Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the quality of cartilage in the joints slowly deteriorates. This cartilage normally ensures smooth movements and protects the bones. When worn, the bones rub directly against each other, causing pain and inflammation.
Wear and tear is sometimes used synonymously with osteoarthritis, but it can also refer to general body decline due to age, overexertion, or other factors.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatism are different conditions. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear or aging of cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy joints. The treatment for both conditions varies considerably, although they sometimes have overlapping symptoms, such as pain and stiffness.
Anyone can develop osteoarthritis, but the risk increases with age. Other factors include obesity, previous joint injuries, genetic predisposition and excessive stress on the joints due to heavy work or intensive sport, for example. Too little exercise can also cause osteoarthritis. This is because a sedentary or inactive lifestyle does not stimulate cartilage to stay healthy, so that the quality also decreases.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, you can reduce the symptoms by staying active with light movements, such as walking, swimming and light strengthening sports. Reducing obesity can relieve pressure on your joints, while a healthy diet helps to reduce inflammation. Heat can relax sore muscles, although cold compresses or ice packs may provide more relief. Using heat on an inflamed joint can sometimes make the symptoms worse, because inflammation is already associated with heat and extra heat can enhance this process. It is important to consult a specialist in case of serious complaints.
While more large-scale research is needed, many scientific studies and reviews recognise the benefits of chiropractic in alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms and supporting a better quality of life. Chiropractic is particularly effective as part of a multi-disciplinary approach, combining it with exercise therapy, weight management, and other conservative treatments.
At Cornerstone Chiropractie we use “evidence-based” techniques to help people with osteoarthritis and wear and tear to reduce their symptoms. Our approach focuses not only on treating symptoms, but also on improving your overall joint health and quality of life.
Chiropractic focuses on restoring joint mobility and reducing pain. At Cornerstone Chiropractie, we use gentle, targeted techniques to relieve pressure on your joints and improve mobility. We work with an approach that is fully tailored to your complaints and needs. In addition, we provide advice on exercises and lifestyle to prevent future complaints.
Our experienced chiropractors at Cornerstone Chiropractie are ready to identify and treat the cause of your complaints.
What can I expect?During the intake, the cause of your complaint will be determined by means of an anamnesis and extensive examination, so that we can focus on long-term results and a balanced body.
During your follow-up appointments, we follow the treatment plan discussed and continuously evaluate whether it is effective. We take your wishes into account and adjust the plan if necessary.
When your complaint is well controlled, it is advisable to have the health of your spine checked regularly to ensure that it remains in good condition for as long as possible.
The body undergoes a natural aging process, and while osteoarthritis is not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
At Cornerstone Chiropractie, our dedicated team of chiropractors is always ready to support you quickly and effectively. Due to our diverse specialisations and interests, we can offer a wide range of treatments.
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