Arthritis Symptoms: How to Manage Them Effectively

Do you suffer from aching joints? Does your pain get worse as the day progresses? Are you looking for better ways to manage your symptoms? If so, this article may be for you. 

Painful and stiff joints are most commonly associated with arthritis. Arthritis is a rheumatological disorder that affects millions of people of all ages and genders worldwide. You may be one of these people. 

Although arthritis is usually incurable, it can be managed. The health experts at Reforms Clinic are dedicated to educating and empowering those living with arthritis. Here they describe what arthritis is, how it is treated, and how physiotherapy may be able to help you. 

Continue reading to find out more. 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder categorized by tender and immobile joints. Adults over the age of 65 are the most likely to develop arthritis, but it can also affect children, teenagers, and younger adults. Interestingly, women are more likely to be diagnosed with arthritis than men. 

Arthritis symptoms typically develop over time, but they can also appear suddenly. The main symptoms of arthritis include pain and difficulty moving your joints. 

In some instances, the symptoms may be so severe that they can interfere with your daily activities. For example, arthritis pain may limit your ability to carry out routine tasks such as walking. 

How is Arthritis Treated?

Early and effective treatment is essential to help prevent progressive joint damage in arthritis. However, if left untreated, you may develop permanent physical disabilities. 

Fortunately, most types of arthritis can be managed and the pain and disability can be reduced with early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment may also be able to prevent arthritis-related tissue damage and permanent joint dysfunction. 

Multiple treatment options exist, ranging from physical therapy, hot or cold compresses, joint braces to pharmaceutical drugs, and even surgery in certain situations. One or more of these could be a part of your treatment plan. However, your treatment approach will be influenced by the severity of your arthritis, its symptoms, and your overall health.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy for arthritis is an entirely natural way to rehabilitate your joints with no side effects. Many patients have reported its benefits in managing chronic pain and improving their quality of life by offering a safe and effective treatment option. It may be able to do the same for you. 

Physiotherapy is most commonly used to treat arthritis of the knee, back, hip and shoulder. If you've been diagnosed with arthritis in any of these joints or any other joints, physiotherapy can not only decrease joint discomfort but also halt disease progression. 

Physiotherapy can also help improve your strength, range of motion, and overall mobility. To achieve these goals, a physical therapist may employ a variety of strategies. For instance, your physiotherapist may recommend regularly exercising the affected joints to strengthen the muscles around them. Furthermore, physical therapists can also help you modify your daily activities so that you can perform them pain-free. 

However, arthritis can vary significantly in the joints affected and its severity. Moreover, no two people diagnosed with arthritis present with the same symptoms. This may be due to differences in age, genetics, and gender. Regardless, what works for you may not work for someone else. 

Thus, it is essential to follow a customized physiotherapy program tailor-made for you to maximize its benefits. 

Looking To Schedule a Therapy Session?

 Physiotherapy and Chiropractic care can both improve your symptoms and significantly improve the quality of your life. If you are ready to give it a go, Reform Clinics has got you covered. Reform Clinics is a multidisciplinary physiotherapy clinic specializing in physical therapy and rehabilitation, with a range of registered and licensed physical therapists. 

To book your appointment, fill out our convenient contact form and one of our specialists will get in touch with you shortly.