An estimated one in four people in the United States lives with the joint stiffness and pain of arthritis. At Healing Duo Integrative Family Medical Practice in Norwalk, Connecticut, naturopathic physicians Giovanni A. Nelson, ND, and Pamela Santapaola, ND, understand how debilitating arthritis can be. They focus on reducing chronic inflammation using herbal medicines and acupuncture to relieve your pain and restore your joint function. Call to schedule an arthritis evaluation or book an appointment online today.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects your joints. While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis describes wear-and-tear of the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones in your joints. Due to overuse and age-related changes, this cartilage can break down so the joint bones rub together. This creates friction that causes chronic inflammation, joint stiffness, and pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of an immune system disorder that causes your body to mistakenly attack the healthy lining of your joints. Chronic inflammation leads to joint stiffness and pain.
When left untreated, all forms of arthritis can lead to loss of your joint’s range of motion, decreased mobility, and chronic pain.
You may be prone to arthritis if you have a family history of the disease. Some types of arthritis are more likely to affect a specific gender.
Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are prone to gout, a painful arthritis that develops from the buildup of uric acid. The acid turns into sharp crystals that press on your joints.
Other risk factors for arthritis include:
You are also more likely to develop arthritis if your job or sports you participate in require repetitive motions.
Treating chronic arthritis pain starts with lifestyle changes to improve your joint health and flexibility. The team at Healing Duo Integrative Family Medical Practice takes time to review your existing health, your diet, and your exercise plan. To treat arthritis pain, your provider may suggest:
Your physician can suggest exercises you can do to strengthen your joints and improve your range of motion.
The physicians may also recommend herbal medications and supplements that support joint health and reduce chronic inflammation that’s common with arthritis. By reducing joint inflammation, naturopathic therapies can alleviate existing pain and prevent the progression of arthritis.
To improve your diet, the providers can help you create a plan that limits your sugar intake and increases your consumption of healthy fats and proteins. By eating foods that don’t trigger excess inflammation, you can better manage your arthritis symptoms.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and cupping can improve your overall blood circulation and relieve muscle tension that contributes to arthritis joint pain.
Find out how natural therapies can help relieve your chronic arthritis pain by calling Healing Duo Integrative Family Medical Practice or booking an appointment online today.
