Arthritis Treatment Saint Paul, MO

Arthritis Treatment Saint Paul, MO. Living with arthritis in Saint Paul, MO? After being diagnosed, it is important that you find a safe and evidence-based treatment plan. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Find out how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Saint Paul, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you enjoy your life and continue the activities you love.

As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless individuals in the Saint Paul, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our conveniently located facilities or begin your path to enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Saint Paul, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Approximately 58.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — 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. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Saint Paul, MO area, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Saint Paul, MO area have dedicated their clinical careers to 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 Saint Paul, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own 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 over one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but in general, they all share the common traits of joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the right arthritis treatment in Saint Paul, MO for you requires receiving an accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

There are numerous diagnoses that are considered arthritis, and some are more common than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By becoming experts on the unique causes, mechanics, and prognoses of each disease, our Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, reaching an estimated 27 million Americans alone. 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. Overtime, the tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.

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 Saint Paul, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, gradually moving farther to damage the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis works in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present additional symptoms beyond of joint inflammation, such as loss of appetite and fatigue.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Following the treat-to-target method, your treatment team works toward a specific goal: either reaching remission or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Saint Paul, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Options

There is no correct emotional reaction to being diagnosed with arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to find out that you could be living with irreversible joint damage. The progression of your disease depends, in part, on what you do after you’ve been diagnosed. Begin treatment in Saint Paul, 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 important thing after diagnosis is to act quickly and focus on moving forward by finding the best possible arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment plan in Saint Paul, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis — minimizing permanent degeneration, increasing your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The best arthritis treatment solution for you will depend on various factors, including the type 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 medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and possible negative side effects. Some are largely meant to address the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research tells us that moderate, low-impact physical activity is beneficial to joints and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Saint Paul, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies as well as education, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and presents minimal risk for the majority of patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically reserved for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your doctors and other members of your Saint Paul, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the possible benefits and associated complications of undergoing surgery. Surgical procedures for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan will likely include physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Saint Paul, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline concerned with the musculoskeletal disorders and 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. The Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MO, you will work with a joint expert with experience treating arthritis for Saint Paul, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design a tailored arthritis treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We will work with you one-on-one and with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to select the most fitting physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your habits and living conditions to maximize your quality of life.

Along with the hands-on care your Saint Paul, MO physical therapist will use to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, 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
Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
Make changes around your home to make household tasks easier
Change your diet, if necessary

The Saint Paul, 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 background in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a number of advantages. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outlook of your Saint Paul, MO arthritis treatment requires your active participation, which includes adhering to exercises and adjustments to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Saint Paul, MO arthritis treatment team and 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
Practice good sleep hygiene
Make modifications to your home environment
Apply heat
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 Saint Paul, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Saint Paul, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. 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.