Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
RELIEVE YOUR ARTHRITIC PAINS WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY
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. 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.
Dear Valued Client,
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 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 to manage your arthritic pains so you can live more comfortably? If so, contact Valley Rehab Center today. THERESA PALKOVIC PT
www.valleyrehabcenterbellaire.com
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