Knee X-ray

A new study conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine had concluded that men and women 65 years and older who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, improved their physical capability and encountered less pain. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that causes an erosion of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help many individuals who suffer with OA in a number of regions of the body, including the joints of the knee. Knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent problems of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal dysfunctions. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an astounding 4.3 million people in this country over 60 years of ag diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC predicts that by age 85, half of American adults may incur symptoms of OA. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a reduced quality of life.

Why do so many men and women develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal dysfunctions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major element. That is why as people get older they are more at risk for developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, irregular gait, compensatory foot mechanics as an offset of foot pain, and overuse of the knee joint all cause inordinate stress on the knees. Consequently arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. In combination with chiropractic therapies, chiropractors enthusiastically endorse natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that create peace of mind, as well as an enhancement of balance, an increase in strength, and more flexibility.

The 40 men and women selected for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee. Otherwise they were healthy. Individuals were randomly picked to take part in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi incorporates many of the prevailing exercise recommendations for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. Furthermore, researchers observed that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life contentment, and perceptions of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a significant decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee OA, knee pain, osteoarthritis, Tai Chi, Tufts University School of Medicine

Though hip pain and related problems regularly point to age-related degenerative conditions, particularly osteoarthritis of the hip joint, osteoarthritis isn’t always the perpetrator. In fact, rather than being the original source of the problem, osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be the ultimate result of damage to your hips at a previous time.

Gait changes as the result of biomechanical problems such as an ankle sprain or knee strain, can cause hip pain. Also, if you change jobs, alter the way you sit, take on a new sport or activity, or start driving for long periods of a regular basis, your gait may shift to compensate for these new changes.

In addition, gait imbalances can occur from leg length dissimilarities, foot pronation conditions, even carrying a baby or small child on your hip. Strictly speaking, anything that generates an asymmetry or imbalance when you are in motion can cause painful hip problems.

As part of the chiropractic management of your hip problem, along with adjustments, your chiropractor may suggest that you wear orthotics. Your chiropractor will also offer suitable progressive rehabilitative exercises that include muscle stretching and strengthening.

hip pain won’t disappear on its own. Hip pain indicates that something needs to be remedied. Your chiropractor can help to get you out of pain, get back into balance, and get your life back!

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, hip pain, osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the labels for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. Primarily, the condition is due to the wearing out of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. Degenerative changes in the joint occurs when joint cartilage is damaged and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is usually guarded by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are familiarly called bone spurs. These spurs can cause painful irritation to other tissues surrounding the joint, in this way complicating the already distressing condition.

Degenerative joints principally occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.

The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected notably in the more advanced stages of the condition.  In some cases, if the joint is appreciably worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should attempt to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.

The best management of DJD is, without exception, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.

• One should always make sure that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are properly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
• Shoes with good support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs demand extended periods of standing or walking.
• Weight loss through proper diet will help to lessen stress on weight-bearing body joints.

• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and cause knee pain.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they contain natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are vital for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but may actually help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe, but an effectual treatment for arthritis, and can assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of training in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally a brace is used to help stabilize the joint in an effort to alleviate pain. Your Chicago chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. Many people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Certain foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms have the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, the buildup in the bloodstream causes joint problems. In addition to the foods specified and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The direct cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Other symptoms can consist of general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are particularized blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic treatments. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

Technorati Tags: arthritis, chicago chiropractor, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis