Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is associated with ageing. It is also known as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight. Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis, affects the lining of the joints and occurs when the immune system attacks the joint tissue as if were a foreign object. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis
In Ireland, approximately 915,000 people suffer from arthritis, including 1 in every 1,200 children and is the leading cause of disability in the country.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen can help it?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been found to be very beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. For osteoarthritis it can help reduce the pain and inflammation that patients endure. In rheumatoid arthritis, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can hinder the self-destruction which the disease inflicts on the immune system.
As Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the level of oxygen in the blood it can promote the reduction of inflammation associated with the arthritis.
It can be very effective in the early stages of the disease. It has also been shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen can suppress inflammation even when the disease has become chronic.
The treatment may aid the repair of the joints affected by the disease.