and begins attacking them. With RA, the body primarily attacks its own joints. With lupus, joints may be affected, but it may also attack the supportive tissues like the tendons and ligaments around the joint. It may also attack the internal organs and cause life-threatening complications. Lowering inflammation and correcting the immune dysregulation is a primary component of treatment for any autoimmune disease. Regenerative medicine can reduce inflammation and help the body correct immune system problems with any autoimmune disease. While regenerative medicine and chiropractic does not claim to “cure” any disease, it is one of the few treatments that actually treat the cause of the problem not just the pain.
Treatments for Osteoarthritis Provided at Southwest Georgia Center of Medicine
Treatments include non-steroidal pain relief, natural and non invasive cartilage support, nutritional and supplemental recommendations, chiropractic care, specialized neuromuscular therapy (Trigenics), and more.
These forms of treatment have been shown in various studies to prevent and slow the development of osteoarthritis. If you fear that you have developed osteoarthritis or are concerned about its development, please contact Southwest Georgia Center of Medicine in to schedule an individualized consultation today. Our integrated medical team can help you get back on your feet.