Arthritis

Arthritisis a joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis, is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other common arthritis types are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain.  Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected.  The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of the joint, and muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff painful joints and fatigue. 

Osteoarthritis is one of the oldest known and most common forms of arthritis.  It is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement of joints. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, for reasons no one fully understands, the immune system, which is designed to protect our health by attacking foreign cells such as viruses and bacteria, attacks the body’s own tissues, specifically the synovium, the thin membrane that lines the joints.  As a result of the attack, fluid builds up in the joints, causing pain in the joints and inflammation that’s systemic meaning it can occur throughout the body. 

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with the chronic skin condition psoriasis, and is believed to be an inherited condition.  About 10% of people with psoriasis also develop an associated inflammation of their joints called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can cause a sausage-like swelling of fingers and toes and is often associated with fingernails that are pitted or discolored. In some people with psoriatic arthritis, only one joint or a few joints are affected.

Can MLS Laser Therapy Help? Laser therapy can be very effective in reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis, no matter which joint is affected.  For example, laser therapy works exceptionally well for hand arthritis, especially if treatments are started soon after the diagnosis.

MLS Laser therapy offers patients safe, effective, drug-free relief for the pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis. Don’t suffer needlessly, let MLS laser therapy help you decrease pain and regain your mobility today! 

Contact Us for a Free Evaluation Call us at (813) 920-1777 to make an appointment for a free evaluation to see if laser therapy can help you.