Arthritis Chiropractor in Mesa, AZ
An arthritis chiropractor in Mesa, AZ residents trust from LifeCare Chiropractic knows that knee aches, pain, lost range of motion, and stiffness are symptoms many people experience. They are increasingly common in aging adults, as osteoarthritic changes cause degeneration in the knee joint. While dangerous infections, tumors, and fractures, sometimes cause the same symptoms, most causes are biomechanical.
Biomechanical causes of knee pain include sprains, meniscus injuries, ligament or tendon tears, and degenerative knee osteoarthritis. Although they are usually not life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort, making it hard to walk, requiring time away from work, affecting social interactions, and causing mood disturbances. If you are struggling with managing osteoarthritis, it is time to consult with an arthritis chiropractor in Mesa, Arizona for treatment.
Consult a Knee Doctor for Noninvasive Treatment
You are well-advised to consult an arthritis doctor Mesa AZ patients can depend on when you have symptoms of a knee condition. If you experience pain and other symptoms that make it hard to stand or sleep through the night, you would do well to consult with a knee pain relief professional from LifeCare Chiropractic sooner than later. If your knee problem is ongoing, timely intervention may slow the deterioration and ease the pain.
Doctors prescribe rest and medications for a short time for many patients. In the short term, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications are helpful, but not likely to be curative. Plus, they have the potential for side effects. Physical therapy is another well-accepted option that your Arizona arthritis chiropractor in Mesa may recommend for knee problems.
Treatment with Physical Therapy
In osteoarthritis of the knee, the muscles surrounding the knee have likely become weak, and the knee joint has become stiff. This makes it challenging to do day-to-day tasks. Physical therapy techniques can help reduce the swelling, pain, and stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis. It can also improve the function of the knee joint, making it easier for you to walk, kneel, bend, squat, and sit down. Manual physical therapy and supervised exercise have significant functional benefits for people with knee osteoarthritis and may postpone or prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Two types of physical therapy are usually included in a complete therapy plan. These are passive and active treatments, and they can help make knee osteoarthritis more manageable and tolerable. With passive treatments, the therapist moves the joint and does the majority of the work. Active treatments, however, require you to do most of the work, such as working out in the physical therapy facility and practicing at-home exercises.
Furthermore, using techniques such as medical massage, manual therapy, ultrasound, stretching, and other rehabilitative exercises, most patients can expect favorable results. Contact an arthritis chiropractor in Mesa from LifeCare Chiropractic for more information about treatment options that may work for you.
Hyaluronate or Hyaluronic Acid Injections
This treatment is also called viscosupplementation. It works by restoring lubrication to the knee joint. The injection provides a substance that mimics the joint’s natural synovial fluid, which is a slippery substance that helps to keep joints lubricated and free of friction. Hyaluronate is a critical component of synovial fluid. These injections have been used successfully for more than 20 years. Patients report that mobility is restored and pain is eased once the injection takes effect. Doctors agree that these injections are beneficial, although not all patients will have the same results.
For more information on these and other noninvasive interventions for knee problems, contact a Mesa, AZ arthritis chiropractor from LifeCare Chiropractics to schedule a consultation.