Has Arthritis Pain Been Controlling Your Life?
It’s Possible To Live a Comfortable and Active Life Through The Help of PT!
Do you wake up in the morning with stiff joints that make it difficult to move around? Even if things become better as the day goes on, you could still be dealing with early-onset arthritis.
Arthritis is a common ailment that affects many people; yet, many people wait far too long to seek expert care for their hurting joints.
Physical therapy, fortunately, is one of the therapeutic options for arthritic pain. One of our qualified physical therapists in Ahwatukee, Biltmore or Tempe, AZ will do hands on techniques as well as teach you specific exercises for the painful areas at Orthopedic Sports Therapy to assist improve your range of motion, flexibility, and general function.
They can also determine which joints are stiff and uncomfortable, as well as which exercises can assist you relieve arthritis pain while you go about your everyday activities.
Your physical therapist will also provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to prevent arthritis-related injuries in the future.
Schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Sports Therapy today if you have arthritis or suspect you may have arthritic symptoms. We are here to help!
What kinds of arthritis are there?
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation, and it can affect one or multiple joints at once. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most commonly experienced types:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is more likely in a joint that has been injured in the past, or it can develop due to the natural aging process.
Let’s say you played football and received a rough blow to your knee. You probably received treatment, recovered, and returned to the game thinking all was well again with your body.
Although the injury healed, there is a possibility that the damage that occurred to the cartilage or surrounding muscles has resulted in a decrease of support to the joint. The motion of the joint may also have slightly been altered. Therefore, it is still possible for you to develop osteoarthritis from that injury later in life.
Osteoarthritis is typically easy to diagnose, as it is the most commonly experienced form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage of the joint wears down, either due to age or overuse.
The cartilage no longer acts as the substantial cushion that it once did, causing pain in the joint. The bones grind together without a cushion, causing an inflammatory response in the joint.
This is also true for people who work in vocations that require repetitive motion or usage of specific body parts. Let’s pretend you’re a construction worker. You may develop osteoarthritis in the joints of your elbows or hands if you swing a hammer in repetitive motions as part of your employment.
Being overweight may also put you at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis, as it adds additional strain to your knee and hip joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may notice that pain can get worse when you move, for example, bending over at the knees to pick something up may be uncomfortable for you. Rheumatoid arthritis is also referred to as “inflammatory arthritis,” and is also fairly common.
This condition is typically more prevalent in females than males. Those living with rheumatoid arthritis typically report soreness around joints, which is worse after prolonged sitting, standing, or inactivity. Additionally, warmth at the joints is a common symptom, as well as fever or fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in the hands and feet and spreads from there.
Rheumatoid arthritis develops as an autoimmune response, meaning that the immune system sees the joints as a threat and decides to attack them.
Researchers have come to believe that a person’s medical history, environment, and hormones could all be contributing factors toward the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Because it is an autoimmune condition, it is common for it to affect the same joints on both sides of the body.
You may notice popping or clicking sounds in the affected joint(s) with movement, and the joint may be sensitive or painful to the touch. Arthritis can also cause pain when you exercise or work, and the pain may go away after you stop doing that activity.
How can a physical therapist help relieve arthritis?
Physical therapy and exercise-based rehab aid in the restoration of normal joint movement, the improvement of muscular strength, and the improvement of the way you walk, run, twist, and move.
Physical therapy can, in many situations, help you avoid surgery and possibly addictive medications. Our treatments are tailored to your unique needs, allowing you to heal faster and get a longer-lasting outcome. We also show you how to prevent future joint injuries and what rehabilitative exercises you can do on your own.
If you have arthritis or suspect you may have it, you could benefit greatly from our physical therapy services in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ.
Rid yourself of chronic aches and pains today!
If arthritis is impeding your lifestyle, it’s time to make a change. You have earned the right to live a pain-free life.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you find long-term pain relief for your arthritis.
All of our patients receive the finest level of care, compassion, and understanding. You may rest assured that your symptoms and concerns will be taken into account while your tailored treatment plan is developed.
Don’t let your arthritis hold you back any longer; make an appointment today!