What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that affects over 54 million Americans, causing stiffness and inflammation in the joints. It can affect men, women, and children. An official diagnosis is usually made by a physician. It is the most common disability in the country, making it difficult for many people to perform daily activities without experiencing pain. If you are living with this condition, our team may be able to help you eliminate arthritis pain and increase your mobility. Several symptoms of arthritis are:
> Redness and swelling
> Limited joint function
> Loss of cartilage
> Bone growth, particularly in the fingers
> Fatigue, fever, and weight loss
Causes of Arthritis
There are two general types of arthritis. These include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is categorized by damage to the cartilage in joints. This type is also referred to as degenerative. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body's own immune system begins to attack the lining in the joints. This type is sometimes called inflammatory. Infections and metabolic are also different type of joint inflammation.
After enough damage has occurred, the results can be both painful and debilitating. Sometime bones will grind on one another. In some case, both the bones and the cartilage will be destroyed. There can be several cases of severe arthritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, cause and risk factors include the following:
> Genetics - Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can run in families.
> Age - The likelihood that you'll suffer from some type of joint inflammation increases with age.
> Obesity - Excess weight puts extra stress on joints, especially those in the spine, hips, and knees.
> Previous injuries - If you've suffered from an injury previously, you are more likely to suffer from inflammation in that particular area.
How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis
A physical therapist can help provide you with long-term relief from debilitating pain and symptoms.Our team will put together a detailed treatment plan that addresses your individual needs and health goals. It’s crucial to start treatment as soon as possible to receive the best outcome.
Your "hands-on" treatment plan may include manual techniques to provide pain relief, including stretching, massage, and modalities. We educate and instruct in exercises tailored to improve strength, mobility and joint usage. We may also teach you how to correct your posture to protect joints and how to properly use walking aids if needed. If your condition changes, your physical therapist may alter your treatment and change your exercise program.
There’s no reason that chronic pain and stiffness should affect your daily life. Our physical therapy team can evaluate your condition and design specific treatments that will help you get back to your daily routine.
Don’t suffer from arthritic pain another day!