Arthritis

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation, a condition arising from numerous causes and affecting any joint. Of the many types of arthritis, the two most common include:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

OA occurs when the cartilage covering bones begins to wear down, a gradual process that occurs over years of moving your joints. As more cartilage wears away, bone grates against bone, inflammation develops, and pain and stiffness take hold.

OA typically begins in weight-bearing joints, like your knees, hips, lower back, and shoulders.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is different because it’s an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease begins when an overactive immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues lining the joint (synovial tissues). The tissues become inflamed, and without treatment, ongoing inflammation erodes the bones.

RA begins in the small joints of your fingers, toes, hands, and feet. This type of arthritis also occurs in the same joint on both sides of your body.

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What symptoms does arthritis cause?

Arthritis causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. As the underlying condition progresses, your symptoms worsen, making it harder to move and use the joint.

RA also causes swelling. The inflammation associated with RA can also affect other body areas, causing problems in your lungs, skin, eyes, blood vessels, and other organs.

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How is arthritis treated?

Zen Attitude Acupuncture specializes in integrative care, using several approaches to relieve your arthritis pain and trigger healing in the tissues. Your care plan may include:

• Acupuncture
• Naturopathic medicine
• Homeopathic injections
• Vitamin injections
• Nutritional counseling
• Life coaching

Acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, and homeopathic injections are especially beneficial for arthritis because they reduce inflammation throughout your body and support the complex healing process inside the joint.

Your body can’t heal or fight inflammation and disease without sufficient nutrition. Zen Attitude Acupuncture supports your well-being and helps you get relief from arthritis by recommending dietary changes and vitamin injections to meet your health needs.

It’s also essential to keep moving when you have arthritis. Exercise encourages healing and boosts your immune system. It also increases joint lubrication, reduces stiffness, fights swelling and pain, and helps you sleep better.

At Zen Attitude Acupuncture, the team offers life coaching, a personalized service that helps identify life changes, gives tips, and encourages you along the way.

Call the nearest office or request an appointment through online booking to learn more about natural, holistic arthritis care.