Arthritis is sometimes joked about as the grandparent who can predict rain because their knee starts aching. While that image might make us smile, arthritis is genuinely common and affects people of all ages. We see it regularly at Bilan Chiropractic, and while chiropractic care doesn’t cure it, it can make a real difference in how you move and feel day to day.
2 Types Worth Knowing
Arthritis simply means inflammation of a joint, but there are many different kinds. The two we see most often are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining. It tends to cause swelling, warmth, symmetrical pain (both knees, both hands), and morning stiffness. Because RA is systemic, it requires medical management. Chiropractic care can support joint mobility alongside that care, but does not treat the autoimmune component.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the more familiar wear-and-tear type. Over time, cartilage breaks down, leaving joints stiff, achy, and less mobile. It can affect knees, hips, hands, shoulders, and the spine. And yes, some people really do feel it more when the weather changes.
“Having been in practice over 30 years, I have seen firsthand how patients with arthritis live active, healthy lives under chiropractic care with minimum progression of the disease compared to normal progression, says Anchorage chiropractor Dr. Mark Kufel.
A Patient Who Wasn’t Ready to Slow Down
One of our favorite recent cases involved a woman in her 40s who came in skeptical. She had been told by her doctor to stop running because she was developing arthritis. She had been a regular competitor in the Mountain Marathon, a well-known Fourth of July race in Seward, and the idea of giving that up was devastating.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
We focus on what can actually be improved: movement, flexibility, and function. Chiropractic care can help by:
- Improving joint mobility and range of motion
- Reducing mechanical stress on affected joints
- Supporting better posture and alignment
- Helping surrounding muscles work more efficiently
We also take time to actually listen. Arthritis affects everyone differently. One person struggles to garden; another can’t get through a workday comfortably. We want to know where it bothers you, when it’s worst, and what activities matter most to you. From there, we build a plan around your specific goals.
You Don’t Have to Just Live With It
Arthritis may be common, but that doesn’t make it inevitable that you slow down. If you can predict rain with your knee, we won’t argue. But we will do everything we can to help you move more comfortably through it. Reach out to our Anchorage practice today to book an appointment.
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