What Are Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Can Physical Therapy Help?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack joints within the ankles, knees, and hands, as well as other areas of the body. Symptoms of RA, such as joint pain and stiffness, can make daily life a lot more challenging. That’s why timely diagnosis and treatment of the condition is a must.
Many people experience relief from symptoms with physical therapy Murrieta, but other treatments may also be necessary depending on the severity of the condition. The more information you have about rheumatoid arthritis, the better equipped you will be when it comes to health effects.
How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Develop?
As with many autoimmune conditions, doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system is key in defending the body against viruses, bacteria, and other germs. With autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly thinks that harmless substances or even the body’s own tissues are foreign new york times connections invaders.
While it’s believed that there’s a genetic component to rheumatoid arthritis, certain factors can also increase a person’s chance of developing the condition. These risk factors include:
- Sex/Gender – While people of every gender can experience rheumatoid arthritis, the condition most often impacts women.
- Age – Rheumatoid arthritis is most prevalent in people who are middle-aged, but keep in mind that it can develop earlier or later.
- Family History – Individuals who have a family member with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop the condition.
Certain lifestyle factors can also increase the chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking cigarettes not only increases your risk, but it also has an effect on the severity of the symptoms you experience. Similarly, being overweight also increases the chance of experiencing this autoimmune condition.
Tips for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
While there’s currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many treatments can offer relief to people experiencing its effects. In some cases, doctors may recommend certain medications. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, as well as prescription corticosteroids, including prednisone.
Medical personnel may also recommend Palm Desert physical therapy. Physical therapists can show patients exercises capable of keeping joints pliable, which prevents painful inflammation from occurring. With advanced forms of the condition, therapists can offer alternate methods of performing daily chores and tasks.
Along with conventional treatments, there are also many home remedies and lifestyle changes that can relieve the effects of rheumatoid arthritis:
- A nutritious diet can prevent inflammation throughout the body, including the joints
- Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce pressure on the joints
- Hot and cold therapy can relieve pain and swelling in joints during flare-ups
- Deep-breathing and mindfulness techniques help deal with the stress caused by rheumatoid arthritis
- To prevent the effects of fatigue, try to pace yourself when doing strenuous activities
For many people, a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes is necessary to manage the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
A Safe, Effective Arthritis Treatment
When it comes to the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, physical therapy can effectively relieve joint pain and swelling. And for those seeking a career that enables them to help others improve their quality of life, searching for physical therapy jobs near me can open up a whole new career path.
