Arthritis & Joint Pain Care in Portland & Hood River

What is arthritis & joint pain?

Osteoarthritis develops as the smooth cartilage covering joint surfaces thins over time, sometimes with bone spurs. It's different from inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition managed by a rheumatologist.

Common symptoms of arthritis & joint pain

• Joint pain that worsens with use and eases with rest
• Morning stiffness lasting less than about 30 minutes
• Reduced range of motion
• Grinding or clicking in the joint
• Mild swelling after activity

What causes arthritis & joint pain?

Age, genetics, past joint injuries, excess body weight and repetitive joint loading all contribute to osteoarthritis.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most arthritis & joint pain is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• Severe pain, deformity or inability to use the limb after a fall or injury
• A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever
• Sudden numbness, coldness or color change in the limb
• Calf swelling and pain, which can signal a blood clot
• Many joints swollen at once or morning stiffness lasting over an hour (possible inflammatory arthritis)

How chiropractic care may help arthritis & joint pain

Care for arthritis uses gentle, low-force chiropractic techniques to help maintain joint motion, plus StemWave for surrounding soft-tissue pain, and a home program of gentle movement and strengthening. Wellness visits help some patients stay active over the long term.

Services used for arthritis & joint pain:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• StemWave
• Wellness Care

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for arthritis & joint pain at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your arthritis & joint pain — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Stay active with low-impact exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming.
• Strengthen the muscles around affected joints.
• Use heat for stiffness and ice after activity if a joint is sore.
• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces load on hips and knees.