Arthritis Treatment Mehlville, MO

Arthritis Treatment Mehlville, MO. Living with arthritis in Mehlville, 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 how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Mehlville, 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.

As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients living with arthritis in Mehlville, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our facilities nearest you or take the first step toward enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Mehlville, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States have some form of arthritis, and nearly half of them — around 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. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Mehlville, MO area, you are not just a number. Our team of Mehlville, MO area physical and occupational therapists have dedicated their clinical careers to providing arthritis treatment to individuals affected by all different types of arthritis suffering from varying degrees of pain and disability. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Mehlville, MO, you are assigned a personal, dedicated arthritis treatment professional 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 all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the right arthritis treatment in Mehlville, MO for you requires getting 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 widespread than others. Below, we discuss the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each disease, our Mehlville, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with various types of arthritis in the Mehlville, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million people in the US. While people with the disease may differ in their experience of osteoarthritis, common symptoms include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and redness and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, 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 Mehlville, MO with osteoarthritis should make sure their arthritis treatment includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system 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 outside of joint pain and stiffness, such as whole-body weakness 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 a specific goal: either eliminating symptoms or reaching lower disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Mehlville, 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 reacting to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to be told that you may be looking at a future of irreversible joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Mehlville, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to minimize your joint damage 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 by finding the best possible arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment plan in Mehlville, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down joint degeneration, improving your mobility, and reducing pain.

The best arthritis treatment option for you is decided based primarily on the kind of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of one or more of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from 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 of these medications are really only effective in alleviating 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 shows that moderate, low-impact activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. Your Mehlville, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on therapies in addition to education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and poses little associated risk for the majority of patients.
Surgery. Surgery is typically used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your doctors and other members of your Mehlville, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and associated risks of undergoing a surgical operation. 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 for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Mehlville, MO

Physical therapy is a medical field concerned with movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients by using a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. Our Mehlville, MO physical therapists treat 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 Mehlville, MO, you will be matched with a joint expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Mehlville, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design a tailored arthritis treatment plan that meets your exact needs. We will work closely with you and 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 home and work in an effort to maximize your quality of life.

In addition to the hands-on care your Mehlville, MO physical therapist will use to treat your arthritis symptoms or minimize the degeneration of your joints, education is another critical part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will assist you in accomplishing the following:

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

The Mehlville, 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, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to treat symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. Because of your physical therapist’s 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 advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Mehlville, MO, 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

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 Mehlville, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What can I do to support my Mehlville, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Mehlville, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active participation, which includes adhering to home exercises and changes to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Mehlville, 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
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 Mehlville, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Mehlville, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. As a part of your arthritis treatment team, you will work closely with a dedicated physical therapist 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.