PAINFUL STIFF JOINTS
...YOU HAVE A CHOICE!!
ARTHRITIS
Don’t Let Pain and Stiff Joints Limit You.
CHOOSE TO BE PAIN FREE!!
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INTRODUCTION
Arthritis is among the most prevalent chronic conditions in the
United States. Arthritis isn’t just one disease; it’s a complex
disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can
affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms
are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in
pain, swelling, and limited movement. There are many forms of
arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Rheumatoid
arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which
the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint
infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid
crystals in the joint that results in subsequent
inflammation.
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis
is also known as degenerative joint disease and occurs following
trauma to the joint, following an infection of the joint or simply
as a result of aging. There is emerging evidence that abnormal
anatomy may contribute to early development of
osteoarthritis.
CAUSES
Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally
protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also
absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you
walk. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub
together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and
stiffness.
WHO IS AT RISK
Arthritis can affect anyone, any age; however there are several
factors that put you at a higher risk to developing arthritis.
These factors for osteoarthritis the most common type of arthritis
include:
Family history
Aging
Being overweight
An infection in the joint
Injuring a joint, fractures, broken
bones
Repeated trauma/injury to an existing injured
joint
Using the affected joint in a repetitive action
that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers,
and construction workers are all at risk)
TRADITONAL TREATMENTS
Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and
include physical and occupational therapy, and medications
(symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the
arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be
required in eroding forms of arthritis. Prescription Drugs and some
OTC medications while they help to relieve the immediate symptoms
of pain swelling have the risk of serious side effects.
Use of NSSIDs can cause symptoms such as rapid or
irregular pulse, hives on the face or mouth, wheezing or tightness
in the chest may indicate an allergy to the drug.
DMARDs are used to control arthritis by
suppressing the immune system. But this can also make it more
difficult to fight infection.
And though corticosteroids are potent fighters of
inflammation, they also have many potentially dangerous adverse
effects, including the development of diabetes, osteoporosis,
cataracts and neurological problems.
WHY TRY PHYSICAL THERAPY
FIRST
Even moderate activity helps. Among adults with knee osteoarthritis
(OA), engaging in moderate physical activity just three times a
week can reduce the risk of arthritis-related disability by 47
percent!
People with arthritis often have stiff joints -
largely because they avoid movements that can increase pain. By
mobilizing arthritic joints, however, the stiffness and pain only
get worse. Therefore, people with arthritis often benefit from
physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you how to work
out stiffness without further damaging your joint. Physical therapy
also is useful after an injury, such as from a fall, and after
joint surgery, especially for artificial joint
replacement.
Occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce
strain on your joints during daily activities. Occupational
therapists can show you how to modify your home and workplace
environments to reduce motions that may aggravate arthritis. They
also may provide splints for your hands or wrists, and recommend
assistive devices to aid in tasks such as driving, bathing,
dressing, housekeeping and certain work activities.
What Is the Goal of Physical
Therapy?
The goal of physical therapy is to get a person back
to the point where he or she can perform normal, everyday
activities without difficulty.
Preserving good range of motion is key to
maintain the ability to perform daily activities. Therefore,
increasing the range of motion of a joint is the primary focus of
physical therapy. Building strength in the involved muscles
surrounding the joint also is extremely important, since stronger
muscles can better stabilize a weakened joint.
Physical therapists provide exercises designed to
preserve the strength and use of your joints. They can show you the
best way to move from one position to another and can also teach
you how to use walking aids such as crutches, a walker or a cane,
if necessary.
PATIENT
COMMENTS
“ The overall atmosphere was very welcoming
and comfortable while remaining professional. My compliments on
maintaining that
balance.”
Melba Warner
“I found Clara and her entire staff to be
sensitive and caring. A woman asked me why I come so far…We live an
hour away form Physiocare…however, I wanted the best!... and that
is why I make the
trip.”
Howard Balsam
“…And also I highly recommend therapy
referrals with Physiocare and especially with Clara Rodriguez. She
is wonderful and so caring of how you feel. She takes that
extra measure to assure your comfort. I’m one to pass on
compliments when due and these are two that I’m very sincere
about.”
Evelyn Bates
DOCTOR’S
COMMENTS
“Physiocare does excellent hands on physical
therapy and I recommend them without reservation.”
Irvine Mason M.D., Diplomat - American Board of Psychiatry &
Neurology
“Physiocare rehabilitation has made a big
difference in the lives of my patients. Their staff is professional
, warm and always helpful in caring for their patients. I have
never had a patient who was not completely satisfied with the
rehabilitation at Physiocare.”
Michael D. Milstein,D.O.F.A.A.F.P., Internist
“My patients find that Physiocare provides
prompt and successful relief to their pains and stiffness. I send
most of my patients to Physiocare. I have found Physiocare to be
the best physical therapy center in town.”
Daniel I. Nuchovich,M.D.
“ Since referring my patients to Physiocare I
have found that for the first time my patients actually want to
return to their clinic for therapy treatment. Never before have I
seen so many of my patients complimenting a rehabilitation clinic.
The Physiocare team truly performs the best therapy and they
continually exceed my expectations.”
Irma V. Lopez,M.D., Internist
Please read Medical Disclaimer.
References: Sources come from one
or more of the following articles and sites:
Medicinenet.com / mediregister.com /mediline.net /mediinfo.co.uk /
mhni.com /Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
/American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
/Medline plus.org
