Treatments for Joint Conditions & Arthritis
Dr Hitesh Manga specialises in the treatment of several joint conditions. Treatments are available in the Port Elizabeth area, focusing on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
What are joint conditions?
Joint conditions include injuries or diseases within a joint; the place where two bones come together, such as the hip, knee or shoulder. Diseases like arthritis can cause major pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, which can become unbearable. Common types of joint conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Common types of joint conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own connective tissue. It causes inflammation of the membranes that line the joints and, eventually, the destruction of cartilage and bone. It can also affect other organs in the body including the skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels.
There is currently no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and treatment aims to decrease disease intensity and delay progression. Drug management relies on anti-inflammatory and immune-blocking mechanisms. New therapies focus on blocking TNF-α and although they are effective in delaying disease progression, localised and systemic adjunctive therapies stay important in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine, although it can also affect other joints, tendons and organs. Formation of new bone in the spine and joints leads to stiffness and fusion, resulting in a stooped posture.
The inflammation leads to joint pain and stiffening, restriction in movement and pain at tendon insertions. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. In rare cases, the eye, heart and lungs may be affected. The disease can also be accompanied by psoriasis or chronic intestinal inflammation, including Crohn’s disease.
There are no known cures, and management is aimed at controlling symptoms and delaying disease progression. Management includes anti-inflammatory drug treatments, physical therapy and irradiation therapy in more severe cases. Benefits have been seen with whole body and localised cryotherapy when used in conjunction with these therapies.
Osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown of joint cartilage. It starts with small tears in the cartilage that extend gradually over time. As the cartilage degenerates, small fragments break off and move freely in the joints, which become inflamed and painful. Over time, restriction of movement occurs, which leads to atrophy of the surrounding muscles.
Treatment of the cause isn't possible, and treatments are aimed at managing the pain and swelling.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which can cause pain, stiffness and tenderness in the muscles, joints and tendons. Many people who have fibromyalgia also suffer from tension headaches, depression, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases which affects the muscle, but the cause for it is unknown. Symptoms often begin after a traumatic episode, surgery, infection or a period of stress, but there may be no recognisable triggering event.
It is more common in women than in men, and there is often a family history or history of another rheumatic condition (e.g. osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis).
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a variety of medicines and chiropractic treatments can help to keep the symptoms under control. Exercising, relaxation and stress reduction can also help to manage it.
Management involves several modalities, and drug treatments are either aimed at increasing serotonin levels or at managing specific symptoms. Cryotherapy are widely used in the management of fibromyalgia.
How are joint conditions treated?
Treatments are usually geared towards helping decrease pain. They often begin with RICE which is known as rest, ice, compression and elevation. This method is used to reduce swelling and accelerate recovery. Other treatments can include prescribed pain killers, rehabilitation, and prevention of movement of the injured area.
Our approach to treating joint conditions
At our practice, we combine the traditional treatment for joint pain with the latest technologies to help provide relief. Treatment methods include:
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Outlined in detail below is our approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Cryotherapy has been used in the management of RA since it was first described in Japan in 1978. It is a highly beneficial adjuvant therapy, with studies showing multiple benefits, not least of which is an improved ability to do physiotherapy, significantly improving the outcome of a course of treatment.
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Localised cryotherapy protocols show maximum benefit when done twice a day for at least 10 days.
Cryotherapy is also used in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
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Short-term relief is seen after 12 to 15 2-3 minute treatments, but long-lasting relief is usually seen after a course of 20 to 25 sessions. A course of treatments may be repeated once or twice a year. The therapeutic effect lasts for several months following a course of treatments.
Schedule an appointment and begin your path to pain relief today.
Accredited / Member of:
CASA
SASMA
IOD Medical Center
ICCSP
