RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A QUICK DIVE
Most discussions of arthritis focus on osteoarthritis, and for good reason: it’s the most common form of arthritis in the United States. However, about 2-3% of the population develops rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It causes similar symptoms as osteoarthritis, including joint pain and limited mobility. The good news is that physical therapy can help manage rheumatoid arthritis just as it can osteoarthritis. If you’ve recently received an RA diagnosis, schedule an appointment at Total Performance Physical Therapy to learn what we can do for you. What You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis RA is an autoimmune condition occurring when your body’s immune system attacks otherwise healthy cells–in this case, the soft tissue in your joints. Researchers currently aren’t clear on what causes this to happen, however. Signs and Symptoms RA’s symptoms tend to go through cycles of flares and remissions. This means you’ll have periods where symptoms are more intense and periods where they are less troublesome. These symptoms include: • Pain and swelling in joints on both sides of your body • A gradual onset of joint pain, starting with the small joints in your fingers • Stiffness and restricted range of motion in the affected joints, particularly first thing in the morning • Redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected joints • Fatigue, low-grade fever, and a general sense of feeling unwell
Dr. Jake Yerkes at the Pennridge High School Student Job Fair
What Else Should I Know? • RA is more common among women than men.
• As with other forms of arthritis, regular physical activity can help manage RA symptoms. In fact, physical therapy at Total Performance Physical Therapy offers a great, drug-free approach to managing RA. Want to learn more? Call to schedule your appointment today! Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441999/ •https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy- guide-rheumatoid-arthritis
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Dr. Taylor Salamon at Harleysville Find Your Fit Studio
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