.2210070947550.jpg)
Arthritis is a medical condition that affects your joints and generally involves inflammation and/or degeneration. People are especially likely to develop arthritis in their hands, hips, knees, feet, and lower back. Its various symptoms can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
If left untreated, it can result in lasting damage such as permanent joint changes although most of those are only visible on medical images. Arthritis is one of the main causes of disability in the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Infection
- Joint injuries
- Genes
- Repeated strain
- Smoking
Arthritis covers a wide range of joint diseases and aches. Individuals of any age and gender can develop it although some arthritis conditions are more likely to affect seniors.
Some of the most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Infectious arthritis
- Metabolic arthritis (gout)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
If you experience joint aches, inflammation, and other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, consulting with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy at ProFysio or your physician can help establish a precise diagnosis and pursue medical options.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis happens when the joints wear down over the years. It often targets someone’s hands, knees, hips, or spine. While the damage that has already occurred cannot be undone, treatments can help manage the condition and minimize the aggravation of symptoms and future harm.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Pain while moving the affected joint and afterward
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Popping or cracking when using the joint
In certain cases, osteoarthritis can also result in bone spurs in the affected joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that impacts your joints, organs, and bodily functions.
This autoimmune disorder can affect your:
- Skin
- Eyes
- Respiratory system
- Blood circulation
- Cardiovascular function
- Bone marrow
- Kidneys
Compared to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis damages the lining of the joints and causes bone erosion, which can lead to joint deformity. Medication and other treatments can help alleviate pain and slow down the progression of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Stiffness (especially in the morning)
- Fatigue
- Fever
This condition usually targets your smaller joints first before spreading to larger ones. It is also common for the disorder to impact the same joint on both sides of your body.
Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
This type of arthritis affects individuals who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that results in red and scaly patches. People may develop psoriatic arthritis at the same time as psoriasis or years later. Treatment can help control the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Psoriatic arthritis may involve periods of remission and flareups as symptoms can range from mild to disabling.
Many people with psoriatic arthritis experience some of the following symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Warm to the touch
- Nail changes
- Eye redness and inflammation
Swollen fingers and toes and foot aches are especially common for psoriatic arthritis compared to other types.
Get a Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment for Arthritis at ProFysio Physical Therapy
If you experience any symptoms that may indicate arthritis, seeking a medical opinion can help identify the cause of your health concern. Since many of those symptoms exist for a variety of different medical issues, ruling out other conditions is important.
At ProFysio Physical Therapy, you can expect our team to conduct a thorough evaluation of your health history and current symptoms. We also perform a medical examination that involves some range of motion tests, and we may need some medical imaging. Once we know which type of arthritis you are dealing with and have a detailed idea of the severity of your symptoms, we can design and implement a care plan for your specific needs.
Our team often combines in-office physical therapy sessions and at-home exercises that we demonstrate during your appointment. We leverage various methods such as kinesiotaping, ultrasound, low-impact exercises, and the Graston technique, to help restore your mobility, balance, and comfort. We also provide telehealth solutions for your convenience.
We are here to answer your questions and our providers can coordinate with your primary care physician if you need medications as part of your treatment.
Are you experiencing joint pains that could indicate a type of arthritis? Contact ProFysio Physical Therapy today at (732) 812-5200 to schedule an appointment in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties!