Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common chronic disease of the joints. This disorder can affect any joint but most often occurs in the back, neck, hips, knees, fingers and toes. This disorder is also referred to as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. Patients with osteoarthritis have a breakdown of the cartilage in their joints. The cartilage covers the end of each bone and provides a smooth surface for the joint so when in motion the cartilage acts as a cushion between the bone and joint. When the cartilage disintegrates, it causes swelling, mobility issues, and pain.  When the disease progresses, the bones may develop growths or bone spurs and the bones may break or chip and float around the joints.  Chemicals are produced in the body as inflammation sets in that cause even greater damage to cartilage and the joint.

Osteoarthritis has many known causes including heredity, obesity, and joint overuse or injury. Patients who are overweight put additional pressure on their joints and bones. This pressure over the years breaks down the joint quicker than in a patient carrying less weight. Additionally, certain studies find that excess that produces inflammatory chemicals that may also damage the joints. In patients with repetitive use or injury, there is enduring damage to the joints. The overuse of the joint also breaks down the cartilage.

This disease may occur in people of all ages but more commonly affects those over the age of 65 years old. One in two adults will develop knee issues, one in four adults will develop hip issues by the age of 85 years old, and one in 12 people over the age of 60 will develop hand osteoarthritis.

Common symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

• Joint pain that is more pronounced at the end of the day or after using the joints in a task.
• Inflammation around a joint.
• Stiff or sore joints.
• Cracking, clicking, or other noise when the joint is in use.

Alternative Treatment for Osteoarthritis:

Sunridge Medical offers alternative treatment of OA and complimentary alternative treatment for joint problems.  The first course is to discover the cause of the OA which begins with natural medicine tests.  Then we create a custom designed treatment plan to treat the whole body and not just the symptoms of pain and joint inflammation.

For answers to your questions or to make an appointment, call us toll-free at 855-747-6832 to speak with a Patient Care Team. Let us help you get your life back.