Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.
The signs and symptoms of most forms of arthritis are quite similar. Many of the following symptoms common in arthritis are also common in other conditions unrelated to arthritis. However, a good policy to follow is to seek medical evaluation of any symptom, or combination of symptoms, that does not go away within a few days or, at most, a few weaks. A painfull, red and swollen joint calls for immediate medical attention.
General signs and symptoms are:
- Pain and swelling in your joints
- Redness or heat in any of the joints
- Generalized aching and stiffnes of the joints
- Creaky bones
- Loss of motion of the affected joints
- Loss of strength
- Fatique
- Deformity of the joints (over time)
Just as the symptoms of arthritis are similar in many diseases, so are methods of treatment. Some forms of arthritis are of unknown origin (for example rheumatoid arthritis) and have no cure, but can be controlled with carefull, lifelong treatment. The major goals of therapy are to cure when is possible, to maintain remissions, to maintain maximum treatment during the acute periods and to avoid deformities. Treatment is directed toward controllilng the patient’s general health, maintaining joint function during acute phases, and including and prolonging remissions. The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. Treatments available include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, immune-altering medications, and surgical operations.
Physical therapy
Physical therapists can teach you individualized exercises designed to preserve the strength and use of your joints. There are a lot of physical therapy techiques that can help restore muscle, range of motion, and flexibility. Your physical therapy program at Sulypont Pain and Rehabilitation Clinic is individualized, taking into consideration your health and history.
The goals of physical therapy treatment are :
- Prevent loss of use of the joints
- Restore abilities
- Reducing pain
- Restoring muscular flexibility, joint mobility, and spine motion
- Strengthening muscles
- Posture correction
- Teach how to maintain the new postures
- Maintain your fitness
- Returning to normal activities
photo: sxc.hu