How to stop suffering from Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage in a joint. This wear and tear over time leads to bone spurs, poor tissue strength, inflammation, pain, weakness of surrounding muscles and poor joint movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In fact, over 65 million people in the US have osteoarthritis to some degree.   Physical therapy is proven to help alleviate pain caused from arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis:

• Pain with daily activities
• Limited range of motion and stiffness
• Swelling and tenderness
• Poor balance
• Aching joints
• Reports of intermittent pain
• Loss of function with normal tasks such as cleaning, dressing, lifting groceries, working, etc.

What Can Be Done to Help Arthritis Pain?

There are many things that can be done to help arthritis pain beginning with preventing the flare-up from occurring in the first place.  Physical therapy will prevent physical impairment and restore functional ability through the use of exercise, education, and physical modalities. While there is solid evidence supporting physical activities in the management of arthritis, inactivity continues to be a problem among both younger and older patients with arthritis as compared to the general population. Current evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of moderate- to high-intensity aerobic and strengthening exercises for osteoarthritis and stable rheumatoid arthritis. Participation in recreational activities does not replace the need for therapeutic exercises, which can only be found at a physical therapy clinic.  Our programs are customized and individualized to what your needs are.

There are a few key concepts that can lead you to live a healthier and happier life by dealing with your osteoarthritis:

• Protect your joints. For example, don’t lift heavy objects in one hand.  Use proper lifting techniques and practices.
• Make sure you stretch often to keep proper joint motion.
• Do strengthening exercises to add muscle support to the affected joint.
• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your tissues.
• Avoid inflammatory foods such as fried foods, sugary foods, soda, enriched processed foods, etc.
• Seek help before you start taking pain pills, our physical therapists can show you how to reduce your pain!

Physical therapy is one of the ideal treatments for helping people with arthritis pain. Not only do we help to maximize your joint movement, but we improve your strength and show you what to do to maintain your joint health. For questions on how we can help you with your arthritis pain, call us today!  855-477-8463

Read more about our treatments for arthritis.