Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints in the body, and encompasses a range of conditions affecting joint health.
Types of Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: This form of arthritis is primarily attributed to daily wear and tear on the joints, leading to degeneration of the joint cartilage over time1. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, back, hips, and knees.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis involves the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage to joint lining and cartilage2, This type of arthritis often affects joints in the fingers, wrists, elbows, and knees.
Symptoms of Arthritis:
Regardless of the specific type, arthritis manifests with similar symptoms, including:
- Varied levels of pain or aching in the affected joints
- Swelling and inflammation around the joints
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the joint3
Management and Treatment:
While there is currently no cure for arthritis, effective management strategies can significantly improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in pain management and improving joint function for individuals with arthritis. Tailored exercise programs can strengthen supporting muscles and improve joint mobility. Manual stretches are also taught to reduce muscle tension and fatigue4. Additionally, a variety of modalities can assist in successful treatment of these conditions. Osteoarthritis is more commonly seen in a physiotherapy clinic as rheumatoid arthritis is less common.
Seeking Support:
For individuals living with arthritis, accessing resources and support from organizations like The Arthritis Society can be invaluable. These organizations offer information, resources, and support services to individuals and families affected by arthritis, empowering them to navigate their condition more effectively.
References
- He, Y., Li, Z., Alexander, P. G., Ocasio-Nieves, B. D., Yocum, L., Lin, H., & Tuan, R. S. (2020). Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis: Risk Factors, Regulatory Pathways in Chondrocytes, and Experimental Models. Biology (Basel, Switzerland), 9(8), 194-. https://doi.org/10.3390/
biology9080194 - Yap, H.-Y., Tee, S. Z.-Y., Wong, M. M.-T., Chow, S.-K., Peh, S.-C., & Teow, S.-Y. (2018). Pathogenic Role of Immune Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications in Clinical Treatment and Biomarker Development. Cells (Basel, Switzerland), 7(10), 161-. https://doi.org/10.3390/
cells7100161 - Senthelal S, Li J, Ardeshirzadeh S, et al. Arthritis. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
books/NBK518992/ - Tsokanos, A., Livieratou, E., Billis, E., Tsekoura, M., Tatsios, P., Tsepis, E., & Fousekis, K. (2021). The Efficacy of Manual Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(7), 696-. https://doi.org/10.3390/
medicina57070696