 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease is
the most common form of arthritis. Over time, this condition
produces a gradual, age-related deterioration of joint cartilage
(the smooth, gel-like cushion between bones that reduces
friction and absorbs shock). As the disease progresses and the
cartilage continues to break down, exposed bone ends rub
together and may develop growths, called spurs. When you
move the joint, the spurs grind against each other causing pain
and joint instability. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is
most common in the fingers, knees, ankles and feet, hips, neck,
and spine.
Symptoms include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disorder that causes
inflammation and eventual destruction of the cartilage and other
tissues in and around the joints. RA is classified as an
autoimmune disease because it causes the immune system,
which normally protects the body, to begin to attack normal
tissues instead. In addition to joints, RA can affect the skin,
eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs, kidneys, and muscles. Unlike
osteoarthritis, RA occurs most often in younger people, usually
between the ages of 20 and 50. Women are three times more
likely than men to develop the disease, which now affects 1% to
2% of Americans.
Symptoms include:
Goals of Naturopathic Treatment:
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease is
the most common form of arthritis. Over time, this condition
produces a gradual, age-related deterioration of joint cartilage
(the smooth, gel-like cushion between bones that reduces
friction and absorbs shock). As the disease progresses and the
cartilage continues to break down, exposed bone ends rub
together and may develop growths, called spurs. When you
move the joint, the spurs grind against each other causing pain
and joint instability. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is
most common in the fingers, knees, ankles and feet, hips, neck,
and spine.
Symptoms include:
- Joint stiffness and pain (especially in the morning or after
exercise) - Limited movement and loss of flexibility in affected joints
- Joint pain made worse by movement and relieved by rest
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disorder that causes
inflammation and eventual destruction of the cartilage and other
tissues in and around the joints. RA is classified as an
autoimmune disease because it causes the immune system,
which normally protects the body, to begin to attack normal
tissues instead. In addition to joints, RA can affect the skin,
eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs, kidneys, and muscles. Unlike
osteoarthritis, RA occurs most often in younger people, usually
between the ages of 20 and 50. Women are three times more
likely than men to develop the disease, which now affects 1% to
2% of Americans.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen, red, and painful joints, most often the fingers,
wrists, knees, ankles, and toes, on both sides of the body - Joints that are tender and warm to the touch
Goals of Naturopathic Treatment:
- Correct body chemistry in order to slow down or reverse
the disease process - Eliminate toxins in order to speed and repair healing
- Replenish any nutrient deficiencies (especially when
patient is taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis) - Address pain through anti-inflammatory diets and
herbal/nutritional supplements - Determine any underlying food sensitivities as eating
foods that your body is reacting to can contribute to
overall inflammation
| Naturopathic Medicine / About The Naturopath / Acupuncture Cosmetic Acupuncture / FAQ / Links / Book An Appointment / Contact |
© Marni Ross ND 2004-2012
Arthritis
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Click Here |
| To book an appointment or a free 10-minute consultation, please fill out the booking form or contact Dr. Ross at her Vancouver clinic. |