Arthritis: 5 Signs You Need a Physical Therapist
Arthritis can affect anyone, but it doesn’t have to severely restrict your activities. If you’re in pain and stiff, it’s important to get help as soon as possible; there are many different types of arthritis, each requiring unique treatment. If you’re suffering from arthritis, it is time for a physical therapist to come into your life. Physical therapists are trained in treating joints and muscles, which is exactly what you need if your arthritis interferes with your daily life or prevents you from doing the activities you love. In this article, you will learn the warning signs and why you may need to start physical therapy treatment for arthritis.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common illness. It affects more than 50 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability in the United States today. Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain and stiffness. This can cause problems with mobility, strength, and even breathing. There are many different types of arthritis, but Twin Boro therapists are able to treat many of them. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important that you don’t wait! Get started on the road to recovery today!
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
If you have any of these symptoms, you may need to see a physical therapist for treatment:
- Pain when moving the affected joint.
- Pain on the same side of your body as the affected joint
- Pain with certain activities (like lifting heavy objects)
- Difficulty sleeping at night or with limited sleep during the day.
- Redness and swelling of the affected joint.
What are the Most Common Causes of Arthritis?
In the United States, an estimated 58.5 million adults (22.7%) have been diagnosed with arthritis by a doctor in their lifetime—such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. There are other types of arthritis, but these two account for more than 90% of cases.
- In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your joint becomes worn down and damaged by overuse or trauma. This causes the joint to become less flexible, which can make it more likely to hurt when you move.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout your body. Pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms of this condition.
How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
If you think you might have arthritis, the first thing to do is schedule an appointment with your physician. They will ask about your symptoms, including joint pain or stiffness. Your physician will probably take a medical history and perform a physical exam.
Your physician will look for signs of inflammation in your body: redness, warmth, swelling, and pain that occurs when you move your joints. Your physician may order X-rays or other scans to determine how well your joints look. Arthritic changes of a joint are visible through x-ray.
If there’s no apparent cause for the pain, treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis you have and what’s causing it. Some people find relief by using medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Others might benefit from physical therapy or surgery.
How is Arthritis Treated?
There are many ways to treat arthritis. You can visit your physician or a specialist who will help you choose the best treatment option for your needs. In some cases, there are prescription medications that can ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
In others, non-prescription treatments can be used at home or by yourself. Here are some examples:
- Physical therapy: This treatment helps strengthen your muscles and improve joint function by working with a physical therapist. Physical therapy is usually recommended as an early intervention for an acute case of arthritis and ongoing treatment for chronic cases.
- Massage therapy: Using massage techniques on specific areas of your body, such as the lower back or knees, may help to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis. Massage therapy is often recommended for short-term relief from the pain associated with arthritis.
- Medication: The medications prescribed by physicians to treat arthritis depend on the type of the condition and severity of the disease.
5 Signs You Need a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are the people who can help you stay up on or get back on your feet after an injury or surgery. They assess your condition, prescribe exercise and other therapies, and monitor your progress. If you’re in pain, they’ll work to decrease the severity of your pain and other impairments to help you function at a higher level.
If you have any of these five signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist:
- You’re having trouble moving around because of pain or swelling in one or more areas of your body.
- You cannot perform everyday tasks such as getting dressed or climbing the stairs.
- You’re experiencing new pain that hadn’t been before you injured yourself.
- You’re unresponsive to pain medication.
- You’ve had more than one episode of back or joint pain.
Why Choose Twin Boro for Physical Therapy for Arthritis?
At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are experts in treating low back pain. We offer various treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and allow you to live your best life! Contact us today at 1-866-525-1117 for a free screening or consultation with one of our physical therapists. Our clinicians will listen to your concerns, help determine if you are a candidate for physical therapy treatments and guide you through the scheduling process to make it as easy as possible!
