Arthritis Treatment Leadwood, MO

Arthritis Treatment Leadwood, MO. Living with arthritis in Leadwood, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, it is important that you find a safe and evidence-based treatment plan. Occupational and physical therapy are effective arthritis treatment options for millions of arthritis patients. Find out more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Leadwood, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we 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 countless patients in the Leadwood, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore 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 Leadwood, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Approximately 58.5 million adults in the United States have some form 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 when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Leadwood, MO, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Leadwood, MO area have years of clinical experience 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 Leadwood, MO arthritis treatment, you are assigned a 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 more than 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 joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the right arthritis treatment in Leadwood, MO for you requires receiving a timely and accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

There are numerous diagnoses that are considered arthritis, and some are more widespread than others. Below, we discuss the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique causes, mechanics, and prognoses of each condition, our Leadwood, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with various forms of arthritis in the Leadwood, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million people in the US. While people with the disease may differ in their experience of osteoarthritis, symptoms commonly include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, 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.

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 Leadwood, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In 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 attacks the body symmetrically, such as in both knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present additional symptoms beyond of joint inflammation, such as fevers and fatigue.

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, your Leadwood, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure indicators of your disease over time.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

Everyone has their own way of processing receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to discover that you may 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 Leadwood, MO as soon as possible for your arthritis.

There are many different diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, and many different causes. Whether your arthritis is due to degeneration, trauma, an autoimmune response, or a specific infection, the key after diagnosis is to make it a priority to move forward by finding the right arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Leadwood, MO and sufficient early education, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down permanent degeneration, maintaining your mobility, and reducing pain.

The right arthritis treatment option for you will depend on various factors, including what kind of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Often, an arthritis treatment plan features one or more of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from the use of NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own amount of risk involved and the potential for side effects. Some are largely meant to address the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs can actually slow your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that gentle, low-impact activity is beneficial to joints and helps manage arthritis. Your Leadwood, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on care techniques in addition to education, home exercises, guidance on changes to your lifestyle, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and presents minimal risk for the majority of patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have not been effective. Your doctors and other members of your Leadwood, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and educate you on all of the benefits and potential risks of receiving surgery. Surgeries for 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 Leadwood, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare field concerned with movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods. Our Leadwood, MO physical therapists work with patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical conditions, including different types of arthritis.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Leadwood, MO, you will work with a movement specialist with experience treating arthritis for Leadwood, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design a tailored arthritis treatment plan that addresses your exact needs. We will work with you one-on-one and with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to select the most promising physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your environment in an effort to maximize your quality of life.

Along with the various modalities your Leadwood, MO physical therapist may use to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, education is another critical part of your arthritis treatment. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will guide you to:

Master proper posture and gait
Integrate the right assistive devices into your life.
Make changes around your home to make household tasks easier
Change your diet, if necessary

The Leadwood, 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, 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 patients are able to enjoy a number of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Leadwood, MO arthritis treatment, you can expect any of 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 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 Leadwood, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outlook of your Leadwood, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, including following through on home exercises and changes to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Leadwood, 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 environment
Use heat applications
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 Leadwood, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Leadwood, 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.