Osteoarthritis and Joint Dysfunction

 Osteoarthritis is the most frequent form of arthritis that people suffer from. More than 32 million people in the United States are affected. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can make doing ordinary tasks more difficult. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV provides therapy and treatment that can help reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joints. 

What is osteoarthritis?

This type of arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. With this condition, the cartilage breaks down within the joints, and this causes the bones to also change. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber between the bones in your joints and when it deteriorates, it is bone on bone. This is usually a slow condition that happens over time. It can become a debilitating condition in some people, and for others, it is just a painful inconvenience.  

Causes of osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis is usually considered a disease of aging, it can happen at any age. It is also more common in women than men. It can result from an injury to the joint, or it may be the result of a genetic defect in the cartilage. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually begin in one joint or just a few. The most common symptoms are:

• Pain in the joint when used
• Pain goes away when the joint is resting
• Pain worsens at night
• The joint is stiff in the morning or after it has been rested
• Swelling in or around the joint
• Joint movement becomes limited
• Joint feels unstable

Treatments for osteoarthritis

Your chiropractor has treatments that can help with osteoarthritis and joint dysfunction. 

Chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic adjustment can help with misalignment in the spine, but it can also be used for misalignment in any of your joints. Getting things back into alignment can help with mobility and function as well as pain. 

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to help with inflammation and pain. It vibrates the tissues and promotes healing in the tissues and joints. It can be especially effective on the knees and hips.  

Chiropractic massage

With a relaxation massage, the muscles relax and when they do, it allows the joints they support to have a better range of motion and less pain. Studies have backed this up. 

Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic exercise is targeted at specific areas and can help to improve your range of motion and mobility and activity is good for arthritis. 

Contact us

For information or help with osteoarthritis, call Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, serving Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley at (304) 776-1520.