How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes a review of medical history, physical examination, and imaging such as X-rays when needed.

What are the stages of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is often described in stages ranging from mild joint changes to more advanced joint involvement with reduced mobility.

How can you help slow osteoarthritis progression?

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following a guided care plan may help support joint health and function.

Does osteoarthritis cause constant pain?

Pain levels vary. Some individuals experience occasional discomfort, while others may have more persistent symptoms depending on severity.

What type of doctor diagnoses osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis may be diagnosed by a primary care provider or a specialist such as an orthopedic doctor or rheumatologist.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly associated with joint wear over time, as well as factors such as age, joint stress, and previous injury.

Does insurance cover osteoarthritis treatment?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many plans include some level of treatment for osteoarthritis, but it is best to verify details with your provider.

Osteoarthritis Specialist

Name: Ballard Seattle Chiropractic Center
Address: 5429 Russell Ave NW #300, Seattle, Washington, 98107, United States
Telephone: (206) 783-6000
Price range: $$

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops over time due to wear and tear. It typically affects weight-bearing joints, such as the spine, hips, knees, ankles, and joints in the hands. Both men and women of any age can develop osteoarthritis, but it is more common in older adults.

Chiropractic care can help prevent further arthritic development, and regular sessions may even prevent osteoarthritic changes from occurring. All we know for sure is that many of our patients report feeling better and being able to stay more active and look after themselves better as a result of chiropractic treatment.

On this page, Dr. Jerry Thomas Weider Jr DC, a leading Seattle chiropractor will talk about symptoms and Osteoarthritis treatment options available in Seattle. Dr. Jerry Weider, DC, evaluates how joint function, movement patterns, and posture may be contributing to your symptoms. Treatment is then structured based on your findings. Call (206) 783-6000 to book an appointment.

Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Most people first experience mild symptoms. Over time, symptoms start to progress and become worse. Common symptoms may include:

Pain is the most common symptom
Pain which can worse when the person is active
Tenderness and stiffness in affected joints
The appearance of bone spurs
Inflammation in and around the affected joints
A grating sound when moving the joints
Reduced flexibility in the joints

Causes Of Osteoarthritis

Wearing the cartilage that supports a joint is a primary cause. Factors that can affect a patient’s risk for osteoarthritis include:

Age, since the risk increases over time
Being female, as women have a higher likelihood of developing the condition
Obesity, which puts excess pressure on the joints
Joint injuries that wear down cartilage over time
A family history of osteoarthritis
Consistent stress on certain joints

Temporary Pain Relief For Osteoarthritis

Over-the-counter medication, such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and topical creams, can help reduce pain and swelling. Hot and cold therapy may also provide temporary relief. Steroid injections are another option a doctor may consider for managing pain in the affected area.

Long Term Problems Due To Untreated Osteoarthritis

When osteoarthritis is not treated, it can result in a faster progression of the disease. As bones rub on bones during movement, damage to these structures, as well as joints, occurs. In turn, this could result in more severe disability over time.

Treatment For Osteoarthritis

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. We typically recommend conservative options first, including chiropractic care, electric nerve stimulation, and acupuncture. Lifestyle changes, including managing weight, eating healthy, and exercising, can also help slow the progression. Surgery is only considered when other options do not work. Talk to our chiropractor in Seattle to find the right treatment plan for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis

How do you get osteoarthritis?

The condition develops due to a deterioration of cartilage. The cartilage in question surrounds the areas where bones come together at your joints. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones start to rub against each other since the cushioning is breaking down.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term that refers to a family of different joint-related diseases. Osteoarthritis is a specific type of arthritis related to years of wear and tear on cartilage tissues.

Is osteoarthritis hereditary?

Osteoarthritis is not inherited, but some genetic factors could increase the risk of developing the condition. Currently, it is not sure how the pattern of inheritance works, but a family history makes a person more likely to develop osteoarthritis themselves.

What is the best vitamin for arthritis?

There are two specific natural supplements often recommended for people with arthritis. These include chondroitin and glucosamine. Many people use the two together for more effective results.

How do they test for osteoarthritis?

A patient’s family history is taken into account, as well as their medical record. A physical examination is done. X-rays are also helpful to determine if it is osteoarthritis and the severity of the condition.

Can massage help osteoarthritis?

Deep tissue massages that target affected areas may relieve stress, as well as the accumulation of tension. Massage is also a practical option for reducing inflammation and improving the patient’s mobility in their joints.

Is there a cure for osteoarthritis of the spine?

No cure exists for osteoarthritis, regardless of the area in the body that is affected. There are treatments, however, that can slow the progression and provide an effective reduction in symptoms.

What are the four stages of osteoarthritis?

There are four stages of this condition:

Stage 1 is also known as the minor stage
Stage 2 is called the mild stage
Stage 3 is more moderate
Stage 4 is the most advanced phase of osteoarthritis

How do you stop osteoarthritis from progressing?

Taking the right supplements and medications can be helpful. People should also avoid gaining excess weight and ensure they frequently exercise, as these factors affect joint health.

Does osteoarthritis hurt all the time?

Acute pain is often one of the first symptoms, but this can, later on, develop into chronic pain symptoms. It also depends on the stage of osteoarthritis – an advanced stage may result in more consistent pain.

Will osteoarthritis cripple me?

In rare cases, osteoarthritis has been noted to cause crippling effects in patients. This does not affect all patients, but the condition can still have a major impact even when it does not cripple the patient.

What type of doctor can diagnose osteoarthritis?

In most cases, a general practitioner will not diagnose or treat osteoarthritis. Instead, the patient will be referred to either an orthopedic surgeon or an orthopedist.

What is the leading cause of osteoarthritis?

Years of wear and tear on the cartilage that provides a cushioning effect between bones and joints. As the cartilage wears away, bone-on-bone movement occurs.

What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?

The disease may progress to a more advanced stage faster. This could result in more severe pain and inflammation and cause significant stiffness in the affected joints.

What is the latest treatment for osteoarthritis?

Hyaluronic acid is now commonly used in the form of an injection. Some patients also have experienced improvements with the use of platelet-rich plasma injections.

Does Medical Insurance Cover Osteoarthritis Treatment?

It depends on the specific insurance program and the provider. Medicare generally provides cover for treatments related to osteoarthritis. Some alternative treatments are also covered, mainly due to a higher effectiveness rate and a lower price.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505083/

Content Reviewed by

Dr. Jerry Thomas Weider Jr DC

Doctor Of Chiropractic