Arthritis

Learn about how you can finally get relief from arthritis!

Our alternative therapy provides relief for over 90% of our patients suffering from arthritis with their very first treatment.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation that causes pain. It is commonly found in the shoulders, hips, and knees. Arthritis occurs frequently as people get older, however it may be seen in children as well. There are different types of Arthritis, the two most common types being Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is the normal wear and tear of joints due to old age and/or obesity. While Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by an autoimmune reaction, this can also increase the rate of the natural breakdown of the joints!

What are the risk factors?

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Sex – women are more likely than men to develop RA
Age – RA can develop at any age but most commonly between ages 40-60
Family history – if a family member has RA, other family members have increased risk of RA
Smoking – smoking increases risk and severity of RA, especially for those with genetic predisposition for developing RA
Environmental exposure – exposure to asbestos or silica may increase risk of RA
Obesity – those who are overweight or obese may have a higher risk of developing RA

Osteoarthritis:

Age – risk of OA increases with age
Sex – women are more likely to develop OA than men
Obesity – carrying extra body weight puts one at risk for OA through added stress on weight bearing joints and increased fat tissue produces proteins, causing inflammation in and around joints
Joint injuries – injuries from sports or accidents may increase risk of OA
Certain occupations – jobs that place repetitive stress on a certain joint may increase risk of developing OA in that joint
Genetics – some people inherit the tendency to develop OA
Bone deformities – those born with malformed joints or defective cartilage have increased risk of OA

Symptoms

Pain may be in any joint with progressive stiffness or inflammation. Pain can be intermittent or sharp, and may be worse upon waking up. Areas of pain may have redness and decreased range of motion. In some Rheumatoid Arthritis cases, you may experience decreased appetite/weight loss or a slight fever.

Solutions for arthritis

Conventional medicine utilizes medication to treat arthritis. In the case of osteoarthritis, NSAIDS and in more severe cases, stronger narcotic pain medications are prescribed. Long term use of NSAIDS can lead to digestive disorders and kidney failure, while long term narcotic use may lead to tolerance and dependency of the medication. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, medications that suppress the immune system and chemotherapeutic drugs (drugs used to treat cancer) are used and can lead to a host of side effects.

Our treatments use nerve blocks and trigger point injections in acupuncture points to clear blockages of qi, or energy, restoring circulation to the area and alleviating pain. Herbs and supplements help decrease inflammation, prevent further loss of cartilage, and strengthen the liver and kidney thereby increasing blood flow to the inflicted areas. A healthy diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and specific exercises (i.e. aerobics, yoga, meditation) help maintain pain relief.

How do I find out more about relief from arthritis?

Call East West Wellness Medical Center at (714) 556-8664 or click here to schedule an appointment. Our practice uses an integrative approach, combining Eastern and Western medicine to provide relief from arthritis without the use of drugs and surgeries. Dr. Tong not only treats arthritis, but he improves your overall health.