Arthritis in New York
The best way to avail the most of therapy for a medical condition is to understand the condition itself. We have compiled essential information about arthritis in our effort to help you understand how our therapeutic techniques can help you. You can read on to find out more about the causes and symptoms of arthritis and how professional physical therapy can help you deal with the condition. At Rehab Planet, we put your wellness above everything else and offer personalized therapy to reduce your pain and help you regain mobility.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is not just a specific medical condition, as it describes all conditions that affect your joints and the surrounding tissues. The most common variants of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a general condition associated with aging and a consequence of injuries to the joints. It affects your hips, fingers, and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of the joints and leads to painful swelling. The long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis can lead to deformity in the joints.
Discovering the Causes of Arthritis
The causes of arthritis are different for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: The primary cause of osteoarthritis is the deterioration of cartilage, an important connective tissue for the joints. Cartilage wears away due to aging or injuries and leads to bones running together, thereby causing osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: The primary cause of rheumatoid arthritis can be attributed to an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the body’s immune system attacks the tissues, such as the linings of the joints, and leads to painful swelling.
The other notable factors responsible for arthritis include genetics, infections, occupational hazards, and obesity. These factors can lead to a faster onset of arthritis or worsening an existing condition.
How Can You Recognize Arthritis?
You can find different symptoms of arthritis, with diverse severity levels ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the common symptoms you can find in patients with arthritis.
- Stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints.
- Reduced mobility and range of motion.
- Deformity of joints in severe cases.
- Redness and warm sensation around the joints.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis consistently, then you must consult with healthcare professionals to ensure precise diagnosis and timely treatment.
How Can You Treat Arthritis?
A clear understanding of different types of arthritis, the causes of the condition, and symptoms can help you figure out the ideal treatment approach. First of all, you should remember that there is no proven cure for arthritis. Therefore, you need a good treatment plan personalized to your needs and existing condition. An effective treatment plan for arthritis can help slow down the advancement of the condition, alleviate pain, and improve joint mobility. Most of the proven and tested treatment plans for arthritis involve a combination of medication and physical therapy.
- Medication helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Physical therapy helps in the maintenance of joint strength and flexibility.
In addition, treatment plans for arthritis also involve occupational therapy that helps you find new ways to carry out daily activities without any pressure on your joints.
The treatment for arthritis in severe cases would require surgical procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement.
How Can Physical Therapists Help You?
Physical therapy is one of the proven measures for managing arthritis. The services and guidance of physical therapists can help you with pain relief alongside gaining back your mobility to ensure that your body functions at the optimal level. Here are some of the interesting ways in which physical therapists can help you deal with arthritis.
Personalized Exercise Plans
Physical therapists can design exercises to help strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and enhance the flexibility of patients.
Awareness
Physical therapists can increase your awareness about arthritis alongside teaching you adaptive strategies, joint protection techniques, and ergonomic principles to prevent damage to your joints.
Pain Management
Physical therapists use different techniques such as ultrasound, heat or cold therapy, and electrical stimulation to reduce joint pain.
Assistive Devices
Arthritis patients can also receive recommendations for using adaptive equipment that can help them carry out daily tasks with complete independence.
Are You Prepared to Fight Arthritis? Call Us Now!
Arthritis should never be an obstacle to leading a good quality of life. You can take the first step towards relief from arthritis and gain back your mobility with the support of our experienced professionals. At Rehab Planet, personalized treatment plans for arthritis are available under the guidance of physical therapy experts and medical personnel. Call us now to book your first consultation and step into a life free from pain and disability.