Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis where cartilage within an individual’s joints breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and an overall decline in mobility.
Unlike other types of arthritis, the degradation of bones and joints develops gradually over time, making it a common condition affecting those over 55. Eventually, joint pain and stiffness can become so painful; it can make even daily tasks difficult.
Risk Factors and Causes
- Age- The risk of osteoarthritis increases incrementally with age, predominantly due to normal wear and tear.
- Sex- Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis over men.
- Obesity- Carrying extra pounds may contribute to osteoarthritis by increasing the stress on your weight-bearing joints and overtaxing them.
- Diabetes- Diabetes triggers the inflammatory response within the body, which may exacerbate osteoarthritis.
- Hyperlipidemia (elevated lipids or cholesterol)- Fat tissue produces proteins that can contribute to inflammation, further aggravating the joints.
- Decreased estrogen- Osteoarthritis is very common in post-menopausal women, leading many to believe the hormone loss is a contributing factor.
- Genetics- Certain individuals are more prone to developing the disease based on heredity and a family history of the condition.
- Repeated stress- Repeated wear and tear or degradation of the joint due to a sport or job may eventually lead to the condition.
- Joint injuries- The impact from a car accident or sports injury may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
- Pain (most commonly affecting the hips, knees, and hands)
- Stiffness
- Loss of flexibility
- Bone spurs
- Cracking, grinding, or clicking sounds in the joints
- Swelling or inflammation
- Slow or gradual onset of symptoms
Treatments We Offer
If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoarthritis, it is extremely important to seek medical attention, as the condition can and will continually worsen. A medical practitioner can typically diagnose the ailment through examining your joints and obtaining a history of your symptoms.
While many chronic pain sufferers may believe the only routes for treatment include anti-inflammatory and pain medication or invasive joint replacement surgeries, there are safer, less invasive alternatives that we can administer.
Our treatments are designed to decrease joint pain and stiffness, delay further degradation, improve bodily function, and increase the overall quality of life.
Specifically, we offer platelet-rich plasma or PRP injections for arthritis sufferers. In this procedure, we will draw a small amount of your blood and put it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
This sequestered substance is rich in proteins and growth factors that are essential in the healing process. Therefore, when the PRP is injected into the joint or joints plagued with arthritis, it can stimulate regeneration.
This means that instead of only treating pain or symptoms that come with arthritis, platelet-rich plasma injections may assist with rejuvenating the joint and preventing further progression of the disease. The procedure is quick and easy, typically taking about 30 minutes with little to no downtime proceeding it.
Even further, because it is taken from your own blood, there is zero chance of your body rejecting the PRP treatment.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is suffering from osteoarthritis, we can help. Contact the professional medical team at Mesquite Chiropractic today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Together, we will determine the best course of action to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with the condition, giving our patients the chance to get back to a life without limitations.