Discover How Physical Therapy Can Help Treat Your Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that many people develop; however, many live with their painful joints for far too long before seeking help. If you ever wake up with stiff joints that make it difficult to get moving in the morning, becoming less painful as the day goes on, you may be experiencing early-onset arthritis
Arthritis can be managed with the help of our Hot Springs, AR physical therapists. We will evaluate which joints are stiff and painful, and assess which exercises will be beneficial in providing pain relief for your arthritis during everyday activities.
We will also provide you with the resources you need to prevent arthritis-related injuries in the future. One of our licensed physical therapists will provide you with gentle exercises to help improve your range of motion, flexibility, and overall function in the affected joint(s).
What type of arthritis do I have?
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation, and it can affect one or multiple joints at once. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects over 50 million people and it is currently the leading cause of disability across the nation.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis, aka “inflammatory arthritis,” is fairly common, although it is not an easily understood form of arthritis. Those suffering from arthritis typically report soreness around joints, which is worse after prolonged sitting, standing, or inactivity. Pain can get worse when you move, like when you bend your knees. 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.
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 your medical history, environment, and hormones could all be contributing factors toward the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Also, it is typically more prevalent in females than in males. Because it is an autoimmune condition, it is common for it to affect the same joints on different sides of the body.
Osteoarthritis:
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is typically easy to diagnose. It can be caused by a sudden injury to the joint, or it can develop after a previous injury has fully healed. For example, let’s say you were a football player in college who experienced a harsh blow to the knee. You seek treatment, recover, and return to the game. Although the injury healed, damage occurred to the cartilage or surrounding muscles, decreasing support to the joint, or changing the motion of the joint slightly. Therefore, it is still possible for you to develop osteoarthritis from that injury later in life.
Overuse or repetitive motion careers can also result in osteoarthritis. If you are a carpenter who swings a hammer in repetitive motions as a crucial part of your job, you may develop osteoarthritis in the joints of your elbows or hands. Being overweight may also put you at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis, as additional strain is being put on your knee and hip joints.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of the joint wears down, either due to age or overuse. This causes pain in the joint, as the cartilage is no longer acting as the thick cushion that it once was. Without a cushion, the bones grind together, which in turn causes an inflammatory response in the joint.
Push past your limits today!
If you are in Hot Springs, AR and think you may be suffering from arthritis, you could greatly benefit from physical therapy treatments at Joint Effort Physical Therapy. In many cases, physical therapy treatments can even help you avoid the need for surgery, medications, and injections.
Physical therapy helps by restoring the normal motion of your joints, improving the strength of supporting muscles, and improving the way you walk, run, bend, and move. Our treatments are tailored to your specific needs to help you recover quickly and have a successful permanent outcome. You will also learn ways to prevent future joint injury, and what you can do on your own with the correct therapeutic exercises.
Request an appointment at Joint Effort Physical Therapy today to find out how our services can help you find long-lasting pain relief for your arthritis. One of our Hot Springs, AR physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation to determine what the best course of treatment will be for you. Don’t let your arthritis limit you any longer – schedule your appointment today.