What is arthritis?

What is arthritis?

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Arthritis is a broad term used to describe a group of inflammatory joint diseases characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There are many types of arthritis, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, that affect joints and other connective tissues in the body. but the two most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis also known as Degenerative Joint Disease is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic degenerative disorder and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears down over time. As the cartilage wears away, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of joint mobility. Osteoarthritis often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine, but it can also occur in other joints.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, systemic  disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, a thin membrane lining the joints as well as other connective tissues. This causes inflammation in the joint, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and progressive deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints throughout the body and may also cause systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever.

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Other types of arthritis include gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), among others.

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Common symptoms of arthritis

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The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type and location of the condition. However, common symptoms include:

1. Joint Pain: Persistent aching pain in one or more joints, which may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
2. Joint Stiffness: Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the affected joint, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
3. Joint Swelling: Swelling and inflammation in and around the affected joint.
4. Warmth and Redness: The affected joint may feel warm to the touch and appear red or swollen.
5. Fatigue: Many people with arthritis experience fatigue, which can be related to the inflammation and chronic pain.
6. Weakness: Muscle weakness around the affected joint from disuse of stabilizing muscles occurs when there is joint swelling or pain.

What causes arthritis?

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Arthritis can be caused by a combination of factors, and the exact cause may vary depending on the type of arthritis. Some of the common factors that can contribute to the development of arthritis include:

1. Age: Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is often associated with aging. As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints may naturally wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. Although aging is indeed strongly associated with osteoarthritis, it must be emphasized that aging in itself does not cause osteoarthritis, nor should be considered synonymous with the “normal” aging process.
2. Joint injury: Trauma before adulthood may initiate remodeling of bone that alters joint mechanics and nutrition in a way that becomes problematic only later in life. A previous joint injury or trauma in adult patients can also increase the risk of developing arthritis, especially post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Injuries may damage the joint's structures, leading to long-term joint degeneration.
3. Genetics: Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, have a strong genetic component. If you have a family history of arthritis, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
4. Autoimmune disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis and some other forms of arthritis are considered autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including the joints.
5. Infections: Some infections such as bacteria, fungus or virus and other pathogens can trigger an inflammatory response in the joints, leading to infectious arthritis.
6. Metabolic abnormalities: Conditions like gout are caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints due to metabolic abnormalities.
7. Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes may play a role in certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is more common in women.
8. Obesity: Excess body weight can put added stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis in later life. It is most evident in the knee joint and to a lesser extent in the hip and hands.
9. Joint overuse: Repeated, excessive use of certain joints can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, especially in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs.
10. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors or toxins may contribute to the development of certain types of arthritis.

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It's important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing arthritis, not everyone with these risk factors will develop the condition. Arthritis is a complex condition with various contributing factors, and in many cases, it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, staying physically active, and seeking early medical attention for joint symptoms are essential for preventing or managing arthritis effectively.

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How can physical therapy help? 

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Physical therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with arthritis, regardless of the type of arthritis they have. A physical therapist can provide specialized interventions to manage pain, improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall joint function. Here's how physical therapy can help with arthritis:

1. Pain Management: Physical therapists can use various techniques and modalities, such as gentle massage, heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, to help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the affected joints. In some cases, rest and immobilization may also be prescribed on the initial stages to promote healing.
2. Joint Range of Motion: Gentle range of motion exercises such as passive or active range of motion exercises with or without assistance, and within the limits of pain with gradual progression as tolerated are prescribed by a physical therapist to help maintain or improve joint flexibility and minimize stiffness.
3. Strengthening Exercises: Progressive weakening in the muscle occurs from inactivity, and weak muscles may add to the joint dysfunction. Physical therapists design a customized strengthening program to target the muscles around the affected joints. Initially, low-load resistance exercises within the tolerance of the joint are utilized, and as the patient improves more challenging resistance exercises are given. Strengthening these muscles can help improve muscle performance, provide better support to the joints and reduce pain.
4. Aerobic Exercises: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking, aerobic dancing, swimming, or cycling, within the tolerance of the joint can help improve aerobic capacity and joint function without putting excessive stress on the joints.
5. Joint Protection and Energy Conservation Techniques: Physical therapists teach individuals with arthritis about the importance of rest, joint protection and energy conservation techniques to  reduce pain and stress on the joints during daily activities.
6. Assistive or Adaptive Devices: Physical therapists can recommend and demonstrate the use of assistive devices or adaptive devices, such as raised toilet seat, braces, splints, walker or canes, to decrease painful stresses and maintain function.
7. Posture and Body Mechanics: Proper posture and body mechanics are essential to prevent unnecessary stress on joints. Physical therapists educate patients on how to maintain good posture and body alignment during activities.
8. Functional Training: Physical therapists focus on functional training, they modify any activities of daily living needed in order to protect the joints and to perform tasks safely and efficiently despite arthritis symptoms. Simulation of activities and drills are also prescribed, to enable the patient to practice under supervised conditions and receive feedback on correct mechanics
9. Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises to improve balance and proprioception (joint position sense) are an important part of the program, especially if the lower limbs are affected. It can help reduce the risk of falls and improve joint stability.
10. Home Exercise Program: Physical therapists often provide patients with a home exercise program and teach them how to incorporate it into their daily routine to reinforce the interventions and promote optimal recovery. 
11. Education and Self-Management: Physical therapists educate patients about arthritis, its causes, symptoms,progression, and overall treatment plan. They also teach self-management strategies to help individuals take an active role in managing their condition.
12. Lifestyle Recommendations: Physical therapists may provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as managing weight, staying physically active, and adapting daily activities to minimize joint stress.

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By working with a physical therapist, individuals with arthritis can improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. The treatment plan is tailored to each individual's specific needs and the type and severity of their arthritis. Regular physical therapy sessions can help individuals manage their arthritis effectively, maintain joint function, and stay as active and independent as possible.

Trust PeteHealth for arthritis treatment

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat arthritis? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

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Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

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