About 1 in 4 adults in the United States will develop some form of arthritis during their lifetime. Arthritis commonly causes joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in one or more joints. In many cases, these symptoms limit physical activity, which may contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, along with reduced function in daily activities. However, regular physical activity has been shown to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and better manage arthritis symptoms.
Common Types of Arthritis
The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis develops from wear-and-tear or joint injury. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones begins to break down. As this occurs, connective tissues that support the joint may also become damaged. This process can lead to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. In this condition, the immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule. As a result, inflammation and swelling develop within the joint. Over time, this process may damage both cartilage and bone.
Ankylosing spondylitis causes chronic inflammation of the spine, most often in the lower back. The sacroiliac joints, located between the spine and pelvis, become inflamed and may affect other areas of the spine. Although genetics play a role, not everyone with the gene develops symptoms. Common symptoms include low back pain, hip pain, joint pain, fatigue, breathing difficulty, weight loss, abdominal pain, skin rash, and vision problems.
Gout is another form of arthritis that develops suddenly and is often severe. It typically begins in the big toe but may affect any joint. Gout occurs when uric acid levels rise in the blood, leading to crystal formation within the joint. This results in intense pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling.
In addition, underlying conditions such as lupus or psoriasis may contribute to other types of arthritis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the risk of arthritis, including:
- Family history
- Repetitive stress on joints from sports or occupational activities
- Autoimmune conditions
- Certain viral or inflammatory conditions
Treatment and Management
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular movement plays an important role in managing arthritis. In many cases, inactivity increases stiffness and discomfort, while movement helps reduce symptoms. Therefore, low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, strength training, yoga, tai chi, and stretching are commonly recommended.
Heat and Infrared Ozone Sauna
Heat therapy helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain and stiffness. In addition, infrared sauna therapy penetrates deeper into tissues, which supports blood flow and delivers oxygen to muscles. Infrared ozone sauna therapy may also help reduce oxidative stress, support detoxification, and promote ATP production, which is important for cellular energy.
Ozone Therapy (O3)
Ozone therapy has been studied for its role in supporting musculoskeletal health. Research suggests that ozone (O3):
- Increases antioxidants in the blood, which may help protect tissues
- Supports oxygen delivery to affected areas
- May assist in the treatment of damaged cartilage
- Has shown effectiveness in managing rheumatoid arthritis and may support remission in some cases
- Supports pain control and functional improvement in osteoarthritis
- May help reduce reliance on certain medications
Learn More and Schedule an Appointment
For more information about ozone therapy and other treatment options offered at Alta Mountain Chiropractic, visit Altamtn.com and review the Natural Medicine section.
To schedule an appointment, call Alta Mountain Chiropractic at (801) 523-2582.
