Arthritis Physical Therapy Charleston, SC

Almost one-fourth of all adults in the United States have arthritis. This joint condition limits the daily activities of nearly half of those affected. Arthritis is one of the foremost causes of work disability and more than doubles your risk of falling. At Coastal Movement Specialists, our trained occupational and physical therapists can help relieve pain and improve your movement for an active and joyful life. Learn more about arthritis physical therapy below, and contact us today to schedule an appointment in our Johns Island, SC office.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the bone and soft tissues of your joints. Although you have a few major joints, such as the hip, knee, and elbow, you have 360 total joints in your body. The strongest joint is the hip joint, the largest is the knee, and the smallest joint is the stapes of the middle ear. Joints are complex anatomical structures. When one becomes inflamed or affected by a disease, it can interfere severely with everyday activities.

+ Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad medical term used to describe more than one hundred conditions that affect joints. The common types of arthritis include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Juvenile arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis

+ What Causes Arthritis?

The many types of arthritis have different causes. For example, gout results from excessive uric acid that causes uric acid crystals to accumulate in the joints. These needle-like crystals can cause intense pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a common arthritic condition treated by Coastal Movement Specialists. It is caused by a deterioration of the cartilage on the ends of bones that provides cushioning for joints. When this cartilage wears out, bone contacts bone and creates pain and stiffness. Other causes of arthritis include autoimmune diseases and viruses.

+ Risk Factors

Anyone can develop arthritis, but the following factors increase your risk.

  • Family history
  • Aging
  • Gender
  • Joint injury
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Diet

+ How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of arthritis can include:

  • Physical examination of your joints for swelling, tenderness, loss of range of motion, warmth, and redness
  • Laboratory tests of blood, urine, and joint fluid
  • X-rays to examine the loss of cartilage and bone damage such as bone spurs
  • CT scans to visualize the joint’s bones and surrounding tissues
  • MRI to gain more information about the condition of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons
  • Ultrasound to study soft tissues and the fluid-filled joint sacs known as bursae

+ How Can Physical Therapy Help?

The goal of arthritis physical therapy treatment is to relieve pain, strengthen joints, and improve joint range of motion. Our trained occupational and physical therapists can help you learn to move more easily, safely, and efficiently. We are passionate about helping you perform your daily activities and living an active and fulfilling life. Your treatment may include:

  • Strengthening exercises
  • Stretching
  • Functional exercises
  • Therapeutic exercises and activities
  • Balance training

Schedule an Appointment

Located on Johns Island, SC, Coastal Movement Specialists serves the entire Charleston area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced therapists.