Joint inflammation is most commonly associated with arthritis, but there are many different causes. Here’s everything you need to know about what it is, why it can lead to pain and how to ease it.
What Is Joint Inflammation?
Inflammation can be a good thing – it is the process that the body uses to protect itself against infection. When you injure yourself, your body sends white blood cells to the area, causing redness and swelling. This is a positive response and helps you to heal more quickly. However, chronic inflammation occurs when your body triggers this response when there isn’t an infection risk. This is what happens in diseases such as arthritis.
Joint inflammation can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Chronic joint inflammation could be linked to arthritis, gout or other inflammatory diseases. Short-lived (or acute) inflammation might be the result of an injury, perhaps from a sprain or overuse during exercise.
What Does Joint Inflammation Feel Like?
The most common symptoms of joint inflammation are:
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling
- Joint pain
- Redness
You might not have all of these symptoms at the same time. The joint stiffness may be worse in the mornings, or after sitting down for a long time. You may also experience some symptoms that feel like flu, such as fever, headaches and loss of appetite. These symptoms come from the triggering of the immune response.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
When you experience joint inflammation – particularly chronic joint inflammation – there are things you can do to ease the discomfort. If you are at all concerned about your inflammation, or think that it might be arthritis, you should see your doctor who will be able to discuss treatments with you.
Osteopathy is a gentle therapy that can be very beneficial for anyone suffering from joint inflammation. It involves manual stretching, massaging and manipulation of joints – this then boosts blood flow to affected areas, helping to relieve tension, increase mobility and alleviate pain.
Increased mobility and flexibility can ease the pressure on certain joints, allowing you to continue with your day-to-day activities.
Osteopathy For Acute Joint Inflammation…
Osteopathy doesn’t just help with arthritis symptoms. If you are experiencing inflammation as the result of an injury, treatment from an osteopath can help to speed up recovery, increase your strength and help you to avoid future injury.
Osteopaths are trained to diagnose conditions and can refer you to other professionals (such as a GP or musculoskeletal therapist) where necessary.
At Northwich Foot Clinic, we are proud to offer both osteopathy and musculoskeletal therapy, both of which are gentle, therapeutic and effective treatments for easing the pain that can come from joint inflammation.
To book your appointment, simply head to our online booking form or call us on 01606 45077 if you would like to discuss which treatment would be best for you. We are handily located in Northwich, Cheshire, making us easily accessible for anyone in the North West, including Manchester.
