Arthritis Treatment Fenton, MO

Arthritis Treatment Fenton, MO. Living with arthritis in Fenton, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, it is important that you find a treatment plan that works for you. Occupational and physical therapy help millions of patients receive effective arthritis treatment. Learn more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Fenton, 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.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of countless individuals living with arthritis in Fenton, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our conveniently located facilities or take the first step toward enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Fenton, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Approximately 58.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis, and nearly half of them — about 25.7 million — report that their condition have a severe impact on their ability to operate and execute daily tasks. After neck and back problems and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, arthritis is the third most common cause of disability for working-age adults in the US.

The count tells us how deeply arthritis affects our communities 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 Fenton, MO, you are more than a number. Our team of Fenton, MO area physical and occupational therapists have dedicated their clinical careers to providing arthritis treatment to individuals with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. When you entrust Axes for your Fenton, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who knows how to address your condition and will approach your case using a treatment plan as unique as you are.

Types of Arthritis

The CDC identifies over one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but all arthritis conditions generally include joint stiffness and inflammation. Getting the right arthritis treatment in Fenton, MO for you depends in part on getting an accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

There are numerous diagnoses that are considered arthritis, and some are more widespread than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the specific etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each type of arthritis, our Fenton, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for countless patients living with many types of arthritis in the Fenton, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million people in the US. While different people experience osteoarthritis in different ways, common symptoms include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and redness and swelling. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint, as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the affected joint(s) can wear down.

Peer-reviewed sources put physical therapy at the top of the list of recommended treatments for osteoarthritis. Patients in Fenton, MO with osteoarthritis benefit from an arthritis treatment plan that includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis works symmetrically, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present other symptoms not directly related to the joint, 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. Following the treat-to-target method, your treatment team works toward a specific goal: either reaching remission or reaching lower disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Fenton, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure indicators of your disease over time.

Arthritis Treatment Options

There is no correct emotional reaction to being diagnosed with arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to learn that you may be living with permanent joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Fenton, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to minimize the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

There are many different diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, and many different causes. You may have arthritis due to a genetic trait, an injury, autoimmune reaction, or infection. Regardless of the cause, the key is to make it a priority to move forward with the best possible arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment team in Fenton, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis. You will work toward reducing permanent joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and reducing pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment method for you is decided based primarily on what type of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, 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). Each medication comes with its own risks involved and the potential for side effects. Some are largely only effective in alleviating the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact physical activity benefits the joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. Your Fenton, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and manual care techniques in addition to education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and presents little associated risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically used for arthritis patients whose conditions have been unresponsive to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your doctors and other members of your Fenton, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the benefits and potential risks of receiving a surgical operation. Surgical procedures to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan should include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Fenton, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline based in movement health. A physical therapist’s goal is to improve the quality of life of their patients through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods. Our Fenton, 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 Fenton, MO, you will work with a movement expert with experience treating arthritis for Fenton, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We will work with you one-on-one and communicate with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your environment in an effort to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

In addition to the hands-on care your Fenton, MO physical therapist will use in order to target your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, education is an equally important part of your arthritis treatment. 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 changes around your home to make your daily activities easier
Find the right diet

The Fenton, 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 can physical therapy as arthritis treatment do for me?

Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. 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. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Fenton, MO, 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

With physical therapy as a part of your arthritis treatment, you will work toward alleviating 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 Fenton, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What can I do to supplement my Fenton, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outlook of your Fenton, MO arthritis treatment requires your active participation, which includes following through on exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Fenton, MO arthritis treatment team and follow their advice. To support a good arthritis treatment plan, there a number of things you can do on your own, including:

Be active
Eat a balanced diet
Reach and/or maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Practice good sleep hygiene
Make modifications to your home environment
Use heat applications
Quit smoking

One of the best things anyone with arthritis can do for themselves 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 Fenton, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Fenton, 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.