Arthritis Treatment Valles Mines, MO

Arthritis Treatment Valles Mines, MO. Living with arthritis in Valles Mines, 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 are effective arthritis treatment options for millions of arthritis patients. Learn more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Valles Mines, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help improve your quality of life.

As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of individuals living with arthritis in Valles Mines, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our conveniently located facilities or begin your path to a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Valles Mines, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

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

Arthritis clearly has a major impact on our society, but when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Valles Mines, MO, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Valles Mines, 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 Valles Mines, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own personal, dedicated arthritis treatment professional who knows how 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 fall under the category of arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Landing on the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Valles Mines, MO for you depends in part on 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 briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique etiology, mechanics, and outlook of each disease, our Valles Mines, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for many patients living with various forms of arthritis in the Valles Mines, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million individuals in the United States. While it presents differently in different people, symptoms commonly include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and redness and swelling. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint. Overtime, the tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.

Peer-reviewed sources 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 Valles Mines, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. 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 attacks the body symmetrically, such as in both knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present other symptoms outside of joint pain and stiffness, such as whole-body weakness and fatigue.

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 reaching lower disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Valles Mines, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

There is no correct emotional reaction to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you be told that you could be looking at a future of irreversible joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Valles Mines, 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 important thing 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 strong arthritis treatment team in Valles Mines, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis — slowing down joint degeneration, improving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The right arthritis treatment solution for you is decided based on various factors, including the type of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, an arthritis treatment plan features one or more of the following:

Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend medications such as NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the amount of risk involved and possible side effects. Some are really only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt the progression of arthritic joint degradation.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research tells us that gentle, low-impact activity benefits the joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Valles Mines, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual care techniques 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 reserved for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your Valles Mines, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and potential risks of undergoing surgery. Surgeries to treat 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 Valles Mines, 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 through the use of a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. The Valles Mines, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy treat patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Valles Mines, MO, you will be matched with a movement expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Valles Mines, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will design an individualized arthritis treatment plan that targets your exact needs. We will work closely with you and with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your habits and living conditions in an effort to maximize your quality of life.

In addition to the hands-on care your Valles Mines, MO physical therapist will employ to target your arthritis symptoms or minimize the progression of the disease, education is an equally important piece of your arthritis treatment. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your physical therapist for arthritis treatment will guide you to:

Correct posture and gait
Integrate the right assistive devices into your life.
Make changes around the house to make your daily activities easier
Change your diet, if necessary

The Valles Mines, 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, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. Because of physical therapists’ approach based in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a number of benefits. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Valles Mines, MO, 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 Valles Mines, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What things can I do at home to supplement my Valles Mines, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Valles Mines, MO arthritis treatment requires your active involvement, which includes following through on home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Valles Mines, 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
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 Valles Mines, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Valles Mines, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. Your dedicated physical therapist will be an active member of your arthritis treatment team as a clinician 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.