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Health & Fitness

Ouch!! Please help me up get up.

Options for helping osterarthritis

   For those who got my newsletter last week, I wrote about OA aka osteoarthritis.  This blog continues that conversation.  Briefly, there are four levels of OA.  Grade 4 according to Dr. James Brantingham, DC, PhD, is the most advanced stage and is beyond conservative management.  The next is Grade 3 which is not as bad and is what I would call 'iffy' as far as the ability to recover without intense allopathic and chiropractic management.  According to Dr. Brantingham, Grade 1&2 are more amenable to conservative chiropractic care.  Grade 2 is more easily managed, but it may take several weeks to months of treatment (which I talk about below).  Grade 1 is mild and the time and effort put in is most easily directed to a positive outcome; and of course this is the best time to start with care.
   The first thing that I do in beginning treatment is starting with a orthopedic and neurologic examination.  I will then look at your knees for joint misalignment and painful swelling and trigger points resulting from muscle and ligament strain that can come from above or below the knee.  My next step is to look at your foot mechanics.  If you are complaining of tired, achy feet, you may have lost your normal arch and this makes for an unstable foundation (like bridge with footers at different heights) that can progress to your knees and everything above the knees.  You may need orthotics (I use Sole Supports) and we can talk about that as a part of your treatment process.
   The last step is nutrition.  I start with a supplement that contains the herb, Boswellia (for the inflammation and pain) and glucosamine (for cartilage repair).  I may also add other supplements for ligament support. Weight loss, exercise, and lifestyle modifications are other options to consider so if you have questions on these aspects feel free to send an email to drjeff@drjeffmoore.com.
   The whole key, your call to action, is  to start the repair process before you get to Grade 3 & 4.   Lets work together to give you the best  health possible.
    

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