What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition when one or more joints in your body get inflamed and cause pain and stiffness. This condition gets worse with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which the condition of the joint worsens over time. The cartilage, or the firm, rubbery material that covers the bone-end and serves as a cushion between the joints, slowly breaks down and wears away, leading to one bone grinding on the other. Hence it is also known as the ‘wear and tear’ disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which your immune system attacks the synovium or the lining of the joints. It is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the wearing down of the cartilage and bone in the joint.
Both types can lead to deformation of the joints and impair normal functioning. Infections like psoriasis or lupus, or gout, can also lead to other types of arthritis through a build-up of uric acid crystals.
What causes Arthritis?
Causes of arthritis are not known. However, one needs to be aware of certain risk factors that can lead to arthritis. Family history, age, gender, and injury or strain to a joint, obesity (or being overweight), and a sedentary lifestyle. Women are more prone to developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis while men are more prone to developing gout.
What are the signs and symptoms of Arthritis?
Pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints, particularly in the morning or after resting are some of the common symptoms of arthritis. Also, redness and restricted range of motion are other indications.
If you are concerned about the symptoms of arthritis, book an assessment with a physiotherapist in Scarborough OR Woodbridge right away.
How is Arthritis treated?
Arthritis is typically treated with medications, physiotherapy, and surgery. Surgery is often the last resort and many medications obviously have side effects. It is a proven fact that physiotherapy is a non-surgical and drug-free treatment to reduce arthritis pain.
The main purpose of physiotherapy is to prevent the progression of arthritis, reducing the pain, strengthening the muscles, and improving the range of motion and quality of life of the client. Usually, physiotherapy is based on the type and severity of arthritis. It includes Stretching, strengthening, range of motion exercises, and stability, and endurance exercises. It can include modification of activity, functional retraining, usage of splints or braces, and even complimentary pain-relieving therapies like Interferential current therapy (IFC) Therapeutic ultrasound, Acupuncture Massage therapy and Heat and ice therapy. At our clinic we have notice by using Simply Align Technique which includes advance physical modalities, activity modification and specific exercises we have faster, longer lasting results with reduced healing time. In the video below you see the patient that suffers from knee arthritis, This is a common arthritis and many patients suffer with it. It can lead to knee replacement. Exercises have shown the help. Besides exercises at Simply Align Rehab Physio-Chiro we use technology such as Radio Frequency Tecar therapy, shockwave, laser and Super Induction Therapy for faster healing. This technique is available at our both clinics ins Scarborough and Woodbridge.
Are you looking for physiotherapy or a Chiropractor? If Yes, then visit Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto or Woodbridge/Vaughan or you can always call or text us for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor needs in Toronto at (416) 438-3230 or For Physiotherapy or Chiropractor need in Vaughan (Woodbridge) at (905) 638-9840.
Can Arthritis go away?
No. Arthritis cannot go away on its own. However, if treated properly, the progression of arthritis can be either delayed or stopped.
Can Arthritis be prevented?
Yes. Arthritis can be prevented in many ways. At least the chances of developing arthritis can be reduced by exercising regularly, managing one’s diet and weight. Stretching exercises like yoga or tai chi for 30 minutes daily are helpful. Maintaining a diet that is non-inflammatory by avoiding processed and refined food and sugar and keeping a healthy weight are some effective ways.
