What is Arthritis? Arthritis is inflammation or swelling of one or more joints in the body. It is a painful condition that is caused by the erosion of the joint surfaces. Arthritis is not always painful and can often flare up or down depending on various factors. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis which is when the joint surfaces wear out in our bodies causing pain and inflammation.

Who is Affected by Arthritis? Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, but typically gets worse the older we get. However, there are also forms of arthritis that can affect young children. It does tend to be worse in those who have physical jobs that require continuous strain on their bodies. It can also set in quickly in those who have had significant injuries such as car accidents or sports injuries.

What Causes Arthritis? As mentioned above, physical strain on the body can accelerate the arthritic process in our joints. As well, injuries, if not healed properly, can cause long lasting dysfunction in the affected area, and this causes the joints to wear out quicker.

Just like a car with bad alignment, the tires are going to wear out quicker over time. However, if the alignment is checked and corrected on a car, then the tires should wear out evenly and last longer.

The arthritic process in our bodies can also be accelerated by smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet. Our bodies require proper nutrients to feed the cells of our joints, and if they don’t get this, then they wear out sooner. Smoking and poor diet cause this, so it is imperative that these two things be avoided.

How Do You Prevent Arthritis? Arthritis is almost unavoidable, just like a car with properly aligned tires that is well maintained, the tires will still wear out eventually. However, there are plenty of things that can be done to slow this process down and stop it from causing problems as you age.

The first would be to make regular exercise a part of your routine. Joints need movement and if they don’t get it, they break down quicker. This is why people who sit all day at work develop arthritis in their low backs. A simple yoga routine or general exercise program is all that is necessary. Simply staying active by walking can also help.

The next thing to address is your diet. Make sure you avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar. Eat plenty of leafy greens and drink lots of water. Simple decisions like these will provide your joints with the best nutrition.

Lastly, consider seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis. It is the job of a chiropractor to find and correct any dysfunction in the joints in your body. Their treatments help keep the joints in good alignment so they are less prone to wear and tear as you age. You may not be in pain now, but these dysfunctions can lead to problems further down the road.

What can Be Done if You Have Arthritis? If you have already been diagnosed with arthritis and you want to slow down the arthritic process and manage the pain, then you should visit a chiropractor or physiotherapist. They will be able to assess the problem and help find effective strategies for managing the pain associated with this condition. Their treatments will be safe, effective and specific to the location of your arthritis and the dysfunction it is causing.

Lastly, remember to adopt the healthy lifestyle choices we talked about above. You would be surprised how eating an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the pain associated with arthritis.

If you would like to book a free consultation with one of our chiropractors, call us at 519.751.0728 or email pathwaystohopebrant@gmail.com