Arthritis is a debilitating disease that often affects women, the middle-aged and the elderly; however, people of all ages and sexes can become affected by the disease. Arthritis is a broad term to refer to joint pain or joint disease and the symptoms surrounding it. The most common symptoms that those suffering from arthritis experience are:
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Swelling
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Pain
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Stiffness
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Decreased range of motion
The most common types of arthritis include:
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Degenerative arthritis
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Inflammatory arthritis
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Infectious arthritis
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Metabolic arthritis
Every case of arthritis is unique. Some patients may experience very mild symptoms, while other experience severe, life-altering symptoms. Some may experience come and go symptoms while others have constant symptoms. Treatment for arthritis varies greatly and is often prescribed on a case by case basis, ranging from medication to replacement surgeries.
One treatment option that is often overlooked for arthritis is physical therapy. Some cases of arthritis are irreversible, causing some patients to believe that physical therapy would serve no purpose, but rather it can help alleviate some of the painful symptoms that patients experience. Physical therapy for arthritis helps to increase the range of motion, assuring that those suffering are able to be fully mobile and active. It also helps to strengthen muscles that surround arthritic joints, alleviating stress and pain from the affected joints. Physical therapy can also aid in the learning process of how to walk with a walker or crutches if the condition of the patient is at that level of severity. Additionally, physical therapy treatments include heat and ice therapy, which greatly reduces the pain of the affected area.
If you or a loved one is suffering from pain from arthritis, contact Farmingdale Physical Therapy East to receive treatment from licensed, skilled, knowledgeable therapists. Call our Farmingdale office at 516-293-0565 to schedule an appointment and stop suffering from arthritic pain!