An estimated 53.2 million American adults live with arthritis, which causes pain and restricted mobility in the joints. It has no cure and can be frustrating and difficult to manage. But what exactly causes all that discomfort? By exploring the science of arthritis pain mechanisms, we hope we can shed some light and help you find relief.
The term “arthritis” is actually a general term that includes over a hundred different conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and many more. What they all have in common is that they cause joint inflammation, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms.
Physical therapy with No Limit Physical Therapy can be a powerful tool in managing arthritis pain. Physical therapists focus on specific exercises and treatments to help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. These treatments can increase strength and mobility, making daily activities easier and less painful.
Today, we want to focus on the science behind osteoarthritis pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 32.5 million adults in the US. However, we’ll compare it to pain brought on by rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common. Together, this should give you a better understanding of the science of arthritis pain mechanisms in general.
Let’s get started!
The Science of Arthritis Pain Mechanisms
The Science Behind Osteoarthritis Pain
All joints contain protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage degenerates over time, causing the bones to rub together. This causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in and of itself.
However, as the cartilage breaks down, the body responds by sending white blood cells to the joint to repair the joint damage. This process can inflame the area and cause further damage to the joint’s tissue, including the cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments, leading to more pain, swelling, and restricted mobility.
That said, while inflammation certainly contributes to osteoarthritis pain, it’s a driving factor in the second most common type of arthritis in America, rheumatoid arthritis.
The Science Behind Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an example of inflammatory arthritis, a group of arthritis conditions that stem directly from issues with the immune system. In RA’s case, this is because it’s an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissue–which triggers inflammation.
This inflammation is a key factor in RA pain. As the immune system targets the joints, the lining of the joints, known as the synovium, becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected joints. Over time, the inflammation can cause damage to cartilage and bones, resulting in joint deformities and increased pain.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Me Find Relief?
Understanding the science of arthritis pain mechanisms can help explain why physical therapy is an effective treatment for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Regular movement and exercise are among the best ways to manage arthritis-related pain. Why? Exercise increases blood flow to your joint’s cartilage, helping it to stay healthy and slow the damage that causes pain and immobility. Exercise can also strengthen the muscles around your joints, which helps lessen the load placed on the joint–meaning less pain for you.
Of course, when you’re living with arthritis pain, getting started with a regular exercise routine can be immensely intimidating–if for no other reason than movement often worsens arthritis pain. That’s where the No Limit Physical Therapy team comes in.
We’ll help you identify appropriate exercises for your needs and abilities, and we can also offer drug-free pain management strategies, such as manual therapy or movement modifications, to make it easier for you to get started. Best of all, we provide in-home services throughout San Deigo, so you won’t have to worry about coming into a clinic!
Physical Therapy: A Proven Approach to Reducing Arthritis Pain
Living with arthritis is tough. Fortunately, physical therapy offers several science-backed approaches to reducing pain, stiffness, and other arthritis-related symptoms. Call No Limit Physical Therapy today to learn more about how our in-home physical therapy services can help you manage your arthritis.