Arthritis Treatment Oakland, MO

Arthritis Treatment Oakland, MO. Living with arthritis in Oakland, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, you need a treatment plan that works for you. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Learn more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Oakland, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we can help improve your quality of life.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless patients living with arthritis in Oakland, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our facilities nearest you or begin your path to enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by making an appointment request now.

Arthritis Treatment Oakland, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from form of arthritis, and of them, almost half — about 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.

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 Oakland, MO, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Oakland, MO area have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. When you entrust Axes for your Oakland, MO arthritis treatment, 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

The CDC identifies 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 joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the right arthritis treatment in Oakland, MO for you depends in part on receiving an accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more common than others. We describe the two top kinds of arthritis below. By becoming experts on the specific etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each condition, our Oakland, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for many patients who have been diagnosed with many forms of arthritis in the Oakland, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million individuals in the United States. While it affects people in different ways, symptoms commonly include joint stiffness, pain, and redness and swelling. 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 highly recommend physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients in Oakland, 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 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 in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Patients may experience additional 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. 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 Oakland, MO that addresses that goal 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 find out that you could be looking at a future of permanent joint damage. It is vital that you act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Oakland, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to slow the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

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 make it a priority to move forward by finding the best possible arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a sound arthritis treatment team in Oakland, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward minimizing joint degeneration, maintaining your mobility, and reducing pain.

The right arthritis treatment method for you is decided based on many factors, including what kind of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan consists of one or more of the following:

Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritant creams and ointments, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and the potential for negative side effects. Some are really only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms, though steroid injections and DMARDs can actually stunt the progression of your disease.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research shows that moderate, low-impact physical activity is beneficial to joints and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Oakland, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies as well as 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 treatment for arthritis is usually reserved for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your Oakland, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the benefits and potential risks of receiving a surgical operation. Surgeries to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan should include physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Oakland, MO

Physical therapy is a medical field based in the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. A physical therapist’s job is to improve your quality of life by employing evidence-backed treatment methods. The Oakland, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy 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.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Oakland, MO, you will work with a movement specialist with experience treating arthritis for Oakland, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will develop an individualized arthritis treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We will work closely with you and with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the most fitting physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your home and lifestyle in an effort to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

In addition to the various modalities your Oakland, MO physical therapist will employ to treat your arthritis symptoms or minimize the degeneration of your joints, educating you is another critical 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:

Correct posture and gait
Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
Make adjustments around the house to make household tasks easier
Find the right diet

The Oakland, 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 eliminate symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. Because of your physical therapist’s background in movement science and expertise of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Oakland, 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 enjoy life and do the activities that are important to you. 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 Oakland, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outlook of your Oakland, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, including following through on exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Oakland, MO that are comfortable with and trust to 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
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 Oakland, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Oakland, MO area. 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.