Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints: the prefix “arthro” coming from the Greek word “arthron”, meaning “joint”, and the suffix “itis” pertaining to diseases characterised by inflammation. There are many different forms of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis or OA.
Other types of arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Septic Arthritis
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Gouty Arthritis (pseudo gout)
If you suffer from arthritis, avoid playing sports when your condition is active (i.e. when your joints are swollen and painful) as excessive pressure from walking and playing will cause more damage to the joint surfaces.
It is important to adequately support joints that are very painful and swollen in the inflammatory phase of arthritis. This can be achieved by:
- splinting
- using a brace
- using crutches or a walking stick for support
For arthritis in the lower leg, gel insoles can be used in the active arthritic phase, to reduce the impact on joints during walking. Once the active stage has settled, soft orthotics are better suited to support the foot joints in a normal position.
How Gordon Physiotherapy Sports and Spinal Can Help Treat Arthritis
Physiotherapy treatment can offer relief from arthritic pain and stiffness and focuses on:
- increasing strength
- improving flexibility
- maintaining normal joint function
- splinting and supporting joints that are inflamed or overstretched
Manual and electrotherapy techniques are used in conjunction with exercises to improve these areas. Heat is beneficial in the stiff rather than the acute or active phase of arthritis.
Products Stocked by Gordon Physiotherapy Sports and Spinal for Arthritis
- A variety of splints – for hands, knees and feet
- Walking aids – crutches, walking sticks, walking frames
- Replacement tips for walking aids
- Heat packs and specialised hand heat mitts
- Exercise equipment
- TENS machines
- Soft Orthotics
- Aids for writing, opening jars, holding keys, etc
