Overview
Have you been experiencing an increase in swelling and pain in your joints? Do you find yourself waking up sore and often unable to move your joints? An integrative rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis treatment session with us might be just what you need for overall wellness. Here's everything to know about these two common types of arthritis.
What is Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis?
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are two chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that affect the joints of patients that have them. They are two common forms of arthritis—a disease that causes inflammation in one or multiple joints of the body. Both rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can affect patients of all ages but is most commonly seen in patients ages of 10 and 50.
Psoriatic arthritis typically occurs in conjunction with psoriasis, a skin disorder that results in inflamed and flaky patches of red skin. In addition to affecting joints, psoriatic arthritis can also cause redness in the hands and feet, resulting in dactylitis or a swollen "sausage-like" appearance of the appendages. If left untreated, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can result in deformed joints due to inflammation of the synovium—tissue that lines the joints.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis?
The common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- erosion of bones, and the lack of bone growth
- stiffness in joints in the morning and while sitting for long periods
- pain and tenderness of inflamed joints
- thickening of synovial lining leading to a lack in ease of movement
- difficulty sleeping
- fatigue
- inflammation of glands, especially in the tear ducts, mouth, heart, and lungs
- formation of rheumatoid nodules
The common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- psoriasis
- painful, swollen joints
- damage and breakdown of finger and toe-nails
- stiffness when waking up
- frequent conjunctivitis
What to Expect During Integrative Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments
If you've never had an integrative treatment for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis before, you might be wondering what to expect. A trained doctor at Chris Strickland will begin by asking you a series of questions to determine your medical history. A thorough physical exam, along with lab tests such as X-rays and blood tests, will also be carried out to distinguish the type of arthritis you may be experiencing.
From there, your doctor will prescribe one or several different forms of treatment depending on the severity of your symptoms. These may include:
- changes to diet and lifestyle
- mind-body therapies like meditation, yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture
- herbal supplements
- hypnosis to ease pain and stress
- deep-breathing therapy
- joint injections
Effective rheumatoid and psoriatic therapies require an accurate evaluation and prompt care using safe, effective integrative techniques.
For more information about rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, contact Chris Strickland at (706) 769-9779.
-
Denture Care
Category:
Tooth Care
Dentures today are made from very advanced materials designed to give you a natural appearance.
However, keep in mind that just like your teeth, dentures should be cared for with the same diligence. This means daily brushing and regular visits to your dentist.
Regular visits to your dentist are
Read more
-
Dentures
Category:
Treatment
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Types of dentures
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents
Read more
-
Diabetes
Category:
Dental Problems
People living with diabetes are vulnerable to a host of systemic problems in their entire body. Unfortunately, the mouth and teeth are not immune from such problems, and many diabetics with oral problems go undiagnosed until conditions become advanced.
Infections and other problems such as receding
Read more
-
Diet and Nutrition for Pain Management
Category:
Lifestyle and Management
The Connection Between Diet and Pain
Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in our overall health, including pain management. Certain foods can exacerbate inflammation and pain, while others can help reduce them. Understanding this connection can help individuals manage their pain more effectively.
Inflammatory
Read more
-
Dry Mouth
Category:
Dental Problems
Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials. Dry mouth (also called Xerostomia) is a fairly common condition that is caused by diminished saliva production. People with medical conditions, such
Read more
-
Electronystagmography (ENG)
Category:
Balance and Vestibular Disorders
The inner ear's intricate role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation is crucial for our daily activities. Electronystagmography (ENG) is a specialized diagnostic tool that offers profound insights into the inner ear's function and aids in diagnosing various vestibular disorders. In this exploration,
Read more
-
Emergency Care
Category:
Tooth Care
A knocked out tooth or bitten tongue can cause panic in any parent, but quick thinking and staying calm are the best ways to approach such common dental emergencies and prevent additional unnecessary damage and costly dental restoration. This includes taking measures such as application of cold compresses
Read more
-
Ergonomics and Pain Prevention
Category:
Lifestyle and Management
The Role of Ergonomics in Pain Prevention
Ergonomics, the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment, plays a crucial role in pain prevention. By optimizing the design of workspaces and daily routines, ergonomics can help reduce physical strain and prevent the onset of musculoskeletal
Read more
-
Excessive or Uneven Gums
Category:
Treatment, Cosmetic Dentistry
Many people inherit the problem of excessive or uneven gums. An aesthetic surgical procedure called a gum lift can be used to correct this problem.
Read more
-
Exercise and Pain
Category:
Lifestyle and Management
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing pain. Regular physical activity can help reduce chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. It does this by strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and boosting mood.
Types of Exercise for Pain Management
There are several types
Read more
-
Extractions
Category:
Treatment
General Procedure
When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be pulled, or extracted.
Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases,
Read more
-
Fibromyalgia
Category:
Specialized Pain Conditions
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It is often associated with other symptoms like sleep disturbances, mood swings, and memory issues.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is a widespread
Read more
-
Fillings
Category:
Oral Health Topics
Frequently asked questions: dental fillings
Are dental amalgams safe? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam? Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries? Is there a filling material that matches tooth color? If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in
Read more
-
Flap Surgery
Category:
Treatment
Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming "pockets" around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to thrive and wreak havoc.
As
Read more
-
Flat Feet Overpronation
Category:
Ball/Joint/Tendon
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, is a common condition characterized by the flattening of the arches of the feet. Overpronation, on the other hand, refers to excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running. While these two conditions are distinct, they are often interconnected,
Read more
-
Flossing
Category:
Tooth Care
What is flossing?
Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord you insert and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth.
Why is flossing important?
Many dentists believe
Read more