Contrary to popular belief, arthritis can strike anyone at any age.
54 million US adults are estimated to suffer from arthritis. And while it’s not as common among the younger generation, it still happens. 7% of the population aged between 18 and 44 lives with arthritis. Even infants and children aren’t immune, with 300,000 having a form of arthritis or a rheumatoid condition.
So, with that information in mind, it’s useful to know what the signs of early onset arthritis are and that the condition can be effectively treated and managed with the help of physical therapy. Let’s read about the symptomatic profile.
Signs to Look for
The form of arthritis most people experience is osteoarthritis. But rheumatoid arthritis is sneaky and has a different set of symptoms.
Feeling as though you have the flu and chronic fatigue are two possible symptoms. When combined with a loss of appetite, weight loss and persistent high temperature, visiting your doctor is in order to seek a diagnosis.
Redness around joints can be a sign of the inflammation caused by arthritis, as well as joints which feel hot and painful. Swelling is an illusive symptom which can mean many things. But when synovial fluid is produced in excess, it may be a sign of early onset arthritis and explain the swelling. Usually accompanied by reduced range of motion and weakness, swelling which meets this description requires a diagnosis.
Waking up in the morning with stiffness or encountering it when moving after an extended period of sitting may be a sign of arthritis taking hold. But it’s easy to misidentify soreness and stiffness from intense physical activity. Many people with arthritis stiffness believe they’ve injured themselves, so the only way to establish the cause is to visit your primary caregiver for testing.
Physical Therapy for Arthritis
While arthritis has no cure, physical therapy is a supportive measure to help manage the pain and stiffness associated with the condition. A physical therapist will also ensure that the work you do in your sessions is bolstered by giving you exercises to take home.
Doing these exercises as prescribed is the most effective way to help yourself. A limber body which has been provided with the right movement therapy is one which is going to hurt a lot less. This approach also reduces or eliminates the need for pain killers and anti-inflammatories. Using drugs like these on a continuing basis can lead to serious health problems.
Physical therapy can also correct biomechanical and postural issues which have either arisen from the arthritis (compensation) or have contributed to associated pain.
Back & Body Medical
People living with arthritis in New Jersey can now benefit from Back & Body’s recently established clinic here. We’re brought patients the award-winning, multi-disciplinarian pain relief model that’s made our Manhattan clinic famous so they can get help, close to home.
We draw on chiropractic, physical therapy, sports medicine and acupuncture to serve our patients with team-based pain relief that works. Contact us.
