How is arthritis treated?
"Arthritis" means inflammation of the joints, and it might cause pain,
swelling, and limited motion of one or many joints in the body. More than 100
different illnesses can cause arthritis.
Treatment begins after diagnosis by a doctor, who might prescribe medicine to
reduce inflammation, pain, swelling, and loss of motion. As part of a
comprehensive plan for arthritis treatment, your doctor might also prescribe
occupational and physical therapy, which can provide additional help in your
recovery.
How can occupational therapists help?
Occupational therapists can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints
during daily activities. They can show you how to modify your home and workplace
environments to reduce motions that might aggravate arthritis. Occupational
therapists might also provide splints for your hands or wrists, and might
recommend assistive devices to aid in driving, bathing, dressing, housekeeping,
and other tasks.
How can physical therapists help?
Physical therapists can teach you exercises designed to preserve the strength
and use of your joints. They can show you the best way to move from one position
to another. They can also teach you how to use walking aids such as crutches, a
walker, or a cane when needed.
What are the goals of treatment?
The therapists on your health care team will work closely with your doctor to
tailor a program to your specific needs, whether your arthritic problems are
widespread or confined to one joint or body area.
The goals of treatment are to:
- Prevent loss of use of the joints
- Restore abilities that may have been lost
- Help you adapt to new activity levels
- Maintain your fitness
- Maintain your ability to take part in the activities you choose with
minimal help from others
Therapy should be started early in order to reduce painful symptoms of
inflammation, prevent deformity and permanent joint stiffness, and maintain
strength in the surrounding muscles. When pain and swelling are better
controlled, treatment plans may include exercises to increase range of motion,
and to improve muscle strength and endurance.
What are some benefits of occupational and physical therapy programs?
Physical therapy programs may provide:
- Education about your kind of arthritis, so that you can be a
well-informed member of your health care team
- Foot care advice, including information on how to choose well-fitting
shoes with shock-absorbing outer soles, and sculptured (orthotic) insoles
molded exactly to the contour of each foot
- Therapeutic methods, including physical techniques and activity
modifications, to relieve discomfort and improve performance