Arthritis

Dr. Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac.

Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac. Acupuncture & Pain Management located in West Covina, CA

If you or a loved one is among the estimated 54 million Americans living with arthritis, you understand just how debilitating the condition can be. Finding relief is a priority, and is an area of specialty for Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California. Dr. Narayan works with you to understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan that delivers results. Schedule an appointment today online or by phone to get started on a path toward lesser pain and improved joint function.

Arthritis

What is arthritis?

While many think of arthritis as a single disease, it’s actually a term used to describe as many as 100 different conditions that cause joint inflammation. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is more common among older people, and women have higher rates than men. Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of developing arthritis.

Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as a limited range of joint mobility. You might also feel more tired than normal or notice changes in your appetite.

What causes arthritis?

Your joints are cushioned by a layer of firm, rubbery tissue called cartilage. Healthy cartilage allows flexibility within your joints and also works to absorb shock. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and occurs when your body’s immune system launches an attack on your joint tissues. Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage wears down over time due to normal joint use. An infection or traumatic joint injury can also damage cartilage and cause arthritis.

What is far infrared and how can it help treat arthritis?

Far infrared light is an invisible wavelength of light generated by the sun. In therapeutic applications, far infrared light creates heat deep within your muscles and other tissues.

That gentle warmth has a proven analgesic effect, soothing pain and promoting relaxation. Researchers find that infrared heat can also improve flexibility in connective tissues, thereby relaxing stiff joints.

For those with arthritis, far infrared therapy can also deliver a powerful detoxification effect. The heat, while comfortable, prompts your body to sweat, giving toxins an easy exit path. This added benefit makes far infrared therapy an excellent value.

Can cupping help treat arthritis?

Cupping has received a great deal of attention in recent years, but it’s a therapy based on ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian healing practices. In fact, one of the oldest existing medical textbooks in the world describes cupping techniques.

The process begins by placing a series of small, sterile cups on your skin. Gentle suction removes the air from the cups and the vacuum effect draws your tissues up into the cups. After a brief period of time, the cups are removed.

Cupping has been shown to increase circulation and reduce inflammation. It’s definitely an approach to consider in your overall arthritis treatment plan.

To learn more about these and other arthritis treatment options, schedule a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today. Call to speak with a member of the administrative staff.