Arthritis Treatment Knob Lick, MO. Living with arthritis in Knob Lick, MO? After being diagnosed, you need a safe and evidence-based 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 Knob Lick, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you continue to live the life you want.
As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients in the Knob Lick, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our facilities nearest you or begin your path to a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.
Arthritis Treatment Knob Lick, MO: A Background on Arthritis
Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — 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.
Arthritis clearly has a major impact on our society, but when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Knob Lick, MO, you are more than a number. Our team of Knob Lick, MO area physical and occupational therapists have years of clinical experience caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. When you entrust Axes for your Knob Lick, 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
According to the CDC, there are more than one hundred conditions that fall under the category of arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, but in general, they all share the common traits of inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the right arthritis treatment in Knob Lick, MO for you depends in part on getting a timely and accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.
Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more widespread than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By becoming experts on the unique etiology, trajectory, and outlook of each type of arthritis, our Knob Lick, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating countless patients with many types of arthritis in the Knob Lick, MO area.
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million individuals in the United States. While people with the disease may differ in their experience of osteoarthritis, common symptoms include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and irritation. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, as tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.
Peer-reviewed sources put physical therapy at the top of the list of recommended treatments for osteoarthritis. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in Knob Lick, MO.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, damaging the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present additional symptoms not directly related to the joint, such as whole-body weakness and low energy.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In this treatment model, you are treated for the purpose of one of two goals: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Knob Lick, MO that addresses that goal and measure indicators of your disease over time.
Arthritis Treatment Options
Everyone has their own way of processing being diagnosed with arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you be told that you may be looking at a future of permanent joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Knob Lick, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to slow your joint damage and maximize your quality of life.
Under the umbrella of arthritis, there are a wide variety of conditions that have many different causes. Whether your arthritis is due to degeneration, trauma, an autoimmune response, or a specific infection, 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 strong arthritis treatment plan in Knob Lick, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis — minimizing joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and getting rid of pain.
The most effective arthritis treatment method for you is decided based primarily on what type of arthritis you have and any other health conditions or complications you might have. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan features a combination of any of the following:
- Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend the use of NSAIDs, counterirritant creams and ointments, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the level of risk involved and possible negative side effects. Some are really only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms, though steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow the progression of your disease.
- Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that gentle, low-impact activity is beneficial to joints and is instrumental to managing arthritis. Your Knob Lick, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on therapies as well as education, home exercises, guidance on changes to your lifestyle, 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 reserved for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have not been effective. Your Knob Lick, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the possible benefits and associated complications of undergoing surgery. Surgical procedures to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan will likely incorporate physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.
Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Knob Lick, MO
Physical therapy is a medical field based in the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve your quality of life by employing evidence-backed treatment methods. Our Knob Lick, MO physical therapists treat patients of all walks of life. We see individuals of a wide range of ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical conditions, including different types of arthritis.
At Axes Physical Therapy in Knob Lick, MO, you will work with a joint specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Knob Lick, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design a tailored 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 appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your environment to maximize your quality of life.
In addition to the various modalities your Knob Lick, MO physical therapist may employ in order to target your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, educating you is an equally important part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As movement health experts who specialist in the musculoskeletal system, your physical therapist for arthritis treatment will work with you to help you:
- Correct posture and gait
- Integrate the use of assistive devices into your life.
- Make changes around the house to make household tasks easier
- Find the right diet
The Knob Lick, 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:
- 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
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
What are the benefits of physical therapy arthritis treatment?
Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to eliminate symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. Because of physical therapists’ approach based in movement science and expertise of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a number of advantages. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Knob Lick, MO arthritis treatment, you can expect any of 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 be independent. 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 Knob Lick, MO arthritis treatment needs.
What can I do to support my Knob Lick, MO arthritis treatment plan?
The outlook of your Knob Lick, MO arthritis treatment requires your active involvement, which includes following through on exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Knob Lick, 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
- 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 Knob Lick, MO
Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Knob Lick, MO area. Your dedicated physical therapist will be an active member of your arthritis treatment team as a clinician who specializes 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.












