Arthritis is the most common joint disorder in the U.S., affecting millions and causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that typically worsens with age and significantly lowers the quality of life. A highly skilled team of PT professionals in Downtown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, NY, can...
Arthritis is the most common joint disorder in the U.S., affecting millions and causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that typically worsens with age and significantly lowers the quality of life. A highly skilled team of PT professionals in Downtown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, NY, can develop a customized arthritis physical therapy program to help you maintain and even increase your strength and mobility. Our experienced therapists will also provide you with the resources you need to avoid future arthritis-related symptoms and injuries.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe over 100 different conditions characterized by inflammation in the joints or other parts of the body, most commonly affecting the hip, knee, spine, fingers, and other non-weight-bearing joints. Joint inflammation in arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system and can be defined as a cut or bruise on the inside of the joints, which causes discomfort and stiffness.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Arthritis begins with minor symptoms that gradually worsen over weeks or months. The most common symptoms of arthritis include:
Swelling and stiffness in the joints
Pain in the affected joints
Limited mobility
Tingling and loss of sensation
Fever
Weight loss
Some kinds of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect organs other than the joints, resulting in the symptoms listed below:
Red eyes
Skin problems
Muscle weakness
Dry mouth
Cataracts
Difficulty sleeping
Who Is at Risk for Arthritis?
Some risk factors for arthritis are modifiable and some are not. The following are some contributing factors to arthritis you can control:
Being overweight
Previous joint damage
Smoking
Poor diet
Repetitive motions involving the same joints
An abundance of sedentary behavior
The arthritis risk factors that cannot be controlled include:
Being a woman
Heredity and family history of arthritis
Older age
