Understanding Arthritis

As people age, joints in their bodies have naturally worn down and this causes many inconvenient symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness in limbs, the good news is that physiotherapy and exercise strengthening can help with arthritis! All without the invasiveness that may come with surgery.

Signs & Symptoms of Arthritis:

• Pain in the arms, shoulder, knees or any jointed limbs.
• Stiffness when moving
• Swelling and redness in affected joints
• Decreased range of motion

Types of Arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint’s cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and allows nearly frictionless joint motion, but enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

Osteoarthritis also causes changes in the bones and deterioration of the connective tissues that attach muscle to bone and hold the joint together. If cartilage in a joint is severely damaged, the joint lining may become inflamed and swollen.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: While osteoarthritis comes with rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand may happen to a wide range of age groups, with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Risk Factors for Arthritis:

• Family History: Some forms of arthritis are more prone to be passed down through genes, so people who have parents who suffer from arthritis may have a higher likelihood of developing the disorder.
• Age: Age also plays a big factor in terms of risk as older people may have more worn joints in their body leading to arthritis.
• Previous Joint Injury: People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.
• Obesity: Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine. Meaning that people with obesity or have an unhealthy BMI may have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

How Might Physiotherapy Help Manage Arthritis?

Goals of Therapy for patients:

• Improving the mobility and restoring the use of affected joints
• Increasing strength to support joints
• Maintaining fitness
• Preserving the ability to perform daily tasks and activities

What can our therapists do for you?

• Teach proper posture and body mechanics for common daily activities to relieve pain and improve function
• Show you how to properly use assistive devices such as walkers and canes.
• Provide a tailored plan for your therapy sessions that suit your needs and goals.
• Recommend different treatment options

What to Expect:

• A thorough assessment to diagnose the condition of your arthritis and identify specific problems.
• A personalized exercise plan based on scientific evidence and your unique needs.
• Consistency with home exercises is crucial for success.
• Improvement often happens within weeks, though full recovery can take longer for more complex cases.

Important Note: While physiotherapy is highly effective for many cases of Arthritis, always see a doctor first to get a proper diagnosis and rule out other serious medical conditions.