Total joint replacements are not uncommon in today’s medical field. While there are many paths to a joint replacement, the most common is with aging. Frequently these replacements occur when the joint has degenerated and arthritis has progressed to cause a person pain and difficulty with daily activities. In other words, normal aging! These replacements are very costly and require a long recovery time meaning a lot of time away from family and work. There are many ways to address degeneration that may help you prevent getting a joint replacement and avoid the long period of recovery.
What is arthritis?
There are many types of arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the bony degeneration and wearing down of a joint that occurs with movement over time. This degeneration causes increased inflammation of the joint. Arthritis can occur in any joint over time. The joints most affected are weight-bearing joints including knees, hips, and sometimes even shoulders.
Symptoms include:
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Pain with weight-bearing
- Weakness
What can we do about arthritis?
- Steroid injections – while these may provide immediate pain relief, sometimes they don’t relieve pain at all, if they do provide relief they do not last long and will have devastating side effects including decreased bone strength
- Pain medications – these may also provide immediate pain relief but do not last long and may have undesirable side effects
- Surgery – these surgeries include total hip/knee replacements also known as total hip/knee arthroplasties. These surgeries usually have a good success rate, however, have a long recovery period, cause a lot of pain, and may not allow you to achieve the goals you are looking for
- Physical Therapy – the best option for the nagging stiffness and joint pain you are experiencing is physical therapy! Movement is the best treatment for arthritis and PT will help with movement and can address the underlying weakness and stiffness you experience.
At LSTC we treat arthritis often and are familiar with the best course of physical therapy treatments available. Not only will we address the pain and stiffness, but also, your personal goals of getting back to walking, playing with your kids, or whatever goals you may have! Even if your arthritis progresses enough to require surgery or a total replacement, we know your success after will be much higher with the start of a prehab strengthening program. So don’t wait!
Call Loudoun Sports Therapy Center TODAY at 703-450-4300 and speak with one of our clinicians about how physical therapy can help you live life pain free.
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