Having knee pain when walking the dog. Feeling a twinge of pain in your hip when you bend over to load the dishwasher. These are just a few of the ways that arthritis can impact your daily life.
It’s also very likely to affect you. In fact, it’s reported that about 63 million people will be diagnosed with some form of arthritis in 2020. Having as much information as possible is vital to effectively living with and treating arthritis. Physical therapists can help arthritis pain sufferers learn about their condition; they can also provide effective treatment for many types of arthritis.
What is arthritis?
The first thing arthritis pain sufferers should know is what arthritis is. Arthritis is a joint disorder that features inflammation, pain and stiffness. There is also often a loss in movement with arthritis, as the joints are too inflamed to move. When only a single joint is involved, it’s known as monoarthritis. If two or three joints are involved, it’s referred to as oligoarthritis.
There are over 100 types of arthritis. However, some types are far more common than others. Some of the most common types of arthritis include:
How can arthritis pain sufferers get a confirmed arthritis diagnosis?
The arthritis diagnosis process is another area that arthritis pain sufferers should be familiar with. A medical professional can examine your joints for deformity and inflammation, look for signs of disease and review your history of symptoms.
Blood tests, urine tests, X-rays or joint fluid tests may be ordered. The goal of this exhaustive diagnostic process is to confirm that arthritis is causing your symptoms and not some other issue. Early diagnosis can help prevent disability and irreversible damage. Exercise routines, medications, rest and physical therapy may be recommended once an arthritis diagnosis has been confirmed.
How can physical therapy help arthritis pain sufferers?
Arthritis pain sufferers should also be aware of how physical therapy can help them. Physical therapy is all about engaging in physical activity and exercise. A physical therapist can provide properly guided exercise regimens. It’s important that you do the proper, safe exercises to avoid injury.
Regular physical activity can have benefits for arthritis patients that include:
- Keeping the muscles around affected joints strong
- Decreasing bone loss
- Helping to control joint swelling
- Replenishing lubrication to the cartilage of the joint naturally
- Reducing stiffness and pain
- Enhancing energy and stamina
- Decreasing fatigue
- Improving your ability to sleep soundly
- Promoting long-term weight management
Arthritis pain sufferers can find help at Peak Performance
Arthritis pain can be miserable and debilitating for those who suffer from it, and unfortunately, there is no cure for it yet. Our Peak Performance physical therapists can help confirm you have arthritis with a free screening. We also excel at creating therapy plans that are customized to each arthritis patient’s specific needs.
Can’t leave home to come to one of our therapy clinics? No problem! Our team offers a therapy service called virtual care that’s designed to be used in your own home. You can even start getting our help without first getting a doctor’s referral.
Contact us today for more information about our arthritis treatment options or to schedule your free screening.
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