Your physician may diagnose you with arthritis if there is inflammation in your joints, but the term collectively refers to a group of more than 100 diseases.
At our physical therapy clinic in August, GA, our physical therapists work with arthritis patients every day. Below, we take a closer look at arthritis, some of its most common types, and their treatment:
Understanding Arthritis
Different factors lead to the occurrence of different types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis is caused by joint wear and tear
- Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s autoimmune response
- Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints
- Septic arthritis is the result of joint infection
- Reactive arthritis occurs when joint problems are triggered by infection elsewhere in the body
Symptoms of Arthritis
The dominant symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Additional symptoms vary, depending on the type of arthritis and its cause.
Am I At Risk?
Certain factors can increase your vulnerability to arthritis, including:
1. Joint Trauma
Chances of developing arthritis in a particular joint increase with injuries. The joint can become more vulnerable to arthritis even if you make a full recovery from the injury.
2. Age
As we age, we’re at an increased risk for many diseases, including arthritis. Note that arthritis isn’t limited to the elderly, and it may be triggered in younger people for a number of reasons.
3. Sex
Certain types of arthritis are observed more frequently in men, whereas others are more likely to affect women.
4. Weight
Your joints are put under a lot of stress if you’re overweight. This may cause them to weaken prematurely, resulting in arthritis.
5. Genetics
Your genetic makeup can also increase your chances of developing arthritis.
The Most Common Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage—the protective tissue at the end of bones that allows smooth movement of the joints—starts to break down.
Under normal conditions, this wear and tear doesn’t occur until later in life. However, sometimes this process can occur rapidly due to injuries.
Physical therapy offers help with the pain and discomfort of arthritis treatment.
Our Augusta Physical therapists can make treatment plans to slow the progression of the disease and help you manage it.
Treatment for osteoarthritis may also include medication for pain management and joint repair or replacement surgery for more severe cases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, and is quite different from osteoarthritis. It occurs when your immune system attacks healthy tissue. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it may also affect other parts of your body.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining in your joints, creating inflammation and swelling that gradually leads to deformity and reduced bone density.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes medication to control the autoimmune response and inflammation in the body.
Our physical therapists in Augusta, GA, work closely with rheumatoid arthritis patients to improve their pain management and quality of life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any kind of arthritis, our physical therapy services in Augusta, GA, are here to help. Get in touch with our physical therapy specialists in Augusta for a FREE consultation today.