Arthritis is the most common chronic disease in Canada, and the likelihood of developing arthritis increases with age. It can reduce one’s mobility and quality of life, as it may be harder to perform activities of daily living.
The two forms of arthritis include: inflammatory arthritis (IA) and osteoarthritis (OA), with the most common form being osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis leads to the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in bone-on-bone contact that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion of the affected joint.
Inflammatory forms of arthritis (IA) differ from osteoarthritis, as the source of the joint damage is from inflammation, rather than the wearing away of cartilage. Most forms of IA are also autoimmune diseases, where the immune system starts to attack the body’s healthy tissues by mistake. Inflammation from these conditions can result in pain, stiffness, restricted mobility, fatigue and damage to joints and other tissues. These conditions tend to progress more quickly and aggressively than OA, if not identified and treated in a timely manner.
For instance, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can spread throughout the body, leading to joint damage and loss of function if not controlled and treated. This can also affect other organs, such as the nerves, eyes, skin, lungs or heart.
When it hurts to move your body due the symptoms associated with arthritis, it may seem rational to stop moving and protect your body from further pain. However, it’s important to continue to move your body to reduce the stiffness and inflammation! In particular, exercise helps to maintain joint flexibility and range of motion, strengthens the muscles and ligaments to better support the joints, and reduce inflammation in the body.
At Longevity Nexum you work 1-1 with a Kinesiologist to improve your health span whether you are living with a chronic disease or wanting to reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease.
Contact us today at 1-800-963-4409 to find out how we can help you!
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