We are all aware that we rely highly on our joints. Whether we want to climb a flight of stairs, open a jar, or stand up from our bed, we need our joints to perform at par to continue our daily activities without any constraints. But, when you experience recurring joint pain, it is only then that you realize how important it is to maintain optimal joint health.
Arthritis is one of the most prominent causes that negatively affects joint health and leads to joint pain and stiffness. Approximately 54 million Americans have arthritis which accounts for more than 23% of the adult American population. Annual costs of medical care in the total spending on arthritis is a massive total of $303.5 billion.
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis doesn't only affect older adults. It can happen to anyone at any time in their life. As a matter of fact, some people are even born with the condition.
If you are someone who is seeking lasting pain relief for Arthritis, this article will be a lot helpful for you. In this post, we have covered "the risk factors for arthritis and how physical therapy can help you find effective joint pain relief."
Risk Factors of Arthritis
Following are the potential risk
factors for arthritis.
- Family history- If anyone in your family, i.e., your parents, grandparents, or siblings, have any arthritic disorder, you may be more likely to develop it. This heredity can make you more susceptible
to triggering arthritis.
- Age - Older adults are more vulnerable to certain
types of arthritis, such as - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and
Gout.
- Sex - There are some arthritic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, found more in men. While other arthritis, such as
Gout primarily affects men.
- Joint Injury: If you have had a joint injury in the past,
you are susceptible to eventually developing arthritis in that
joint.
- Obesity - The more weight you carry, the more pressure your joints have to bear. Hence, people with obesity are more vulnerable to developing arthritis due to excess pressure on their joints.
5 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help in Pain Relief for Arthritis
Maintain Normal Range of Motion
Persistent joint pain negatively
affects the functioning of joints and decreases joint mobility and flexibility.
A physical
therapist will design an exercise program that focuses on improving your
joint flexibility. They provide you with instructions on how to perform those
exercises correctly and assist you in working out.
Improved joint mobility will help you live without constraints and allow you to perform your daily activities without experiencing constant pain.
Improve Balance
Certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, often lead to muscle weakness and impaired joint functions, which can decrease a person's ability to balance and coordinate.
Professional physical therapists also incorporate techniques to balance and coordinate in your treatment plan along with functional training. This includes walking on elevated surfaces, changes in the terrain, balancing exercises, etc.
This aspect of the arthritis treatment program focuses on regaining balance and minimizing the risk of falling.
Strengthen the Muscles That Support an Arthritic Joint
Along with improving the joint the function of the arthritic joint, physical therapists also focus on
strengthening the surrounding muscles. Your physical therapist will suggest
some exercises that will help you maintain and improve your muscles
strength.
The stronger your supporting muscles
are, the better your joints can be protected. Strengthening the surrounding
muscles will minimize the pressure on the arthritic joint and facilitate
improved function.
These exercises are incredibly
beneficial, yet they do not have to be painful or challenging. As a matter of
fact, low-impact exercises that are not too harsh on the joints are considered
best for pain relief for arthritis.
Improving Posture
Your posture plays an essential role
in determining the severity of your arthritic pain. If your posture is not
appropriate, it may lead to increased pressure on specific muscles. This
ultimately plays a part in stressing the joints, which further increases the
negative impact of arthritis on your health.
Your physical therapists will educate you on how to maintain an ideal posture while performing your daily activities. They also teach you how to adjust your posture while sitting, standing, lifting weights, and exercising to avoid any excessive pressure on your joints.
Assistive Devices
Several devices, ranging from simple
to personalize, can help keep your joints in an appropriate position for
unrestricted functioning and extend your range of motion.
According to your arthritic
condition, your physical therapist will prescribe an assistive device such as a
walker, cane, crutches, splints, or shoes.
A skilled physical therapist will teach you to correctly use these devices to make your daily tasks easier and improve your efficiency.
Final Thoughts
You no longer need to live a restrictive lifestyle because of arthritic pain. Contact a physical therapist today and begin your journey towards pain relief for arthritis, pain relief for arthritis.
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