Health + Fitness N E W S L E T T E R
N O M O R E M E D S ! RELIEVE YOUR ARTHRITIC PAINS THE NATURAL WAY WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 2 people will have symptoms of knee osteoarthritis sometime before the age of 85. They also state that approximately 54.4 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis each year. Signs of arthritis may include pain with squatting, bending, or sitting too long. Pain that is worse in the morning but seems to disappear throughout the day may also be a sign of arthritis. There are
Rheumatoid arthritis is a bit different from osteoarthritis and it is not as well understood. It is the second most commonly experienced form of arthritis, and it develops as an autoimmune response. When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system sees the joints as a threat. Because of this perceived threat, the immune system attacks the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation. While research is ongoing, in order to better understand rheumatoid arthritis, many experts believe that your hormones, medical history, and environment could all be contributing factors. HOW CAN I RELIEVE MY ARTHRITIS? While there is not yet a known cure for arthritis, there are some steps you can take on your own, in addition to physical therapy treatments, to make sure your pain is managed to the best of your ability. These include: 1. Getting exercise. It can sometimes feel difficult to move when you are suffering from arthritis. However, exercise is important for relieving pain and maintaining joint function. It is also vital in strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving blood flow. In order to avoid additional pressure on the affected joint(s), you can mix weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercises, such as aquatic exercises or bicycling. Your physical therapist will prescribe targeted exercises to you that you can do both during your PT sessions and on your own time. Cartilage receives its nutrition from joint fluid, so the more you exercise, the better. 2. Taking your vitamins. The Arthritis Foundation states that there are a multitude of benefits in taking glucosamine and chondroitin vitamins. Glucosamine is naturally
a number of reasons why arthritis may occur, including: • Normal or abnormal wear and tear on joint cartilage. • Injuries that damage cartilage and joints. • Diseases that damage cartilage.
• Lack of joint support from poor muscle strength and tissue flexibility. Do you think you may be experiencing the signs of early-onset arthritis? Are you looking tomanage your arthritic pains so you can live more comfortably? If so, contact Sports and Orthopaedic Therapy Servicestoday. WHAT EXACTLY IS ARTHRITIS? The term “arthritis” refers to any chronic condition that affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation states that there are over 100 different types of arthritis that exist. However, the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common, and it happens as a gradual “wear and tear” of cartilage surrounding the joints. This can occur from age or from excessive, repetitive use of the affected joint(s). When cartilage is worn down, it can no longer act as a strong cushion and shock absorber for the joints, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and painful inflammation.
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