Looking for Arthritis Pain Relief?
Turn to McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy!
Do your joints ache when you first get out of your chair? Is it difficult to get out of bed in the morning? You may have arthritis. Fortunately, a physical therapist in Warminster or New Britain, PA can do a lot to help you find relief and stay active!
Arthritic pain can be debilitating for some people, but for others, their symptoms improve throughout the day, and they appear to feel better when they are active.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects many people; however, many people put off seeking professional help for their aching joints because they believe there is nothing they can do to relieve the pain.
Previously, the medical community believed that activity made arthritis worse. Recent research has conclusively shown that staying active is the key to maintaining healthy joints and preventing arthritis from worsening.
What are the most common types of arthritis?
Arthritis is any chronic condition that affects the joints and causes pain, inflammation, and, in most cases, joint breakdown. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. The two most common types of arthritis, however, are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect a single joint or multiple joints at the same time.
Osteoarthritis
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. The main symptom is articular cartilage loss, which causes inflammation, bone/joint structural changes, bone spur formation, and joint disability. Osteoarthritis is also known as the “wear and tear” form of arthritis.
This condition is commonly defined as the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints caused by age, injury, or repetitive use of the affected joint (s). When the cartilage wears down, it can no longer function as a strong cushion and shock absorber for the joints, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and painful inflammation.
Pain, muscle weakness, joint instability, brief morning stiffness, crepitus (noises like snaps and pops), and difficulty or inability to stay physically active are common symptoms.
Although aging is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis, obesity is also a major contributor to the development of osteoarthritis. Obese patients carry extra weight on their bodies, which contributes to cartilage breakdown.
There is mounting evidence that there are various risk factors for osteoarthritis, including:
• Obesity
• Genetic predispositions
• Sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., female gender, African-American race),
• Specific bone/joint shapes
There are also physical risk factors linked to increased osteoarthritis, such as:
• Participation in specific occupational activities (for example, repetitive movements such as bending or prolonged positions such as sitting/driving)
• Sports participation (i.e., contact sports)
• Thigh flexor muscle weakness
• Misalignment of the joints
Physical therapy, fortunately, can break this cycle by improving joint movement, muscle strength, balance, and coordination while also reducing pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis and is caused by an autoimmune response. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to perceive the joints as a threat. Because the immune system perceives a threat, it attacks the joints, causing pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint stiffness, edema, and pain. If left untreated, it can result in irreversible joint injury and deformity.
While research into rheumatoid arthritis is ongoing, many experts believe that your hormones, genes, smoking, and environment may all play a role. Rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers, affects more women than men and can cause pain while exercising or working
We’ll do everything we can to keep you pain-free. Contact McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists in Warminster or New Britain, PA!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Enjoy Life Pain-Free!