Arthritis Treatment Affton, MO

Arthritis Treatment Affton, MO. Living with arthritis in Affton, MO? After being diagnosed, it is important that you find a sound treatment plan. Occupational and physical therapy are effective arthritis treatment options for millions of arthritis patients. Learn more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Affton, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we can help you enjoy your life and continue the activities you love.

As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is poised to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients in the Affton, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our conveniently located facilities or begin your path to enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Affton, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States have some type of arthritis, and of them, almost half — around 25.7 million — report that their condition have a severe impact on their ability to operate and execute daily tasks. That makes arthritis the third leading cause of disability among working-age adults, after neck and back problems and mental health conditions like depression.

The numbers illustrate the reach arthritis has, but , but when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Affton, MO, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Affton, MO area have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients affected by all different types of arthritis suffering from varying degrees of pain and disability. When you entrust Axes for your Affton, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own personal, dedicated arthritis treatment professional who possesses the knowledge and experience needed to to design a treatment plan for you that addresses your goals and fits your lifestyle.

Types of Arthritis

According to the CDC, there are in excess of one hundred conditions that fall under the category of arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, but all arthritis conditions generally include joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the right arthritis treatment in Affton, MO for you requires receiving an accurate diagnosis that allows you and your treatment team to grasp your condition.

Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more common than others. Below, we discuss the two most common forms of arthritis. By becoming experts on the unique causes, mechanics, and outlook of each condition, our Affton, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with various types of arthritis in the Affton, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million Americans alone. While it affects people in different ways, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected. Overtime, the tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.

Medical professionals highly recommend physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients in Affton, MO with osteoarthritis should make sure their arthritis treatment includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining found in joints, damaging the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis works in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Patients may experience additional symptoms beyond of joint pain and stiffness, such as loss of appetite and low energy.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends using what is known as the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In this treatment model, your treatment team works toward one of two goals: either reaching remission or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Affton, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

There is no correct emotional reaction to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you learn that you could be looking at a future of permanent joint damage. It is vital that you act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Affton, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to minimize the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

Under the umbrella of arthritis, there are a wide variety of conditions that have many different causes. You may have arthritis due to a genetic trait, an injury, autoimmune reaction, or infection. Regardless of the cause, the important thing is to make it a priority to move forward by finding the right arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Affton, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down permanent degeneration, improving your mobility, and reducing pain.

The best arthritis treatment solution for you is decided based primarily on what type of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan features a combination of any of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from the use of NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and possible negative side effects. Some are really meant to address the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow the progression of your disease.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research tells us that moderate, low-impact activity is beneficial to joints and is instrumental to managing arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Affton, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual care techniques in addition to education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and poses minimal risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery is usually used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your Affton, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and potential complications of receiving a surgical operation. Surgeries to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan should incorporate physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Affton, MO

Physical therapy is a medical field based in movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve your quality of life through the use of a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. Our Affton, MO physical therapists work with patients of all walks of life. We see individuals of a wide range of ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO, you will work with a movement expert with experience treating arthritis for Affton, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will create an individualized arthritis treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We will work closely with you and communicate with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the most promising physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your home and lifestyle to maximize your quality of life.

In addition to the hands-on care your Affton, MO physical therapist will employ in order to target your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, educating you is another critical part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will work with you to help you:

Master proper posture and gait
Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
Make adjustments around your home to make household tasks easier
Find the right diet

The Affton, MO physical and occupational therapists of Axes are equipped to help anyone manage chronic conditions, heal from injuries, prevent injuries and improve overall movement health. Learn more about a few of our services and capabilities, such as:

What are the benefits of physical therapy arthritis treatment?

Ultimately, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to treat symptoms or stunt the progression of the disease. Because of physical therapists’ approach based in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Affton, MO arthritis treatment, you may experience the following benefits:

Increased range of motion
Reduced stiffness
Preserved bone strength
Increased joint support
Improved fitness
Weight loss
Superior balance and posture
Other benefits such as more energy, better mental health, and better sleep

Physical therapy as an arthritis treatment can make life with arthritis easier by treating your symptoms and preserving your ability to perform daily tasks. Start managing your arthritis and improving your overall movement health and quality of life with the gentle, personalized, evidence-backed care you get when you come to Axes Physical Therapy for your Affton, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What things can I do at home to support my Affton, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Affton, MO arthritis treatment requires your active involvement, including adhering to exercises and changes to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Affton, MO arthritis treatment team and follow their advice. Some good practices you can implement in your life to support your arthritis treatment plan are:

Be active
Eat a balanced diet
Reach and/or maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Get good rest
Make modifications to your home space
Apply heat
Quit smoking

One of the best things you can do for yourself if you are suffering from a form of arthritis is to stay active. Physical therapy helps you optimize your efforts by prescribing the best home exercises and teaching you the proper technique to protect your joints. If you historically live an inactive lifestyle, remember to start slow and be patient. Protect your joints from undue stress by performing only low-impact exercises. Consult with your physical or occupational therapist to make sure you have the techniques and exercises that are safe and effective for arthritis treatment.

Begin Arthritis Treatment in Affton, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Affton, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. As a part of your arthritis treatment team, you will work closely with a dedicated physical therapist with expertise in movement and joint health and has clinical experience treating diseases like yours. Our network of local, practitioner-owned physical therapy clinics is here to provide you with personalized, one-on-one care for your arthritis. Visit the location nearest you today or contact us now to speak to a doctor about your arthritis treatment needs or to schedule your first appointment. When it comes to treating your arthritis, there is no time to waste. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today.