Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview
More common among women than men, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which your body attacks the joints, starting as painful swelling in the hands and feet.
Though it primarily affects people older than 40, it can strike at any age. And while there is no cure, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has come a long way in recent years.
Symptoms
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling and warmth in the joints, stiffness in the morning, and bumps under the skin on the arms. People usually begin to feel symptoms in the smaller joints, such as the fingers and toes, before they spread to other parts of the body.
- Joint Swelling: This can be particularly noticeable in the hands, wrists, and feet.
- Warmth in Joints: Inflammation often causes the affected areas to feel warmer than the rest of the body.
- Morning Stiffness: Many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience stiffness in their joints, especially after waking up.
- Rheumatoid Nodules: These are firm bumps under the skin, typically found on the arms.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to its development:
- Genetics: A family history of rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop the disease than men.
- Age: While it can occur at any age, the likelihood increases with age.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been linked to a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight can also increase your risk.
Treatment Options
Pain Relief and Disease Progression
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis focuses on pain relief as well as early, aggressive treatment to slow the progression of the disease. Physical therapy helps improve function as you perform your daily activities.
If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your physician may recommend the following treatments:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) to ease pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroids to get potentially damaging inflammation under control quickly
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs—taken by mouth, self-injected or given by your physician as an infusion—to slow the progression of the disease
- Surgery to reduce pain, correct deformities, or repair (or replace) damaged joints
- Physical therapy to keep your joints flexible and help you perform daily tasks with minimal pain
Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging, but physical therapy can make a significant difference in managing the condition.
Physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is designed to help you maintain joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life. When you start physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, your therapist will assess your current condition and work with you to create a personalized exercise plan.
This plan will target specific areas affected by the disease, ensuring you get the most benefit from your therapy sessions.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
- Improved Flexibility: Regular physical therapy can help keep your joints flexible, making it easier to perform daily activities without pain.
- Strengthened Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around your joints can provide better support, reducing the strain on your joints.
- Pain Management: Through targeted exercises and techniques, physical therapy can help manage and reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Better Mobility: Staying active through physical therapy can improve your overall mobility, making it easier to move around and stay independent.
What to Expect
During your sessions, your physical therapist will guide you through exercises tailored to your needs. These might include gentle stretching, strength training, and low-impact aerobic activities. They will also teach you techniques to protect your joints and manage your symptoms effectively.
Commitment to Your Health
It’s important to stay committed to your physical therapy routine. While it might be tempting to rest your joints when they’re painful, regular movement is crucial to preventing stiffness and further deterioration. Your therapist will provide you with exercises you can do at home to complement your in-clinic sessions, ensuring you continue to progress.
Personalized Exercise Plans
When you start physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, your therapist will assess your current condition and work with you to create a personalized exercise plan. This plan will target specific areas affected by the disease, ensuring you get the most benefit from your therapy sessions.
Maintaining Motivation
Sticking to an exercise routine can be difficult, especially when you’re in pain. However, your physical therapist can help you stay motivated by setting achievable goals and celebrating your progress. They can also adjust your plan as needed to ensure it remains effective and manageable.
Tips for Success
- Stay Consistent: Regular exercise is key to managing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Listen to Your Body: While it’s important to stay active, you should also pay attention to your pain levels and avoid overexertion.
- Use Assistive Devices: Tools like splints or braces can help support your joints during activities.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest are also important for managing rheumatoid arthritis.
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Long-Term
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Here are some strategies to help you manage your condition effectively:
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to your doctor are crucial for monitoring the progression of the disease and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms. Consider incorporating foods like fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into your diet.
- Stress Management: Chronic pain and disability can take a toll on your mental health. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress.
If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis recently—or even if you have been living with it for years—call our office for an appointment.
Using our extensive knowledge of how the muscles, bones, and joints work together, we will create an individualized exercise plan for you that will keep your joints flexible and minimize pain both now and in the future.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Final Thoughts
Rheumatoid arthritis is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis plays a crucial role in this process, offering numerous benefits that can help you stay active and independent.
If you live in the Northern Virginia area, check out one of our 18 locations today and learn more about how we can help you manage your rheumatoid arthritis effectively.