Arthritis describes pain and inflammation within the joints
The general term arthritis is used to describe pain and inflammation in the joint/joints. More than 100 different types of arthritis have been described. The most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other types of arthritis include disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease), psoriatic arthritis, gout or enteropathic diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Depending on the type, the symptoms of arthritis are different, so the treatment will also differ.
“Wear and tear”
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. According to Senthelal et al. (2022), it is estimated that 40% of men and 47% of women will develop osteoarthritis in their lifetime, with the incidence increasing to 60% if they have a body mass index over 30. As we age, the cartilage in a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. Arthritis signs can often be seen in larger joints such as knees or hips, but even in ankles or hands. It is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" disease. Arthritis symptoms include pain, joint stiffness, tenderness, reduced flexibility, bone or even cracking or popping.
Autoimmune systemic inflammatory disorder
On the other hand, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is much less common, but still widespread in the adult population, where the lifetime risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is 3.6% for women and 1.7% for men in the United States of America. (Crowson et al.,2021). This type of arthritis is characterised by inflammation of the joints and an immune system that does not function properly, resulting in joint damage. Arthritis signs are mainly found in the smaller joints, especially in the joints of the hands. Arthritis hands cause pain and swelling, stiffness and deformity in advanced stages.
Treatment
In both diagnoses described above, treatment focuses on relieving the arthritis symptoms and improving joint function. Apart from medication, which depends on the type, physiotherapy relieves pain and helps to function, move and lead a better life.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends improving mobility and muscle strength to support joints, maintain fitness and preserve the ability to perform daily activities. A healthy lifestyle, an arthritis diet and progressive joint strengthening should be part of the patient's habits.
All therapies that improve trophicity, reduce pain and strengthen and mobilise the joint will help patients well-being. All these features will be appreciated when using the Super Inductive System.
Super Inductive System
The Super Inductive System is a device that uses high-intensity electromagnetic fields that interact with the human body and deliver different therapeutic effects. In patients with arthritis symptoms, the Super Inductive system reduces swelling and pain in the joints. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can also be treated in acute periods (flare-ups) when disease activity is high and pain, swelling and stiffness are at their worst.
Another important effect of the Super Inductive system that patients will experience is joint mobilisation, which is achieved by repetitive contractions of the muscles surrounding the joint with arthritis. In progressive phases of arthritis, we can also take advantage of the possibility of muscle stimulation and strengthen weak muscles, which will help to improve the function and general well-being of our patients.