Arthritis affects people of all ages, but the most common form, osteoarthritis, mainly develops from middle age onward. The Center for Integrative and Functional Health and Wellness in Bloomingdale, Illinois, treats arthritis using various techniques that ease joint pain and promote better overall health. Call their office today to get the help you need for your arthritis or schedule a consultation by filling in the online form.

request an appointment

What is arthritis?

Arthritis causes chronic joint pain for which there’s no cure. Of the many kinds of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the cartilage in your joints breaking down and wearing away. This cartilage protects the ends of the bones in your joints. When you’re young, tough, slippery cartilage allows the bones to slide painlessly within your joints. As you age and the cartilage wears down from years of joint use, the bones start to rub against each other.

The resulting inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling become gradually worse. Without treatment, osteoarthritis can be disabling. You might be unable to walk or use your hands. Arthritis usually develops from middle age onwards, but you can get it earlier if your joints suffer significant trauma.

What other kinds of arthritis could I get?

Other common kinds of arthritis include:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It’s caused by a malfunction of your immune system that causes it to destroy the joint linings.

Gout

Gout commonly affects the toes. It’s due to the build-up of uric acid crystals in your joints.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis affects people who have the chronic skin condition psoriasis.

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis affects joints that become infected with bacteria.

Arthritis is often a symptom of autoimmune disorders, which also includes lupus.

How is arthritis treated?
Because there’s no cure for arthritis, The Center for Integrative and Functional Health and Wellness focuses on managing your symptoms and keeping you healthy.

Physical therapy is crucial to keep your joints mobile and prevent them from getting worse. In addition to a range of exercise programs, the practice offers treatments like therapeutic massage and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Reiki, IV infusions, acupuncture, and Exosome therapy can also help.

Joint injections could be helpful for some patients, especially as the disease gets worse. Regenerative medicine injections promote tissue growth and repair. Hyaluronic acid injections lubricate arthritic joints. Steroid injections are often necessary to treat severe arthritis.

What can I do to ease my arthritis symptoms?
The healthier you are in other respects, the less effect arthritis has on your well-being. The Center for Integrative and Functional Health and Wellness offers specialized nutrition and dietary advice, including testing for food intolerances that could make your arthritis worse.

Staying active without overdoing it stops your joints and muscles from seizing up, so make sure you follow your physical therapist’s instructions on how to exercise each day. Dietary supplements could help, and losing excess weight eases the strain on your joints.

The Center for Integrative and Functional Health and Wellness supports you with all these changes and provides the most effective treatments available. Call their office today to find out more, or use the online booking form to schedule a consultation.