What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. There are more than 100 different types, but the two most common are osteoarthritis, caused by wear on joint cartilage over time, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints.
While arthritis is often associated with aging, it can affect people of any age, and the joints most commonly involved include the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Common Causes of Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis — the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints, most common with age or after joint injury.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.
- Joint injury — a past injury, even one that healed years ago, can increase the risk of arthritis developing in that joint.
- Repetitive stress — jobs or activities that place repeated strain on the same joints over time.
- Genetics — family history plays a role in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Excess body weight — adds extra stress to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Joint pain that worsens with activity or at the end of the day
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
- Reduced range of motion
- A grating or clicking sensation with movement
- Joint pain that comes and goes, or gradually worsens over time
When to See a Doctor
Many forms of arthritis are manageable with conservative care. But certain symptoms call for prompt evaluation.
Seek care promptly if:
- Sudden, severe joint swelling or redness
- Joint pain accompanied by fever
- Inability to bear weight or use the joint at all
- Rapid worsening of symptoms over a short period
- Signs of infection, such as warmth and redness around the joint
If any of these apply to you, call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation rather than waiting it out.
How We Treat Arthritis at Kyro Care
Every case starts with a physical exam to determine which joints are affected and how much they’re impacted. Once we understand the specifics, treatment may include:
Chiropractic adjustment
Improves joint mobility and can help reduce compensatory strain on nearby joints and the spine.
Soft-tissue therapy
Eases muscle tension around affected joints and supports better overall movement.
Targeted exercises
Maintains joint flexibility and builds supporting muscle strength to reduce strain.
Lifestyle and activity guidance
Practical strategies to manage flare-ups and reduce stress on affected joints.
We focus on a conservative, whole-body approach to managing arthritis symptoms. Call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation and build a plan suited to your specific joints and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arthritis the same as joint pain? +
Not exactly — arthritis specifically refers to inflammation within the joint, while joint pain can have many other causes, including muscle strain or referred pain. A proper exam helps determine which applies to you.
Can chiropractic care help with arthritis? +
Yes. While chiropractic care can’t reverse joint damage, it can improve mobility, reduce compensatory strain on other joints and the spine, and help manage pain as part of a broader care approach.
What’s the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? +
Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear on joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining. They require different management approaches.
Does exercise help or hurt arthritis? +
Appropriate, low-impact exercise generally helps by maintaining joint mobility and strengthening supporting muscles. High-impact activity during a flare-up can worsen symptoms, so guidance matters.
Will arthritis get worse over time? +
It depends on the type and how well it’s managed. Many people successfully manage symptoms for years with a combination of conservative care, activity modification, and, when needed, medical treatment.
Can diet affect arthritis symptoms? +
For some people, certain foods can influence inflammation levels. We’re happy to discuss general lifestyle factors as part of your overall care plan.
