West Vancouver Foot Clinic Relieves Your Arthritis Pain and Discomfort
Arthritis Disorders and Treatments
Joint stiffness, pain, tenderness, swelling and/or redness that lasts for more than two weeks, may signal arthritis. Any of the 100 forms of arthritis can damage our bodies, especially the joints, gradually wearing away protective cartilage where the bones meet to make a joint. As cartilage erodes and bone rubs against bone, the joint becomes painful. Movement may become limited as bone ends erode or thicken, sometimes developing painful outgrowths, or spurs. If left untreated, damage to cartilage can seriously weaken the joints, often leading to pain and deformities.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two common forms of arthritis that affect millions of Canadians and Americans, especially those over age 45. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis, a ‘systemic’ disease that can affect the entire body, is unclear. It is believed to result when the body produces enzymes that inflame the joints and other tissues.
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative arthritis, or referred to as joint “wear and tear” is isolated to the joints only and does not systemically affect the body. Pain and stiffness caused by cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis, develop slowly as a result of years of everyday living.
Surgery When Joint Problems Are Severe
Surgery to reconstruct the joint may be needed if arthritis causes chronic problems that cannot be controlled by medications, orthotics or physical therapy. In the vast majority of cases, reconstructive surgery can bring improvement. Pain relief and increased joint motion are benefits of surgery. While surgical care will not cure arthritis or completely restore the joint to its natural health, it will ease pain and make daily activities more manageable.