In simple terms, arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints, however, with over 100 known types, it’s a much more complicated condition than it appears. An arthritis diagnosis may stem from general wear and tear on any of the joints, an autoimmune disorder, an infection or many other underlying conditions. The most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. Diseases that commonly include arthritis as a co-condition include Lupus, sepsis, Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, tendonitis, and much more. All of these conditions either directly deteriorate the cartilage and other tissue around the joints or trigger the immune system to attack the joints as if the tissue were a foreign invader.

All forms of arthritis may cause a spectrum of symptoms that may get worse as the triggering condition progresses. Common symptoms include joint swelling, redness, rash, pain (throbbing, burning, numbing), loss of mobility or complete function of affected joint and fever. For patients with autoimmune disorders or infections, these symptoms may fluctuate as their condition “flares” over time.

Because arthritis is inflammatory, it’s a commonly treated condition with hyperbaric therapy. The primary modality of HBOT is its ability to influence up to 8,101 different genes, including the genes that trigger and turn off the inflammatory process as well as the subsequent cellular cleanup. According to Dr. Dan Rossignol, a 1-hour treatment in a hyperbaric chamber produces the equivalent anti-inflammatory power as 12,000mg of Motrin without the toxic side effects. Hyperbarics has been researched and prescribed for many of the co-conditions that trigger arthritis as well. Some patients report a decrease in their pain, swelling, and mobility dysfunction and a better quality of life after a series of treatments.