Do you notice the cold weather makes your joints stiffer and more difficult to move in the morning? Do you notice your hands getting sore and achy, especially after increased use when it’s cold outside? Fortunately, at Synergy Therapeutic Group , our occupational therapists can teach you how to improve your motion and manage your pain no matter the weather!
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability across the United States, affecting tens of millions of people every day. While it is possible for arthritis to develop in any joint, it most commonly affects the neck, back, hands, hips, and knees. Arthritis can range from mild to severe, and severe cases can lead to chronic pain and impact your quality of life.
At Synergy Therapeutic Group, our occupational therapists can help identify the severity of your condition and provide guidance on resolving your pain, restoring your motion, and getting back to living the life you enjoy!
Contact us today to request a consultation and find out how our services can benefit you as the colder weather approaches!
What are the two most common types of arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term that includes over 100 diseases affecting the joints. The most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Approximately 25% of the adult population in the United States suffers from arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis Pain. The main characteristics are the loss of articular cartilage and joint disability. As the cartilage breakdown progresses, it affects the whole joint, causing inflammation, loss of motion, and pain.
When the cartilage can no longer act as a cushion and shock absorber for the joints, the symptoms worsen, leading to more pain, muscle weakness, joint instability, morning stiffness, crepitus (i.e., noises like snaps and pops), and physical inactivity.
When the temperature outside drops, osteoarthritis symptoms get worse. This is mainly due to reduced blood flow and our tendency to be less active in cold weather. Although it was once thought that activity made arthritic pain worse, recent research has shown that osteoarthritis is the opposite! Activity protects the joint!
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from osteoarthritis and is the second most commonly experienced form of arthritis. RA develops as an autoimmune response and is an inflammatory type of arthritis. The source of joint damage is inflammation, and the exact causes of this condition are still not understood.
When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system sees the joints as a threat. Because of this, the immune system attacks the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation. During an exacerbation, it is important to go easy. Movement is helpful, but overdoing it can prolong the exacerbation. Blood flow is essential, so staying warm by layering up can make a big difference in how you feel!
Fortunately, occupational therapists are skilled at treating all types of arthritis and providing solutions without aggravating your pain!
How occupational therapy at Synergy Therapeutic Group can help your arthritis pain
Arthritic joints typically lose their normal levels of function and strength due to the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation. Due to the pain and restrictions, the most common reaction is to avoid using the affected joint. This is even worse in colder weather. The drop in temperature leads to reduced blood flow and even less activity. Unfortunately, inactivity makes the condition worse.
One of the primary goals of occupational therapy is to regain as much function as possible in the body’s affected area(s). Movement is a medicine; the more your move, the more your blood flows, and the better you will feel.
In addition, the pressure on the joint can be relieved by restoring normal joint movement and improving muscle strength. This reduction helps reduce stress and helps relieve pain.
Treatment plans will include joint mobility exercises and targeted strengthening exercises. In addition, your therapist may use specialized methods like manual techniques, joint mobilizations, custom braces, and splints to relieve pain, improve function and get the best results possible.
Staying warm this winter and physically active will help keep your joints healthy and allow you to keep doing activities you enjoy, no matter how cold it gets this winter!
Request an appointment today!
Call Synergy Therapeutic Group today to learn more about our arthritis treatment programs for the winter months. Don’t let your arthritis limit you any longer – schedule your consultation today!
