Arthritis
What is Arthritis ?
Arthritis is the general term for a group of conditions that affect the joints in different parts of the body. It damages the joints and usually results in pain and stiffness. While many think of it as a problem of growing older, it can strike anyone, at any age and one in six Australians, two-thirds of whom are under 60 years of age, have Arthritis.
The most common forms include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout and Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Surprisingly, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, each affecting patients in different ways. The most common symptoms are one or more from a list including pain, swelling, stiffness, inflammation, and a reduction in the range of movement in the affected joint or joints. Other, more general symptoms may include tiredness, weight loss, or just generally feeling ‘under the weather’.
Currently, there is no cure for Arthritis, but the good news is that the symptoms can be treated and controlled very effectively.
It is very important to understand that as everyone is affected differently, there is no, ‘one size fits all’ treatment.
Your Health Hub Can Help!
Our team of healthcare professionals can help patients manage Arthritis.
Osteopaths can use gentle osteopathic techniques to reduce pain and muscle spasms, and improve joint function and range of movement. Early diagnosis and making improvements in lifestyle can help to prevent further degeneration.
Dietitians can help patients achieve a healthy weight and to reduce the pain, stiffness and inflammation of affected joints by:
- Making safe and sensible dietary changes such as switching to a more Mediterranean diet that also helps in improving general well-being
- Providing guidance on ways to include more Omega-3 fats and fish oils in the diet
- Offering advice on ways to get sufficient Calcium and Vitamin D to reduce the likelihood of developing Osteoporosis
Exercise Physiologists can help Arthritis sufferers to reap the many benefits of exercise. These include:
- A reduction in symptoms of pain and stiffness, and improved flexibility in affected joints
- Improved muscular strength, balance and posture
- Helping to maintain bone density and a healthy body weight
- Reduced stress levels and an improvement in overall health and fitness
Physiotherapists can advise you on safe exercise, improving posture and ways to relieve pain. Physiotherapy treatments will help to keep your joints and muscles as flexible as possible.
Psychologists can be invaluable in helping patients cope with the difficult emotions that come with a diagnosis of Arthritis – as there is no cure patients quite naturally, experience emotions of fear, sadness, frustration and anger. Our Psychologists can help if these emotions begin to impact on daily life and relationships.
Arthritis can be painful and debilitating but the holistic approach from our multidisciplinary team that can include all or any of the above as well as other treatments such as massage or acupuncture, can help our patients manage pain, maintain mobility and independence.
Getting the right treatment can not only ease the symptoms of Arthritis