|
Hip, Knee and Foot Pain
|
|
Arthritis literally means
inflammation of a joint. There are many types of arthritis. The most common type of arthriris is osteoarthritis,
often affecting the spine, hips and knees, but it can affect any joints.
Osteoarthritis is largely due to the natural ageing process, and most people are likely to get some
degeneration, or 'wear and tear', later in their lives.
|
|
Osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage covering the bones in a joint becomes
eroded and roughened. Tendons and ligaments holding the joint together get weaker
and the joint itself may become deformed, painful and stiff. Joints which have been
injured or subject to unusual stress, perhaps as the result of a sporting career or
heavy manual job, are likely to wear faster.
|
|
Chiropractic may help reduce arthritic pain.
After taking a full case history and conducting an
examination which may include X-rays, your chiropractor will
make a diagnosis and propose a treatment programme. While
chiropractic treatment can often help ease some of the
painful symptoms of most forms of arthritis, for some you may be referred to your GP for further treatment.
|
|
Although the degeneration of joints cannot be reversed, your
chiropractor can regularly adjust them to maintain a level
of mobility, reducing pain and helping to slow further
degeneration. In addition, chiropractic care can help reduce
any nerve
irritation caused by these degenerative changes.
|
|
Degenerative changes in themselves need not produce symptoms. They do, however, make the spinal column more susceptible to damage. Regular manipulation by a chiropractor, together with an appropriate rehabilitation and maintenance plan, can improve movement and reduce the stresses that may cause pain in the future.
|
