Arthritis

Arthritis: What is it and how can physiotherapy help?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted movement. There are different forms of arthritis, which have different causes and symptoms. The most common are

- Rheumatoid arthritis: a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and damages the joints. It mainly affects the small joints in the hands and feet, but can also affect other joints.

- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative disease in which the cartilage that protects the joints wears away, causing friction and pain. It usually occurs in large joints such as the knee, hip or spine and is often age-related or caused by overloading.

- Gout: A metabolic disease in which uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints, leading to acute inflammation and pain. It mainly affects the metatarsophalangeal joint, but can also affect other joints.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis, the doctor will take a thorough medical history and carry out a physical examination. He or she will check the affected joints for swelling, redness, warmth, mobility and tenderness. In addition, blood tests, x-rays or other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to determine the type and severity of the arthritis.

How is arthritis treated?

The treatment of arthritis depends on the type, stage and individual symptoms. As a rule, medication is used to inhibit inflammation, relieve pain and slow down the progression of the disease. These include, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone preparations or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to replace or repair a damaged joint.

In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapy also plays an important role in the treatment of arthritis. Physiotherapy can help to improve or maintain joint mobility, strengthen the muscles and increase resilience. Physiotherapy can also help to reduce pain, correct poor posture and improve quality of life.

What are the aims and methods of physiotherapy for arthritis?

The aims of physiotherapy for arthritis are to

- To reduce inflammation

- To relieve pain

- To promote mobility

- To strengthen the muscles

- Improve function

- Maintain independence

- Increase the quality of life

In order to achieve these goals, physiotherapists have various methods at their disposal that are individually tailored to the patient. These include

- Physiotherapy: exercises to mobilize, stretch, strengthen and coordinate the joints and muscles

- Manual therapy: techniques for mobilizing or manipulating restricted or painful joints

- Heat or cold therapy: application of heat or cold to improve circulation, relax muscles or reduce inflammation

- Electrotherapy: application of electrical currents or ultrasound to relieve pain or stimulate healing

- Water gymnastics: exercises in the water to relieve pressure on the joints, promote mobility and strengthen the muscles

- Occupational therapy: advice and training to make everyday life easier on the joints, fitting of aids or splints

How can you do something for your joints?

In addition to physiotherapy, you can also do something for your joints yourself to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and slow down the progression of the disease. These include:

- Regular exercise: Exercise keeps the joints supple, strengthens the muscles and improves endurance. You should focus on sports that are easy on the joints, such as swimming, cycling or walking, and avoid overloading.

- Healthy diet: A balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain products and fish can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and reduce body weight. Being overweight puts additional strain on the joints and promotes osteoarthritis.

- Stress reduction: Stress can increase inflammation, increase pain and reduce quality of life. It is therefore important to relax regularly, for example through breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.

- Joint protection: To protect the joints, you should ensure an ergonomic posture, use aids such as walking sticks or shoe inserts and avoid extreme strain such as lifting or carrying.

Conclusion

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that can have various causes and forms. The most common are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. The treatment of arthritis consists of medication, physiotherapy and, if necessary, surgery. Physiotherapy can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, promote mobility, strengthen muscles and improve function. You can also do something for your joints yourself by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress and taking care of your joints.