Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. Over time, this condition produces a gradual, age-related deterioration of joint cartilage (the smooth, gel-like cushion between bones that reduces friction and absorbs shock). As the disease progresses and the cartilage continues to break down, exposed bone ends rub together and may develop growths, called spurs. When you move the joint, the spurs grind against each other causing pain and joint instability. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the fingers, knees, ankles and feet, hips, neck, and spine.
Symptoms include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation and eventual destruction of the cartilage and other tissues in and around the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease because it causes the immune system, which normally protects the body, to begin to attack normal tissues instead. In addition to joints, RA can affect the skin, eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs, kidneys, and muscles. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA occurs most often in younger people, usually between the ages of 20 and 50. Women are three times more likely than men to develop the disease, which now affects 1% to 2% of Americans.
Symptoms include:
Goals of Naturopathic Treatment:
Dr. Marni Ross, Naturopathic Doctor
3523 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4