What Is Arthritis?

Written By: Dr Evan Steinke, Bkin, DC

Arthritis is often talked about when we discuss joint pain and stiffness but there are so many different kinds that it becomes overwhelming to know what it is and if it applies to you. The word arthritis comes from, “arthro” meaning joint, and “itis” meaning inflammation, so in the most broad sense arthritis is inflammation of joints. The inflammation of these joints leads to a host of symptoms including pain, stiffness and swelling and may range from mild to severe in intensity. While anyone can develop arthritis, including children, it is most common in older adults.

There are many different types of arthritis but two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While they both affect the joints, they’re quite different in terms of cause, progression, and treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA):

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and usually develops slowly over time, nicknamed the “wear and tear” arthritis. OA occurs overtime when the cartilage in joints breaks down and no longer supplies a cushion between the two bony surfaces of a joint. Without that buffer, bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced motion. It is important to note that OA is due to the mechanical wearing down of a joint over time. The body has limited ability to restore these joint surfaces and treatment provided often looks to minimize progression and strengthen affected areas. Treatment could include active release technique on surrounding muscles, chiropractic manipulation of the affected joint, and joint rehabilitation and strengthening.

Key Features of OA:

Cause: Aging, repetitive stress, joint injury, or obesity.
Who’s affected: More common in older adults
Symptoms: Joint stiffness and pain (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and reduced flexibility. Stiffness and/or pain tends to lessen with activity.
Commonly affected joints: Knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

Rheumatoid arthritis is not due to mechanical wearing down of the joint but rather is when your own immune system attacks the joint. The exact reason for why the immune system begins to attack your own joints is not fully understood. However, once the immune system begins to attack the joints it causes damage which in turn leads to swelling, pain, and stiffness. In general RA tends to attack the joints symmetrically, meaning you may see it in both hands, both knees, etc. Additionally, RA can affect more than joints including your skin, eyes, lung, heart and other organs. Treatment for this form of arthritis will often include being referred to your family physician for medications that target the inflammation and immune system to limit further damage to the joints. Physical therapies may also show benefits depending on the severity and progression of the arthritis. If you are unsure of where to start, checking in with your chiropractor will help get you the correct diagnosis and any referrals that may be necessary.

Key Features of RA:

Cause: Involves immune system dysfunction. Genetics factors are involved.
Who’s affected: Often begins between ages 25 and 50; more common in women.
Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, fatigue, and even fever.
Commonly affected joints: Often symmetrical—both wrists, both knees, etc.
Treatment: Includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, corticosteroids, and physical therapy.

Conclusion

Arthritis can affect people in many different ways, and understanding the type you are dealing with is key to finding the right treatment approach. Whether it's the wear and tear of osteoarthritis or the immune system involvement of rheumatoid arthritis, getting the right diagnosis and care early on can make a big difference in your long-term joint health and quality of life.

If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or simply have questions about your joint health, our Unified Team of Experts are to help. You can find Dr. Steinke at AST Westman — contact the clinic today to book your appointment and start your journey toward feeling your best.

Foot pain and the Tarsal Tunnel

Written by: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc, DC

Your foot and ankle are hosts to a considerable number of arteries, tendons, and nerves. These
structures have weaved in and around bones with very limited space. In the case of Tarsal
Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) they pass through a rather small tunnel where they have the potential
to be compressed. As a result, patients may suffer from pain at and below the point of
compression. This leads to the characterized pain along the inner ankle and sole of the foot
possibly with numbness or tingling. In some cases, it may feel like a burning sensation and be
accompanied by weakness of the foot muscles.

The tarsal tunnel itself is comprised of two main structures, the base and the roof. The base of
the tunnel is created by a concave in the bones of the feet with one peak being the ankle and
the other being the innermost part of the heel. The second structure is a fibrous connective
tissue running between the two peaks essentially acting as a roof and creating the tunnel. The
tunnel is filled by three tendons, an artery and vein, and the tibial nerve. Due to the high number
of structures running through a closed, narrow space any amount of swelling or inflammation
can lead to compression of the tibial nerve. It is this compression that causes the symptoms of
TTS such as the pain and tingling sensation.

Treatment is based on trying to relieve pressure on the tibial nerve as it enters and passes
through the tarsal tunnel. This often includes trying to reduce swelling and inflammation of
surrounding tissue or injuries, especially to any tendons that directly pass through the tunnel
itself. This may include icing or resting protocols or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Adjustments to the base of the tunnel may be performed if there are any bony malalignments.
Additionally, soft tissue massage or ART/MRT may be applied to tight muscles to try and
alleviate pressure from the nerve.

If you are looking to book a personal assessment to get to the source of your hip pain book in at either AST location. Our many expert practitioners will assist you in your journey toward better hip mobility. If you are looking to book in with Dr. Evan Steinke, he works at AST Westman.

*The content contained in this blog is provided for general information purposes only. The above content is general suggestions and not intended to replace the services of a trained physician, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What is a Chiropractic “Adjustment”? And Why Does It “Crack”?

Written by: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc. DC,

Chiropractors often will use the term adjustment (aka manipulation) when discussing treatment options with their patients. While I often explain this to people new to chiropractic treatment, both new and old patients need to understand what this treatment is and how it is effective in the treatment of various conditions.

Firstly, an adjustment refers to a manual therapy technique in which the chiropractor applies a force to a patient’s joint. The force applied is quick but shallow and is referred to as a high-velocity low amplitude force. The application of this controlled but precise force is aimed at specific joints that the chiropractor has identified as problematic. For many joints this force will lead to a rapid movement and a “pop” or “crack” sound may be heard. While the sudden sound may seem alarming it is quite harmless and is not the sound of bone hitting bone.

So where does the sound come from?

In most joints, the two bones come in close approximation and are held in place by a fibrous capsule. This capsule contains cells that fill the cavity between the bones with synovial fluid, a viscous fluid that acts like a lubricant. When the chiropractor applies a quick force to either side of this joint it causes the fluid inside to drop in pressure and form little bubbles called cavitations. As these bubbles collapse, they result in the familiar-sounding “pop” or “crack” of a joint.

However, this sound is merely a side-effect of an adjustment as the therapeutic effect is found by how it changes the tissues surrounding the joint. In fact, continued research into chiropractic manipulation as a treatment for conditions such as neck pain and back pain is very supportive of its effectiveness. Therefore, chiropractors may use an adjustment as a form of treatment if they identify that a joint is or is contributing to the patient’s condition. These problems may include if the joint has restricted ranges of motion, is misaligned, is compressing a nearby nerve, or is contributing to the patient’s pain.

Ultimately, chiropractic adjustments are found to be both a safe and effective treatment technique for a wide range of injuries. By applying the appropriate force precisely to joints it can bring about relief, increase mobility, and improve overall well-being.

Experience the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments by contacting Active Sports Therapy today. You can find Dr. Evan Steinke at our Westman Village location.