Managing Osteoarthritis: Effective Treatments Available In DFW

What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones breaks down. This cartilage serves as a shock absorber, facilitating smooth movement between joints. When it deteriorates, it leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness, significantly impacting mobility. While anyone can develop osteoarthritis, it is most prevalent among individuals aged 65 and older. In fact, there are more than 100 types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms affecting millions of people worldwide.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis varies from person to person, but several factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. These include:

• Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases significantly with age.
• Weight: Being overweight adds stress to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
• Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
• Previous Joint Injuries: Injuries from sports or accidents can lead to early onset of osteoarthritis.
• Defective Cartilage: Some people are born with defects in their cartilage, increasing their risk.
• Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive stress on joints can contribute to cartilage breakdown.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis typically appear in weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine, but they can also affect the shoulders, hands, and neck. Common symptoms include:

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
• Pain and tenderness in the affected joints
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty in moving the joint
• Swelling and inflammation around the joint
• Bone spurs, which are extra bone growths that form around the affected joint

Because osteoarthritis can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion, surrounding muscles may become strained as they work harder to compensate.

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
At Posture Perfect Wellness Center, we offer a range of effective, non-surgical treatment options tailored to relieve your osteoarthritis symptoms. A thorough physical examination will help our physicians evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Heat and Cold Therapy: These methods can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and improve mobility.
• Chiropractic Manipulation: Manual adjustments to align the joints and reduce discomfort.
• Massage Therapy: Helps alleviate tension in the muscles surrounding the affected joints.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A therapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.
• Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on weight loss strategies that can help reduce stress on the joints.
• Arthritis Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain and inflammation.
• Joint Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections to provide pain relief.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Cutting-edge regenerative treatment that may help restore cartilage and improve joint function.

Our team is dedicated to improving your mobility and quality of life through personalized care and innovative therapies. We serve patients across the DFW area, including North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Garland, Irving, Allen, Richardson, University Park, Highland Park, Frisco, and McKinney.

If you’re seeking relief from osteoarthritis, don’t hesitate to contact Posture Perfect Wellness Center. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to begin your journey towards pain relief and improved mobility.

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