What Really is Arthritis?
By Robert Lim, PTA and Jared Ernest, PT
Arthritis Defined
Many patients that visit a doctor receive a diagnosis of arthritis. Sometimes, it is unclear as to exactly what this means and most importantly how the patient can manage this problem.
While we think of arthritis as one disease, it is actually a group of more than 100 medical conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Typically affects people older than sixty. However, some forms of arthritis can start as early as infancy.
So What is Osteoarthritis?
Basically, arthritis is athron (Greek) meaning joint with its Latin meaning inflammation. One characteristic that links all levels of arthritis is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system at the joints. Simply, joints basically are where two or more bones meet. Let’s focus on OA (Osteoarthritis) which we typically treat at JOI Rehab.
Shoulder osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis and Joints
OA causes inflammation of the joint which in turn destroys the cartilage which cushions the joint. This process leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling which leads to limitation of daily activity. Simple tasks such as walking, going up and down stairs and brushing your teeth become painful activities. Next, because of this pain, your activity and exercise level decrease. This causes the muscles that support the joint to become weak. With weak muscles, the OA takes a firmer hold on destroying the joint. The joints where this occurs are usually the knees, hips, spine and back.
The Good News
Arthritis is a disease that can be managed to lessen its impact on your life. The Physical and Occupational Therapists at all JOI Rehab centers can treat your arthritis. We will work individually with you to set up a program. We will help you maintain your joint mobility and strength. Our goal is to not cause further damage to the joint. In other words, we can show you how to reduce the strain on your joints as you go about your daily activities. Therefore, let JOI Rehab help break you out with arthritis and regain your freedom from pain.
JOI and JOI Rehab
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.