Osteoarthritis
Help for Osteoarthritis Pain in Midtown Toronto
Osteoarthritis (arthritis) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions, including over 80% of adults over 55.
- “Arthro” means joint (where two bones meet)
- “Itis” means inflammation
Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation within joints.
- 80% of people over 65 show signs on X-rays; 60% have symptoms
- Women (ages 50–75) experience increased hand and knee OA after menopause
- Men show a gradual rise in OA in all joints with age
Left untreated, OA may cause moderate to severe disability, reducing mobility, affecting posture, and limiting your quality of life.
At My Toronto Chiropractor Clinic, we provide natural, non-invasive, hands-on treatment for osteoarthritis affecting the spine, knees, hips, feet, hands, and other joints.
gentle joint mobilization, spinal manipulation, and 1-on-1 therapeutic exercise programs based on GLA:D principles. With a strong focus on education, posture, and long-term movement strategies, we help you avoid surgery, manage pain, and return to doing what you love.
Are you experiencing joint stiffness, swelling, or chronic pain?Get natural relief from osteoarthritis in Toronto—book your appointment today.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
- Pain, aching, and/or stiffness (especially mornings lasting for less than 30 minutes or after activity)
- Reduced range of motion
- Joint swelling or tenderness
- Instability (locking or a “giving way” feeling)
- Cracking sounds (crepitus)
- Bone and joint deformity
- Muscle weakness
What are the Risk Factors for Arthritis?
- Age
- Injuries from sports or work that involves heavy labour
- Fractures and severe sprains
- Congenital conditions of the spine, hips, knees, and feet
- Systemic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout
- Obesity accelerates the wear and tear of joint cartilage
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Prior Infections near a joint
How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
- Usually diagnosed clinically
- X-rays may be ordered for more detailed information
- Blood tests may be ordered to rule out other inflammatory types of arthritis
Joint Changes with Arthritis:
A joint is the space between 2 bones. It includes:
- Cartilage on bone surfaces for smooth movement
- Synovial tissue and fluid that lubricate the joint
- Surrounding Capsule
- Ligaments attach to both bones to provide stability
- Muscles & Tendons that attach near the joint and cause the bones to move
When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it is called spondylosis, or more specifically, degenerative joint disease or degenerative disc disease. OA can affect any joint, but is most common in weight-bearing and frequently used joints.
Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis :
We offer effective, drug-free treatments to relieve the pain and dysfunction of Osteoarthritis, including:
- Manual manipulation and mobilization of the joints
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Education about activity and exercise modifications
- PulStar® mobilization to correct joint, muscle, and nerve dysfunction
- Physical therapy modalities such as electrical therapy (interferential current) to reduce pain
- Ultrasound to reduce scar tissue and accelerate healing
- Advice regarding bracing, orthotics, canes/crutches
- Progressive muscular relaxation
- Preventive strategies such as exercise, stretching and activities to avoid
- Lifestyle modification suggestions related to ergonomics and postural advice
Potential Complications of Osteoarthritis:
- Falls
- Difficulty walking, which affects heart health and social well-being
- Joint malalignment
- Decreased range of motion of the joint
- Radiculopathies
- Anatomical Short Leg
Arthritis Treatment Goals:
To empower and challenge you takes steps to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life, so you continue to engage in activities you enjoy with greater comfort.
- alleviate pain
- improve joint function
- enhance the quality of life
- slow the progression of the disease as much as possible
When Joint Replacement Surgery is Needed:
There are times when the disability and pain from Osteoarthritis is so substantial that it is affecting your quality of life and ability to be physically active. When needed,you will be referred to your physican for a consultation about the need for joint replacement surgery.
Long-term outcomes with success rates of over 80% are common.
Keep in mind that most prosthetic joints wear out in 10 to 15 years, and repeat surgery may be required. There are also potential complications following surgery.
If you have undergone joint replacement surgery, book an appointment for a leg-length analysis to determine if you need a heel lift.
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For arthritis pain relief, contact My Toronto Chiropractor Clinic in midtown Toronto and click on Directions in the map below!
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