Joint Pain & ArthritisChartered Physiotherapy in Blackpool, St. Annes, Lytham, Poulton, Cleveleys and Fleetwood
Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and inflammation in joints. Two of the most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. One of the most common conditions we see as physiotherapists, it can cause pain and stiffness that, for some, can be incredibly debilitating.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Affecting just under half a million people in the UK, rheumatoid arthritis often starts between the ages of 40 and 50, with women three times as likely to be affected than men. Pain and swelling takes hold as the body’s own immune system targets affected joints, starting with the outer covering of the joint. It can then spread across the joint, affecting the joint’s shape and causing more swelling, which can eventually lead to the break down of bone and cartilage.
What is osteoarthritis?
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects an estimated 8 million people in the UK. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, affecting the cartilage around a joint that makes movement progressively harder, and causes pain and stiffness. Over time, as the cartilage thins, the surrounding tendons and ligaments have to work harder, which in turn causes swelling. Loss of cartilage can then lead to joints changing shape or coming out of position as the bones rub against each other. Usually developing from their late 40s, you’re more likely to have osteoporosis if you have a family history of the condition or if you are a woman, and the hands, spine, knees and hips are usually the joints affected.
How do you treat arthritis, joint pain and joint stiffness?
Physiotherapy can be hugely helpful for people experiencing joint problems and joint pain. Drawing on our physiotherapists’ wealth of experience in treating clients with arthritic conditions, there are a number of different treatments that can be used to help relieve and control your symptoms. We’ll start by taking a full assessment of your condition, pain and range of movement before working with you to put an effective treatment and management plan in place.