Osteoarthritis Specialist

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that causes progressive degeneration of the bone, cartilage, and ligaments. As the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, it allows your bones to rub together, producing chronic pain and changes in the shape of your joints.

Osteoarthritis is common in elderly people but can also develop at an early age due to previous joint injury. While it affects any joint in your body, you are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis in your:

• Hands
• Hips
• Knees
• Spine

The condition develops gradually and over time, and your symptoms may become severe enough to reduce your mobility and range of motion. The hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis are chronic joint pain and stiffness.

You may also notice that your joints crack or make a grinding noise with your movements. Without proper treatment, osteoarthritis leads to permanent deformities in your joints.

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

In addition to the natural aging process and a previous injury to your joints, your risk for osteoarthritis increases due to factors like:

• Obesity
• Family history
• Repetitive use injuries

While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, Dr. Mann creates treatment plans to reduce chronic pain related to the condition and increase your overall function. His plan for you also focuses on slowing down the progression of the disease.

What treatments are available for osteoarthritis?

Initial treatment for easing osteoarthritis pain may involve making lifestyle changes to lose weight and reduce pressure on the affected joint. Dr. Mann also discusses therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your damaged joint.

Chiropractic care is effective at relieving chronic joint pain. Dr. Mann uses several techniques to manipulate the affected joint to improve blood circulation and reduce pain. He may also recommend massage therapy to reduce muscle tension that increases osteoarthritis-related pain.

In many cases, active and passive therarpy are important for increasing your range of motion and reducing your risk for disability due to osteoarthritis. During therapy, you’ll also learn at-home techniques to keep your body strong and flexible.

Find out more about customized treatment plans for addressing osteoarthritis pain by calling Reform Ortho & Sports Rehab today or requesting an appointment online now.