Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 conditions that cause your joints to swell and become tender. Approximately 54 million Americans have some type of arthritis. At Integrated Care in Lake Barrington, Illinois, Daniel Di Iorio, MD, DC, FAAFP, and the team regularly diagnose and treat arthritis using safe, noninvasive means. To request your appointment, call the office today.
Arthritis is a type of chronic inflammation that directly impacts the health and mobility of your joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints, or synovium. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, causes your cartilage — a soft cushion-like substance that pads your joints — to wear away and deteriorate.
Ultimately, this causes your bones to rub up against one another, causing pain, stiffness, and immobility.
Other types of arthritis can develop as a result of too much uric acid in your blood or due to underlying medical conditions such as psoriasis or lupus.
Most symptoms associated with arthritis directly affect your joints. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, symptoms may include:
As your arthritis gets worse, you might also experience a decreased range of motion or trouble performing even simple tasks like taking a walk or climbing a flight of stairs.
Arthritis affects people of all ages and backgrounds. However, there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:
Your gender also plays a role. Research suggests women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more susceptible to gout.
To diagnose arthritis, Dr. Di Iorio reviews your medical history, asks you about your symptoms, and does a physical exam. During your appointment, he also looks at your joints for signs of redness, swelling, or warmth. He might also ask you to perform a series of in-office exercises to see how well you move your joints. If necessary, Dr. Di Iorio might also order a series of blood tests or diagnostic imaging such as X-rays.
Treatment for arthritis depends on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms. However, the team at Integrated Care always takes a holistic, noninvasive approach to treatment. Depending on your unique symptoms and medical history, Dr. Di Iorio might recommend physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or manual therapy.
If joint pain negatively interferes with your quality of life, make an appointment at Integrated Care today by calling the office.