Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Our Roanoak, TX clinic offers multiple treatments for patients seeking relief from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that disproportionately affects older individuals. The disease affects the joint’s cartilage, lining, ligaments, and bone. Osteoarthritis often occurs in the spine, hips, knees, toes, and hands.  

During your visit to Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Cody Doyle will examine your areas of pain before recommending a customized course of treatment for your osteoarthritis.

Cause of Osteoarthritis

Age is a leading risk factor for osteoarthritis. The vast majority of patients who report symptoms of this disease are well over 40.

Possible causes of OA include:

• Poor diet
• Genetics
• Family history of OA
• Obesity
• Overuse of joints
• Trauma
• Unequal leg length
• Bowlegs
• Knocked knees

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

During your visit to our Roanoak clinic, Dr. Doyle will look for symptoms of osteoarthritis. Patients with this condition may experienced increase pain while standing or sitting upright for prolonged periods of time. Some individuals experience discomfort while bending their back. It is not uncommon for the pain to expand to the pelvic areas.

Because osteoarthritis develops from worn joints, the symptoms may not be noticeable at first.

Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Muscle spasms
• Joint creaking
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion (especially in the lower back)
• Joint pain
• Swelling near the joint area
• Decreased function of spine joint

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

Depending on the cause and extent of your osteoarthritis, Dr. Doyle will prepare a customized treatment plan. Weight loss and changes to your diet will be likely recommendations. Obesity is a common cause of wear on the spine.

Lowering your weight can also reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is important to understand that there is no cure for OA, but the symptoms can be effectively treated at our clinic and through lifestyle changes.

To manage your pain and symptoms, Dr. Doyle may recommend:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Myofascial release therapy
• Complementary therapies (herbal and nutritional plans or home exercises)

Dr. Doyle may also have a lengthy discussion on how you can manage and live with OA. Many of our patients benefit from understanding how to properly position their neck and spine while sleeping. Individuals with OA may need to avoid repetitive motions and frequent bending. There are adaptive devices that can assist you with daily activities.

While undergoing treatments at our chiropractic clinic is an integral part of recovery, it is also important to reduce or eliminate the causes of your OA. If you are ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to significantly reduce your symptoms while regaining mobility and restoration of your quality of life.

Contact a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

Dr. Doyle has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating muscle pain. To schedule an exploratory exam, contact Dr. Doyle at (817) 767-5430 or visit our website to set up an initial appointment.