What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease of the joints resulting in pain and reduced mobility. There are two types: rheumatoid arthritis, which can happen at any age, and osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) which is caused by wear and tear and often affects older people. Both diseases are incurable but can be treated to relieve pain and improve movement.As we get older, years of wear and tear in joints can result in pain and stiffness. This pain and stiffness can lead to reduced mobility. This pain can turn to stiffness which then causes reduced mobility. Simple, everyday tasks can become limited and joint pain can affect many different areas of the body at once. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, won't go away on its own, even if pain and stiffness eases. Symptoms should not be ignored and must be treated if the person wants to continue to have pain-free use of joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, joint inflammation and limited motion. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects smaller joints including the wrists, fingers and joints of the feet. Physiotherapy can greatly reduce the effects of both these types of diseases and here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we are experienced in helping arthritic sufferers regain strength, flexibility and return mobility to those stiff joints.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis more commonly affects larger weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine. Physiotherapy can aid in recovery after hip or knee replacement, getting you back on your feet sooner, with greater function and pain reduction. If you have been diagnosed with this disease and are suffering with joint pain, or are undergoing surgery as a result of arthritis, please contact us here and we will offer specific treatments that suit you.The goals of our physiotherapists here at our Dublin 4 clinic are to reduce the symptoms and help strengthen muscles through proper techniques. We can provide information on how to treat joint pain at home as well as treat patients with a range of arthritis problems at our clinic. Additionally, we can help educate patients on correct posture, arthritic diet and guide them through appropriate activities that will help reduce stress on their joints.