Arthritis is a joint pain or joint disease. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and similar conditions. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently, often as we age and is most common in women. Symptoms of arthritis include stiffness, swelling, pain and limited range of motion. These can be mild to chronic and may come and go. In severe cases arthritis will cause an inability to do daily activities such as walking or bending. Often arthritis can only be seen on X-ray but may be visible, such as knobby finger joints. Anyone can get arthritis but if you have a family history your risk is higher.
Do I have Arthritis?
If you have joint pain, the symptoms we have discussed and are asking yourself “Do I have Arthritis” you should check in with your physiotherapist for advice.
Treatment and pain management for Arthritis
There are options to treat arthritis including arthritis medication, joint surgery and natural arthritis remedies. These should be discussed with your physician. To help yourself live with arthritis you should look at the foods to avoid and the best foods for arthritis.
- EXERCISE! This is a wonderful tool in managing arthritis. It may be hard to start or to continue with an exercise program. This is where we come in handy. Support and specially designed programs will have your arthritis under control!
Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to exercise while offloading painful joints. You will feel completely weightless and pain-free. Here at 4 Life Physiotherapy with have two fully equipped hydrotherapy pools.
How to prevent Arthritis?
You can delay the potential onset of arthritis, although there is no sure way of complete prevention. A few examples of reducing your risk include, maintaining a healthy weight, do not smoke and having a healthy diet low in sugar and alcohol.
To treat and prevent arthritis symptoms, book in today for a consultation with one of our Physiotherapists or Exercise Physiologists.
