Osteoarthritis is a Pain! Physical Therapy Can Help
Osteoarthritis is a Pain! Physical Therapy Can Help
As we all age, our bodies experience a certain “wear and tear” on cartilage and joints. This can cause inflammation and pain, known as arthritis. According to the American Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, making itself apparent in people as they age. It can certainly take a toll on one’s body, resulting in achy or painful joints after exercise, after a long day on one’s feet, or even after prolonged periods of inactivity, thus causing joints to constrict.
The most common areas of osteoarthritis are found in the fingers, hips, knees, and spine. These are all joints that we use excessively, even in our daily lives. Just think — by the time you lift yourself out of bed, shower, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, and prepare to begin your day, you’ve already used these joints a multitude of times. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that pain can occur in them over time. If you believe you may be experiencing osteoarthritis, give one of our physical therapists a call today to discuss pain relief.
Why Do We Experience Osteoarthritis?
While it is true that osteoarthritis is most common in older folks, that is not always necessarily the case. It is possible that osteoarthritis can present itself in younger adults, especially if they are prone to weak joints, poor dieting, or if they aren’t very active. Your cartilage works hard to protect your joints by absorbing the natural shocks that your body experiences on a daily basis. Therefore, much of your likelihood regarding osteoarthritis is dependent upon the physical and nutritional lifestyles you partake in. Joint alignment can alter and the muscles around a joint can weaken over time, causing the cartilage to shift or thin. As cartilage wears down, osteoarthritis becomes much more common. As Osteoarthritis progresses, more symptoms can arise. The most common symptoms are:
- Joint pain.
- Swelling or tenderness in or around the joint(s).
- Inflammation or flare-ups of pain in the joint(s) after use.
- Feeling stiff after sitting or laying down for prolonged periods of time, especially when getting up in the morning.
- Crepitus — also referred to as a “cracking or crunching” feeling when moving the joint(s), or the sound of bone rubbing on bone.
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Exercise of the Month
Double Knees To Chest
(Lower Back, Hips)
Start on your back with your knees bent. Slowly bring both knees to your chest. Grasp your knees. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat. 1 Set, 3 Reps
How Can Physical Therapy Help Osteoarthritis?
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 in 5 adults are diagnosed with arthritis annually. Physical and occupational therapy are the most common treatments for osteoarthritis, usually helping with the relief of joint pain in just a few sessions. If you have arthritis, don’t fret — there is hope! While anti-inflammatory and pain medications will help for the time being, they are very much a short-term solution. Physical therapy can help in actually strengthening your joints and muscles once again, allowing for a much healthier and long-term pain relief solution. Occupational therapy will also help in learning to use your joints in new ways once again, allowing for the highest quality of life despite the severity of your arthritis.
Our physical therapists are trained to help you with joint alignment, stability, muscle regeneration, and most importantly, pain relief. They are dedicated to helping you get back to your normal levels of mobility. Don’t settle for a life of aches and pains — physical therapy can get you back on your feet and doing the activities you used to love! If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, give us a call today — we can get you back to living your best, most pain-free life.
Sources: https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/PA/Facts/Arthritis%20fact%20sheet.pdf, https://www.arthritis.org/
Crudités with Herb and Garlic Yogurt Dip
Serve a spread of colorful arthritis-friendly veggies paired with a creamy, low-fat dip featuring fresh, green herbs.
Dip Ingredients
- 1 pint (16 oz.) 2% Greek-style yogurt
- 1 (¾-oz.) package fresh dill
- 1 (¾-oz.) package fresh chives
- 2 tsp. pre-chopped garlic (or 2 cloves, smashed)
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Vegetables for Dipping
2 cups pre-cut cauliflower florets
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 cups pre-washed baby carrots
2 cups pre-cut broccoli florets
Instructions:
Prepare the base: Scoop the yogurt into the work bowl of a large food processor fitted with the blade attachment.
Add fresh herbs: Add the dill (discarding any big stems) and the chives. Tear the chives into smaller pieces by twisting the whole bunch with your hands, like you’re wringing out a towel.
Blend the mixture: Add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Whirl until the mixture is smooth and evenly green, about 90 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula halfway through.
Chill and store: Transfer the dip to a sealable container and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 5 days. (Note: The flavor will improve as it sits.)
Serve: Stir the dip, then pour some of it into a bowl and serve with a tray filled with the tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Rediscover the Joy of Movement
Don’t let stiff joints dictate your daily schedule. Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean sitting on the sidelines. Our expert team is here to help you find relief and regain your mobility, so you can get back to doing what you love.
Ready to get started? Call us to schedule an appointment today!