• About HFC&M
• Drs. Hemmett
• Conditions
  • Back Pain
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ear Infection
  • Elbow Pain
  • Foot Pain
  • Headaches
  • Neck Pain
  • Osteoarthritis/
    Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Pregnancy Care
  • Sciatica
  • Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorder
  • Whiplash
• Therapies
  • Active Release Technique
  • Active Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
  • Biomechanical Motion Analysis
  • Chiropractic Joint Manipulation
  • Ergonomic Consulting
  • Manual Flexion/Distraction Table
  • Massage
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Orthotics
• Returning Patients
• New Patients
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• Chiropractict joint manipulation
• Active Release Technique/ART®
• Manual Flexion/Distraction Therapy
• Massage therapy
• Home-based, monitored, active stabilization strengthening and stretching program
• Nutritional supplementation
• Weight lifting instruction
• Custom-Molded foot orthotics

Osteoarthritis (OA)/Degenerative Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis (OA)/Degenerative Joint Disease is one of the most common types of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cushioning cartilage. This allows the bones to rub against each other, causing joint dysfunction, inflammation, loss of movement and eventually pain. OA most commonly affects middle-aged and older people and can range from very mild to very severe. It can affect any joint in the body.

 

 

Symptoms include:

• Gradual onset of a deep achy joint pain
• May be worse after exercise or weight bearing
• Often relieved by rest
• Possible joint swelling
• Limited joint movement
• Stiffness in the morning
• Pain before and during low pressure systems (rain or snow)
• There may be no symptoms yet

Healthy Living Tips For Osteroarthritis

Periodic checkups or supportive care. Supporting proper functioning of the body's muscles and joints with periodic treatments minimizes the stresses to joints and associated muscles and nerves.

Practice proper posture, lifting and ergonomics. Practicing proper posture, lifting techniques and ergonomics are essential in reducing injuries at work and play and minimizing future recurrences of past injuries.

Regular exercise. Routine physical activity keeps the body strong and healthy. We will work with you to develop an effective exercise routine that will work with the time you decide to dedicate, and the goals that you set for yourself.

Proper diet and nutrition. Providing your body with the proper fuel increases performance, reduces the likelihood of injury and sickness, speeds recovery after injury, and keeps you feeling good. It may be time to add whole food supplements to your diet such as glucosamine sulfate or fish oils (DHA, EPA) to decrease pain, inflammation and help regenerate cartilage.

Utilize stress management techniques. Stress is most often carried in the weakest areas of the body. While stress can't be totally eliminated there are effective techniques to help bring it under control.

Proper footwear or orthotics. It is very important that the arch of the foot is properly supported. The arch is the foundation of the body and abnormal function here will translate up to the hip and back.