What is a Joint?
Joints are the area in your skeletal structure where bones are joined together. An example of common joints where pain is experienced are hips, knees, and elbows. Where movable joints come together, there is cartilage, a rubbery tissue that enables the bones to move smoothly together as well as preventing friction between the bones. Good joint health is vital, especially for active individuals that use these joints excessively and on a daily basis. Taking care of these joints now can help prevent pain and discomfort as you get older.
Arthritis and Your Joints
There are numerous types of arthritis that will affect the joints, but there are three that are the most common: Gout, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid.
Gout - this type of arthritis is commonly found in the big toe area. It is caused by an excessive buildup of uric acid in the joint and is often very painful. With treatment, both the pain and disability caused by gout can be alleviated.
Osteoarthritis - a very common form of arthritis and is usually experienced as we age. This type of arthritis is caused when the cartilage breaks down over time and dissipates. When this happens, the "lubricant" for the joints is gone and the bones rub together. This generally causes pain and swelling in the area.
Rheumatoid - a very painful form of arthritis that is caused by the body's immune system actually attacking the joint tissue as though it were a disease. Common symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joint. Eventually, it can lead to loss of function. In addition to these problems, the individual may also experience bouts of fatigue and nausea. It can also lead to complications in additional organs, such as the lung and heart.
Chiropractic Care for Your Joints
Every type of pain is different, so you will need to have an assessment done by a licensed chiropractor. After the initial exam, the doctor will present you with a schedule of treatment for your joints. As an example, let's assume you are experiencing pain in your knees. The doctor will manipulate both the knee and the surrounding areas experiencing restricted movement to improve your overall mobility. In many cases, the doctor will also recommend some type of therapeutic massage or trigger point therapy to help alleviate the pain and stiffness.
On your part, a regular program of icing the area after activity will help to reduce inflammation as well as reducing overall pain and limiting muscle spasms caused by joint pain. More than likely, you will also be given some basic exercises that will help increase the mobility of the knee as well as aiding to prevent any injuries in the future.
Joints are the area in your skeletal structure where bones are joined together. An example of common joints where pain is experienced are hips, knees, and elbows. Where movable joints come together, there is cartilage, a rubbery tissue that enables the bones to move smoothly together as well as preventing friction between the bones. Good joint health is vital, especially for active individuals that use these joints excessively and on a daily basis. Taking care of these joints now can help prevent pain and discomfort as you get older.
Arthritis and Your Joints
There are numerous types of arthritis that will affect the joints, but there are three that are the most common: Gout, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid.
Gout - this type of arthritis is commonly found in the big toe area. It is caused by an excessive buildup of uric acid in the joint and is often very painful. With treatment, both the pain and disability caused by gout can be alleviated.
Osteoarthritis - a very common form of arthritis and is usually experienced as we age. This type of arthritis is caused when the cartilage breaks down over time and dissipates. When this happens, the "lubricant" for the joints is gone and the bones rub together. This generally causes pain and swelling in the area.
Rheumatoid - a very painful form of arthritis that is caused by the body's immune system actually attacking the joint tissue as though it were a disease. Common symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joint. Eventually, it can lead to loss of function. In addition to these problems, the individual may also experience bouts of fatigue and nausea. It can also lead to complications in additional organs, such as the lung and heart.
Chiropractic Care for Your Joints
Every type of pain is different, so you will need to have an assessment done by a licensed chiropractor. After the initial exam, the doctor will present you with a schedule of treatment for your joints. As an example, let's assume you are experiencing pain in your knees. The doctor will manipulate both the knee and the surrounding areas experiencing restricted movement to improve your overall mobility. In many cases, the doctor will also recommend some type of therapeutic massage or trigger point therapy to help alleviate the pain and stiffness.
On your part, a regular program of icing the area after activity will help to reduce inflammation as well as reducing overall pain and limiting muscle spasms caused by joint pain. More than likely, you will also be given some basic exercises that will help increase the mobility of the knee as well as aiding to prevent any injuries in the future.
If you are experiencing joint pain and live in the Lake in the
Hills or Algonquin areas of Illinois, stop dealing with the pain on your
own and call Dr. Galante today! Dr. Galante has been an Algonquin chiropractor for more than two decades and he would love to help you! For more information about Dr. Galante and his services, please click here.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Galante
Joint Health: Problems, Causes, and Cures