Arthritis Treatment Huntleigh, MO. Living with arthritis in Huntleigh, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, it is important that you find a sound treatment plan. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Learn how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Huntleigh, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you continue to live the life you want.
With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of individuals living with arthritis in Huntleigh, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our facilities nearest you or take the first step toward a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by making an appointment request now.
Arthritis Treatment Huntleigh, MO: An Introduction to 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 — about 25.7 million — experience significant limitations in their daily life due to their condition. 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 the statistics on their own don’t paint a complete picture where your own experience is concerned. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Huntleigh, MO, you are more than a number. Our team of Huntleigh, MO area physical and occupational therapists have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Huntleigh, MO, you are assigned a personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who knows how to design a treatment plan for you that addresses your goals and fits your lifestyle.
Types of Arthritis
The CDC identifies in excess of one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, but all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Landing on the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Huntleigh, MO for you requires receiving a timely and 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. We provide basic descriptions of the two top kinds of arthritis below. By becoming experts on the specific causes, trajectory, and prognoses of each condition, our Huntleigh, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with various forms of arthritis in the Huntleigh, MO area.
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million Americans alone. While different people experience osteoarthritis in different ways, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, as tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.
Medical professionals highly recommend physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in Huntleigh, MO.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints 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 fevers and low energy.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Following the treat-to-target method, you are treated for the purpose of a specific goal: either reaching remission or lowering disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, your Huntleigh, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure progress through periodic tests.
Arthritis Treatment Methods
Everyone has their own way of processing receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you find out that you could be living with permanent joint damage. The progression of your disease depends, in part, on what you do after you’ve been diagnosed. Begin treatment in Huntleigh, MO as soon as possible for your arthritis.
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 key after diagnosis is to act quickly and focus on moving forward with the right arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Huntleigh, 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 minimizing permanent joint degeneration, improving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.
The best arthritis treatment solution for you will depend primarily on the kind of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan consists of a combination of any of the following:
- Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own risks involved and possible side effects. Some are largely only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms, though steroid injections and DMARDs can actually slow the progression of your disease.
- Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact physical activity is beneficial to joints and is instrumental to managing arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Huntleigh, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual therapies as well as education, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and presents little associated risk for the majority of patients.
- Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is usually used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have not been effective. Your Huntleigh, 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 surgery. Surgical procedures for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan will likely include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.
Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Huntleigh, MO
Physical therapy is a medical field concerned with movement health. A physical therapist’s goal is to improve your quality of life through the use of a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. The Huntleigh, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy treat patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical diagnoses, including different types of arthritis.
At Axes Physical Therapy in Huntleigh, MO, you will be matched with a movement expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Huntleigh, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will develop an individualized arthritis treatment plan that meets your exact needs. We will work closely with you and with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your habits and living conditions in an effort to maximize your quality of life.
Along with the various modalities your Huntleigh, MO physical therapist may use to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, educating you is another critical piece of your arthritis treatment. As movement health experts who specialist in the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will assist you in accomplishing the following:
- Correct posture and gait
- Integrate the right assistive devices into your life.
- Make adjustments around the house to make your daily activities easier
- Change your diet, if necessary
The Huntleigh, 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:
- Neck Pain Treatment
- Physical Therapy Clinic
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
- Sciatica Treatment
- Sports Medicine
- Hand Pain Physical Therapy
- Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
- Hip Pain Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
- Stroke Rehabilitation
What can physical therapy as arthritis treatment do for me?
Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to eliminate symptoms or stunt the progression of the disease. Because of physical therapists’ background in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy patients are able to enjoy a wide range of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Huntleigh, MO arthritis treatment, you may experience the benefits listed below:
- 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 Huntleigh, MO arthritis treatment needs.
What things can I do at home to support my Huntleigh, MO arthritis treatment plan?
The outcome of your Huntleigh, MO arthritis treatment requires your active involvement, including following through on home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Huntleigh, MO that are comfortable with and trust to follow their advice. Some good practices you can implement in your life to support your arthritis treatment plan are:
- Stay 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 environment
- 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 Huntleigh, MO
Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Huntleigh, 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.





