Arthritis is a broad term used to describe a group of conditions that primarily affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is one of the most prevalent chronic health issues globally, affecting millions of people across different age groups. While there are over 100 types of arthritis, the two main categories are degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Understanding the differences between these types is essential for comprehending how arthritis affects the body.
Degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones within a joint gradually wears away over time. Factors such as aging, joint overuse, obesity, and joint injuries can contribute to the development of degenerative arthritis. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Degenerative arthritis often affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, but it can occur in any joint.
On the other hand, inflammatory arthritis encompasses a group of conditions characterised by chronic inflammation within the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Unlike degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, including the joints. This immune response triggers inflammation, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Inflammatory arthritis can also affect other organs and systems in the body, leading to fatigue, fever, and general malaise.
Regardless of the type, arthritis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Chronic joint pain and stiffness can limit mobility, interfere with daily activities, and cause emotional distress. Arthritis treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, preserving joint function, and improving overall well-being. Treatment approaches may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, assistive devices, and in severe cases, surgery.
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that mainly affects the joints. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This can cause joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis typically develops with age or due to joint overuse, obesity, or injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, primarily targeting the joints. This leads to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other organs and systems in the body.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that often occurs in people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It involves joint inflammation and can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body and may also cause changes in the nails and skin, along with other symptoms related to psoriasis.
Degenerative joint disease is another term for osteoarthritis. It refers to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Degenerative joint disease typically occurs with age and is associated with joint wear and tear, obesity, and injuries.
Degenerative disc disease is a condition that affects the discs in the spine. The intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, gradually lose their flexibility and cushioning ability. This can cause back or neck pain, along with stiffness and reduced mobility. Degenerative disc disease is often a result of aging and wear and tear on the spine. A symtpom of degenerative disc disease could be sciatica or neck pain.
Arthritis Pain Treatment Methods
We have our own unique style of massage developed to complement our adjustments. We are experts at tracing the cause of arthritis pain to its source, and our treatment includes both the front of the body and back of the body, so you are receiving a holistic approach to your care.
This approach focuses on you as a whole person, not just a region in isolation, and so it brings you not only short-term relief from pain, but also lasting improvements to your health and well-being. Our adjustments all use traction making them smooth and gentle on your body. We work with you to devise personalised functional exercises that you can use to strengthen your muscles and build your stability. Lessening the stress on your joints.
About
Five Dock Osteopathic & Chiropractic is located in Canada Bay, in Sydney’s Inner West. Servicing suburbs including Burwood, Croydon, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Haberfield, Concord, Abbotsford, Chiswick, Leichhardt, Wareemba, Russell Lea, Summer Hill, Strathfield.
Clinic hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday, Friday 7AM – 5PM
Saturday 7AM – 2PM
Sunday Closed
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