Understanding Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Regardless of the type of arthritis you’re living with, physical therapy can help!
If you’re experiencing joint pain, you might be concerned you have arthritis. What you might not realize is that arthritis is actually an umbrella term for several different conditions. It’s important to understand the different types of arthritis so you can seek proper treatment. Fortunately, Integrity Rehab & Home Health in Killeen can relieve your arthritis, no matter which types you’re struggling with.
While over 150 different conditions fall under the arthritis umbrella, two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both affect your joints, causing pain and inflammation, but have different causes and symptoms and may require different treatment approaches.
At Integrity Rehab & Home Health, we’ll help you understand the complexities of your specific type of arthritis and will tailor treatment to provide relief for your symptoms. Arthritis is a painful condition no matter what type you have, and our therapists will work with you to reduce your pain so you can get back to the activities you love.
To learn more about treatment options for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, request an appointment at our Killeen physical therapy clinic today!
Understanding the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, affecting between 3.3 and 3.6% of the global population. In the United States, nearly half of adults over 65 have some symptoms of osteoarthritis, with even more having radiographic evidence of the condition.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the tissue in your joints begins to break down–this is the reason it’s also called degenerative joint disease. As it progresses, it can affect all areas of your joints, including your cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and the bone itself.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes the joint tissue to degenerate, but they do know it becomes more common as people age. Women are also more likely to develop the condition, particularly after they experience menopause, as are people who have had joint injuries.
Because osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, your exact symptoms can vary based on where the osteoarthritis occurs. That said, most people experience osteoarthritis in their knees, lower back, neck, and small joints of the fingers or toes. Any symptoms you experience will occur in the affected joint:
- Pain when you use the joint
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Mild swelling
- Cracking or clicking sounds
Understanding the causes and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Where osteoarthritis is degenerative, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, occurring when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also less prevalent worldwide and appears to have a genetic component. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men.
Rheumatoid arthritis’s symptoms also vary from those of osteoarthritis. While both conditions are marked by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, rheumatoid arthritis follows different patterns and has some additional symptoms:
- Develops symmetrically (so if one knee is affected, the one will likely be as well)
- Deformity in the joint, which can lead to loss of function
- Fatigue
- Medical issues outside of the joint
Rheumatoid arthritis also only affects certain joints: the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, feet, spine, knees, or jaw.
How physical therapy can help you manage your arthritis symptoms
One commonality between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that neither has a cure. In both cases, treatment will involve alleviating your symptoms: reducing pain and inflammation and improving your range of motion.
Exercise therapy is a key part of treatment for both conditions. Exercise will help you improve your joint motion and strengthen your muscles, lowering your fall risk. Exercise is also an essential factor in pain management.
The therapists at Integrity Rehab & Home Health will work with you to develop an exercise program that suits your needs and ability levels. Aquatic therapy is a particularly good option for people with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as it removes pressure from the joint so you can focus on getting a great workout in.
We also provide different drug-free pain-relief treatments that will help you function better in your day-to-day life, including the following:
- Hot and cold therapies
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is a way of stimulating the affected muscles to reduce pain
- Massage therapy, which can also help with improved range of motion
No matter the type of arthritis you’re experiencing, our team of experts will develop a customized treatment plan to suit your goals and mobility levels. We can also educate you about your condition, including strategies for managing your symptoms at home and information and training about assistive devices when necessary.
Request an appointment with us today!
There’s no need to struggle through your arthritis symptoms. Whether you’re living with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, our dedicated experts will help you manage your pain and improve your physical function so you can live your life to the fullest.
Request an appointment with Integrity Rehab & Home Health in Killeen to get started!