Seeking Arthritis Pain Relief? Elder Athlete Physical Therapy can help!
Do your joints feel stiff when you first get up out of the chair? Is getting out of bed in the morning difficult? You may be suffering from arthritis. Fortunately, there is a lot a physical therapist can do to help you find relief and keep active!
For some people, arthritic pain is constant and debilitating, but for others, their symptoms improve throughout the day, and they seem to feel better being active. Finding arthritis pain relief is possible for most people!
Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects many people; however, many wait far too long to seek professional help for their aching joints because they assume there’s nothing they can do to alleviate the pain.
In years past, the medical community thought arthritis got worse with activity. Recent research has conclusively shown that staying active is actually the key to healthy joints and preventing arthritis from getting worse in most people!
Common types of arthritis
Arthritis is any chronic condition that affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and usually joint breakdown. The Arthritis Foundation states that there are over 100 different types of arthritis that exist. However, the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which can affect a single joint or multiple joints simultaneously.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The main characteristic is the loss of articular cartilage, which results in inflammation, bone/joint structural changes, bone spur formation, and joint disability. Osteoarthritis is often referred to as the “wear and tear” form of arthritis.
This condition is typically described as the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints that typically occurs from age, injury, or repetitive use of the affected joint(s). When worn down, cartilage can no longer act as a strong cushion and shock absorber for the joints, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and painful inflammation.
Typical symptoms include pain, muscle weakness, joint instability, brief morning stiffness, crepitus (i.e., noises like snaps and pops), and difficulty or inability to stay physically active.
Although aging is one of the most significant risk factors for osteoarthritis, obesity is also a major contributor to developing osteoarthritis. Obese patients have extra weight on their bodies that add to cartilage breakdown.
There is increasing evidence that different risk factors are associated with osteoarthritis, including:
- Obesity
- Genetic predispositions
- Sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., female gender, African-American race),
- Specific bone/joint shapes
There are also physical risk factors associated with increased osteoarthritis, including:
- Joint injury
- Participation in certain occupational activities (i.e., repetitive movements like bending or prolonged positions like sitting/driving)
- Participation in sports (i.e., contact sports)
- Thigh flexor muscle weakness and knee osteoarthritis
- Joint malalignment
Fortunately, physical therapy can disrupt this cycle by improving joint movement, muscle strength, balance, and coordination, reducing pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most commonly experienced form of arthritis and develops as an autoimmune response. When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system sees the joints as a threat. Because of this perceived threat, the immune system attacks the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness, edema, and pain in the joints. Untreated, it can cause irreversible joint injury and deformity.
While research is ongoing to understand rheumatoid arthritis better, many experts believe that your hormones, genes, smoking, and environment could all be contributing factors. According to researchers, rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men and can cause pain while exercising or working.
Searching for natural pain relief? Try physical therapy in St. Petersburg, FL!
One of the most effective treatments for arthritic pain is physical therapy. Request an appointment with Elder Athlete Physical Therapy today if you suspect you have arthritis. The sooner you address your symptoms, the sooner I can help you find relief.
For some people with arthritis, the source of the pain is not solely due to damaged cartilage. Often swelling and weakness in the muscles supporting the joint magnify the pain and may even be the primary source of the pain. I will help you identify all the factors related to your pain and dysfunction and pinpoint the source of the problem. Our physical therapist will assist you in coping with your discomfort and teach you the strategies you will need to restore your function and maintain an active lifestyle.
Our licensed St. Petersburg, FL physical therapist will evaluate you thoroughly to determine which treatments and exercises will help you relieve your arthritis pain while ensuring your ability to remain active. Our arthritis treatments are tailored to your specific needs, allowing you to recover faster and achieve better, longer-lasting results.
Our targeted workouts can help you improve your range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, and overall performance. I’ll also show you how to prevent future joint pain and perform home exercises to stay in front of the pain.
Call our physical therapy clinic in St. Petersburg, FL to get rid of your aching joints!
Don’t let arthritis pain control your life; call Elder Athlete Physical Therapy today and let us help you alleviate your pain and regain your mobility. Our specialist will provide the most advanced treatment techniques while treating you with respect, compassion, and understanding!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life!
PUT YOUR HEALTH FIRST, GET STARTED ON YOUR RECOVERY TODAY!
Related Conditions
sciatica
Sciatica is caused by irritation and/or inflammation of the nerve roots that exit from the lumbar spine region of the back…Read More
Chronic pain
Chronic pain lasts longer than three months (12 weeks) despite medication or other treatments…Read More
Hand Pain
The use of our hands is vital to our everyday life. Any injury to the hand carries the potential for severe limitations and loss of function…Read More