Arthritis describes stiffness, swelling, and pain in one or more joints. It is a broad term that covers a group of more than 100 diseases. The word “arthritis” implies “joint inflammation”. Inflammation refers to your body’s reactions to an injury or disease.

Around 53 million people in the US are thought to have arthritis. Arthritis can affect people of all ages, but it is widespread in adults older than 50. If you have pain around or in a joint or joints that doesn’t go away after a few days, you need to see an arthritis therapist near you for diagnosis and treatment. Identifying what is causing your pain is vital to discovering suitable treatment options.

Symptoms and Causes of Arthritis

The signs of arthritis vary from patient to patient, depending on the type. Arthritis symptoms can develop slowly or gradually. But if you have arthritis, you will undoubtedly experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain: Impacted joints might hurt after or during movement.
• Stiffness: Stiffness is a significant symptom. With some types, this can happen upon waking up in the morning after sitting for a long time.
• Tenderness: Your joint may feel tender when you exert light pressure near it.
• Reduced movement: You might experience difficulty moving your joint through its full range of motion
• Swelling: In some cases, the skin above the impacted joint becomes swollen and red. The inflamed soft tissue around your joint causes it.

The two significant types of arthritis-rheumatoid and osteoarthritis- impact joints differently. There is no known cause of arthritis. The causes or causes vary based on the form or type of arthritis. Possible causes of arthritis include:

1. An infection like Lyme disease, which can skyrocket arthritis symptoms.
2. A genetic inheritance which can cause osteoarthritis.
3. An injury which can result in degenerative arthritis.

Some factors can increase your risk of getting arthritis, including old age, joint injuries, genetics, obesity, and specific metabolic conditions.

Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 different types and forms of arthritis. To find the best management and treatment strategies, it’s crucial to know the type of arthritis you have. Read on to learn about the differences between and the forms of arthritis.

Here are the three common types of arthritis and their symptoms:

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative arthritis, affects more people than any other type. It is a degenerative condition that impacts the entire joint; the fluid and protective cartilage break down over time, making joint movement painful and difficult. Inflammation is involved in osteoarthritis, primarily affecting the knees, spine, hands, and hips.

With knee osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your joints breaks down, thus causing them to rub against one another, causing severe pain. It occurs when your body loses its shock absorbers. Cartilage, the slippery material that safeguards the ends of your bones, eventually breaks down. Osteoarthritis pain varies from patient to patient. It can range from moderate to mild and might be managed with regular physical workouts and drugs.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when your body’s immune system becomes dysfunctional and attacks the tissues of your joints and other related organs. Usually, your immune system triggers inflammation that safeguards a person from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. Regular inflammation can permanently destroy organs and joints and create pain in the process.

Common symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain and morning stiffness, generally in the same joint on both sides of your body. Joint deformities may eventually occur. Additional symptoms may also spread to other parts of your body, including the eyes, lungs, heart, or skin. Other complications include sleep difficulties, numbness, tingling, and burning in your feet and hands.

3. Gout

Gout is a different type of inflammatory arthritis that is extremely painful. It typically impacts one joint at a time (usually the big toe). Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in your joints. You usually wake up with a sharp, sudden pain in your big toe. There are times when gout symptoms worsen, called flares, and times when there are no signs, known as remission.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Arthritis

While different treatment options are available to manage arthritis, many people are turning to non-invasive procedures for relief. Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, is an effective and safe treatment procedure for arthritis that utilizes high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the impacted area. The acoustic waves are delivered to the affected joint through a hand-held device, and they operate by boosting blood flow to the area and facilitating the body’s healing process.

Numerous studies have shown that shock wave therapy can be effective in minimizing pain and increasing joint function in patients with arthritis. According to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, researchers found that shockwave therapy for knee osteoarthritis effectively minimized pain and enhanced joint function for arthritis patients.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a safe and non-invasive procedure for arthritis that can assist in improving joint function and minimize pain. It is a safe alternative to surgery and medication and can be utilized with other strategies such as diet and exercise.

Enhance Your Health with Shockwave Therapy for Arthritis in Knoxville, TN

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an arthritis treatment option that uses acoustic waves that relieve pain and promote healing. It can be completed in the comfort of your shockwave therapy providers because of its non-invasive nature.

At WaveTech Therapy  of Knoxville, we utilize shock wave therapy to help patients with arthritis improve their joint function and reduce pain. Our specialists have treated arthritis patients with more than 100k sound waves already, and these patients have achieved tremendous results.

So why not say goodbye to arthritis with shock wave therapy? At WaveTech Therapy of Knoxville, TN, we will always offer our patients a non-invasive, effective treatment option to help them regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life.

Experience the powerful healing impacts of shock wave therapy for arthritis yourself. Contact WaveTech Therapy of Knoxville specialists to schedule a free private consultation today.

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