Arthritis Treatment O’Fallon, MO. Living with arthritis in O’Fallon, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, you need a treatment plan that works for you. Occupational and physical therapy are effective arthritis treatment options for millions of arthritis patients. Find out how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in O’Fallon, MO here, or contact 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 poised to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients living with arthritis in O’Fallon, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our conveniently located facilities or take the first step toward a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by making an appointment request now.

Arthritis Treatment O’Fallon, 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 type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — around 25.7 million — experience significant limitations in their daily life due to their condition. After neck and back problems and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, arthritis is the third most common cause of disability for working-age adults in the US.

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 O’Fallon, MO area, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the O’Fallon, MO area have years of clinical experience 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 O’Fallon, MO, you will work with your own personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who possesses the knowledge and experience needed to 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 are grouped under the categorization arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, but in general, they all share the common traits of joint stiffness and inflammation. Getting the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in O’Fallon, MO for you requires getting 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, trajectory, and prognoses of each condition, our O’Fallon, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for countless patients who have been diagnosed with many types of arthritis in the O’Fallon, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, reaching an estimated 27 million individuals in the United States. While it presents differently in different people, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and irritation. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected. Overtime, the 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. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in O’Fallon, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. 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 fevers and low energy.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends using what is known as 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 eliminating symptoms or reaching lower disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, your O’Fallon, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure indicators of your disease over time.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

There is no correct emotional reaction to being diagnosed with arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you discover 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 O’Fallon, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to minimize the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

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 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 sound arthritis treatment plan in O’Fallon, MO and sufficient early education, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis. You will work toward minimizing permanent joint degeneration, improving your mobility, and decreasing pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment method for you will depend on many factors, including what kind of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, an arthritis treatment plan features a combination of any of the following:

• Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend the use of NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and the potential for side effects. Some are really only effective in alleviating the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt your disease progression.
• Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact physical activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. Your O’Fallon, 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, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and poses minimal risk for the majority of patients.
• Surgery. Surgery is usually reserved for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your doctors and other members of your O’Fallon, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and educate you on all of the benefits and associated risks of undergoing a surgical operation. Surgeries for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan should incorporate physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in O’Fallon, 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 employing evidence-backed treatment methods. Our O’Fallon, MO physical therapists work with patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, MO, you will be matched with a movement specialist with experience treating arthritis for O’Fallon, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will create a tailored 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, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your home and work to maximize your quality of life.

In addition to the hands-on care your O’Fallon, MO physical therapist will employ in order to treat your arthritis symptoms or minimize the progression of the disease, educating you is an equally important piece of the arthritis treatment puzzle. 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 use of assistive devices into your life.
• Make changes around the house to make your daily activities easier
• Change your diet, if necessary

The O’Fallon, 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 can physical therapy as arthritis treatment do for me?

Ultimately, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to eliminate symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. Because of your physical therapist’s 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 advantages. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your O’Fallon, 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 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 O’Fallon, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What things can I do at home to supplement my O’Fallon, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your O’Fallon, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active participation, which includes following through on home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your O’Fallon, MO arthritis treatment team and 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
• 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 O’Fallon, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the O’Fallon, 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.