Arthritis
Arthritis is a name for a group of conditions that affect the joints, causing damage that usually results in joint pain and stiffness. Arthritis can affect many different parts of the joint and nearly every joint in the body.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis and each type affects the joint, surrounding tissue, and the individual person differently. Some types of arthritis only affect the local joint, while other types of arthritis can affect adjacent structures and other organs, such as the eye.
The most common forms of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Gout
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
Arthritis doesn't discriminate. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, gender and lifestyles, not just the elderly. In fact, approximately two thirds of people with arthritis are aged 15-60 years. While arthritis does affect people differently dependent on the type of arthritis present, common signs and symptoms include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Stiffness and/or reduced movement of a joint
- Redness over the joint, often accompanied by and warmth to the touch
- General symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of weight or feeling unwell.
If you think you might have arthritis, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor. Once a diagnosis has been made, the management of arthritis requires a multi-disciplinary approach that includes pain relief, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercise therapy, and massage therapy.
Currently there is no cure for arthritis. However there are many effective strategies for reducing the pain and discomfort associated with different types of arthritis, permitting people with arthritis to continue to lead an active, healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. Studies have shown that movement, or therapeutic exercise, is regarded as the best form of treatment for arthritis. Through individually designed programs, your physiotherapist can help keep your joints and muscles active, while providing you with home exercise tools to improve overall quality of life.
At Movement For Life Physiotherapy we can help you understand how arthritis affects you, while getting you moving, stretching and strengthening affected and surrounding joints. You can learn more about different types of arthritis and how to manage them via the links below.
The Hip Joint - Hip Pain & Osteoarthritis
If you think you might have arthritis or have been diagnosed with arthritis by your medical doctor you can see one of our physiotherapists for best practice care.
Consult with one of our physiotherapists today to learn more about what you can do to help manage your symptoms, maintain your strength and joint function and keep moving, for life.
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