Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Arthritis and Osteoarthritis can occur at any age. Systemic arthritis appears in patients with compromised immune systems and attacks the membrane that covers the cartilage of the joints, resulting in loss of protective fluid. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage.

Dr. Elder can help by minimizing stress on joints that are prone to wear and tear (like the hips, knees and spine) and helping to keep your immune system in top shape. Regular, low impact exercise along with plenty of fluids can help prolong the life of your joints, and your body in general.

Symptoms:

• Stiffness or friction in your joints

• Been in a car accident or suffered a serious sports injury in the past ten years

• A limited range of movement in your arms, legs, neck, or back

• Experienced swelling or redness in your shoulders, knees, elbows, wrists, fingers, or ankles

• Painful to bend your legs, arms, or fingers, or to move your shoulders, wrists, ankles, or pelvis

• Take painkillers like aspirin to relieve pain in your joints

• Have morning back pain that disappears when you get up

• Reduced activity level due to a physical disability

• Find it hard to move your head without moving your torso

• Difficulty bending to pick up a small object from the ground