September 20, 2008

Los Angeles Podiatry and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is frequently called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. Although it can be brought on suddenly by an injury, its onset is generally gradual; aging brings on a breakdown in cartilage, and pain gets progressively more severe, although it can be relieved with rest. Dull, throbbing nighttime pain is characteristic, and it may be accompanied by muscle weakness or deterioration. So what does osteoarthritis have to do with Los Angeles podiatry?

Osteoarthritis can be a significant problem for the feet especially in those who are overweight. Additional weight can contribute to cartilage deterioration, bone spur development, swelling, stiffness, deformation, and foot pain Los Angeles. Gait patterns — normal walking — may grow erratic.
Unfortunately, most forms of arthritis can not be cured, however early diagnosis by your Los Angeles podiatrist can greatly help in finding effective forms of treatment. Destruction of cartilage is not reversible, and if the inflammation of arthritic disease isn’t treated, both cartilage and bone can be damaged, which makes the joints increasingly difficult to move. Perhaps only five percent of the most serious cases, usually of rheumatoid arthritis, result in such severe crippling that walking aids […]

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September 7, 2008

Causes and Affects of Dog Hip Dysplasia

Commonly found among the larger breeds of dogs, Hip Dysplasia is an ailment affecting the hip joints. It is most prominent in pure breed dogs, such as Great Dane, Labrador, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. There are other breeds that suffer with hip dysplasia not mentioned here of course.
Until recently, not much was known about Hip Dysplasia. The most important thing to look at is the hip joint. In dogs, it is caused by the malformation of the hip. This ailment usually occurs when the dog is at a young age, while they are still growing and bones are forming. The hip, a ball and socket joint, ends up growing crooked, causing the back legs to be affected. The ligaments, muscles and connective tissues of the hip become lax, thus causing the hip to grow unnaturally.
When a dog is born, they usually have normal hips, but over time develop this lax muscle. Genetics plays a large role in this defect. As the bones grow apart, the capsule holding the bones together become strained and stretched, as opposed to growing towards each other as they should. This adds more problems to the joint […]

Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles

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