When Does Arthritis Pain Usually Start?
Arthritis occurs when the shock-absorbing cartilage that cushions your bones stops working properly. This can be caused by the cartilage wearing down over time or joint inflammation. The joint may enlarge or become difficult to move if its typical cushion is lost. Arthritis can make it difficult to walk, open jars, and perform other daily duties, depending on which joints are affected.
Pain, commonly known as arthralgia, is usually the first symptom of arthritis. A dull discomfort or a burning sensation can occur. Pain usually begins after a period of heavy use of the joint, such as gardening or climbing a flight of stairs. Some folks have soreness in the morning. When it rains or the humidity changes, some people feel achy.
How can you know if you have arthritis?
Consult your physician if you suspect you have arthritis. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how joint discomfort impacts your daily life. A physical exam will be performed by your provider, and it may include the following items:
- Examining your joint mobility and range of motion.
- Examining the area around your joints for soreness or edema.
- Taking a look at your general health to see whether your symptoms are being caused by something else.
What is the treatment for arthritis?
Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are therapies available to help you manage it. The severity of your arthritis, its symptoms, and your general health will all influence your treatment approach.
The following are examples of conservative (nonsurgical) treatments:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain drugs can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Biologics are drugs that target your immune system’s inflammatory reaction. Biologics may be recommended by your doctor if you have rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
- Rehabilitation can help you increase your strength, range of motion, and overall mobility. Occupational therapists can show you how to modify your normal tasks to reduce arthritis discomfort.
- Cortisone injections: Cortisone injections can help alleviate pain and inflammation in your joints for a short time. A medication called viscosupplementation may help with arthritis in some joints, such as your knee. It injects lubricant into joints to make them move more smoothly.
Are You Looking for Arthritis Relief the You Can’t Seem to Shake?
Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical arthritis pain relief and recovery therapies. We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Do you ever wake up feeling like you’re stiff or tight in your joints? Do they ache in the morning as you shift, becoming less painful as the day goes on? If so, this may be a symptom of early-stage arthritis. Arthritis is a common illness that many people suffer, but before seeking treatment, they tend to live with it for far too long. Pace Physical Therapy will help you find relief today. You don’t have to struggle with sore joints from arthritis. If you have arthritis, or you think you can have arthritic symptoms, contact Pace Physical Therapy today to request an appointment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
