Arthritis

Have you ever wondered what happens if suddenly your joints started becoming stiff and you are unable to move your joints properly? If this happens your body will be exactly similar to a car with punctured tyres which will not be able to move properly. Similarly, there is a condition in which your joints become stiff and you become unable to move them this condition is termed Arthritis. It is swelling and stiffness of one or more joints in the body.

Types

Arthritis is a disease of cartilages of joints. It has several types depending on the degree of damage and type of damage

• Ankylosing spondylitis( effects spine)
• Gout(effects big toe)
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis( arthritis in children)
• Osteoarthritis( cartilage wear over time)
• Psoriatic arthritis( affect people who have psoriasis)
• Reactive arthritis( joint pain ignited by dysfunction of another part of the body)
• Rheumatoid arthritis( autoimmune disorder affecting joints)
• Septic arthritis( due to germs)
• Thumb arthritis(affect carpometacarpal joints in the body)

Symptoms

The most common symptoms which are common with all types of arthritis are

• Stiffness in morning
• Normal stiffening
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Redness
• Fever
• Numbness
• Joint disformities
• Immobilization and effective degree of movement
• Warmth

Causes

Some of the causes which can lead to Arthritis are

• Family history: some arthritis are seen to have genetic effects and can affect you if you’re parents or siblings are affected
• Sex: women are more prone to the risk of arthritis as compared to men because of menopause
• Age: most arthritis affects senior aged people as in old age joints and bones become weak and absorb easily
• Joint injury: most of the time a previous joint injury if not treated properly can lead to Arthritis
• Obesity: if your body weight is not by your BMI then it can lead to Arthritis as your body has to bear extra weight.
• Lifestyle: if you are not leading a healthy lifestyle your dietary intake is poor and you are a habitual smoker then you are at risk of arthritis

Treatment

Treatment of arthritis include anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and most importantly a proper physical therapy treatment which can include

Hot and cold therapy

Your physical therapist suggests you apply ice or heat at specific joints. The temperature and duration is decided by a physical therapist to achieve maximum results

Excercise

Exercises suggested by physical therapists can help you to achieve maximum mobilization and joint flexibility as well

Assisted device

An expert physical therapist can guide you through the usage of assisted devices such as canes and walkers. They make you comfortable with assisted devices so that you can perform your function effectively

Conclusion

Arthritis is a very painful disease and can lead to severe pain and immobilization if not treated properly. An expert physical therapist can help you to deal with arthritis effectively and to minimize the side effects of arthritis in your life

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