Do you have joint pain that makes you not able to live your life independently and enjoy the little things? If your answer is yes, you could be suffering from arthritis. In this article, we will walk you through the condition and what you should do to regain independence and joy in your daily life.
The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis is the tenderness and swelling of the affected joints. It is an umbrella term that consists of two types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Both conditions may sound the same and are easily confused. However, they are distinctively different. Osteoarthritis is a mechanical condition that occurs after a prolonged period of wear and tear on your joints, deteriorating the cartilage. It is also often a sign of ageing.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joint’s lining, causing it to be swollen and inflamed. When left untreated, the condition worsens and can eventually destroy the bone and cartilage within the affected joint. It can be of metabolic, genetic, or infectious origin.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
In this article, we will focus on osteoarthritis as it is more common among users of PMAs. Some of the symptoms of the condition include:
- Reduced joint flexibility
- Grating sensation and clicking noise during joint movement
- Joint stiffness and pain
What causes osteoarthritis?
Ageing is a primary cause of osteoarthritis due to years of wear and tear on the affected joints. However, the reasons for wear and tear could be due to repetitive use of the joints, heavy lifting without proper form, frequent squatting, climbing, or kneeling, previous injuries, or excessive weight.
As with any other condition, it is better to see a doctor as soon as pain and aches surface. Here are some professionals that can help you with your osteoarthritis.
1. General practitioners
GPs are a significant initial step in addressing your osteoarthritis pain. They are able to diagnose the cause of your pain and aches properly, directing you to the proper specialist, should you require so. In addition, they can administer appropriate care and medication to help ease your discomfort.
2. Physiotherapists
Physiotherapy will help to loosen your body with well-suited exercises that will alleviate your discomfort. Maintaining regular exercise is beneficial to your affected joints, reducing your pain while keeping you healthy.
3. Rheumatologists
A rheumatologist is an internal medicine doctor who specialises in inflammatory autoimmune diseases affecting the joints and muscles, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Orthopaedic specialist
Orthopaedic specialists differ from rheumatologists in that they specialise in injuries and disorders to the musculoskeletal system. Hence, if your GP thinks that you suffer from osteoarthritis, they will most likely refer you to an orthopaedic rather than a rheumatologist.
5. Mobility aid provider
No matter the type, if you have been diagnosed with arthritis, mobility will be affected. As such, using the right mobility aid can improve your quality of life significantly. Finding the right mobility aid provider can help match you with the right PMA for your specific need.
Mobility aids can help relieve some of the pressure on your painful joints. For example, if you struggle to walk, mobility aids, such as crutches, walking sticks, and rollators, can provide you with additional stability, enabling you to walk without putting too much pressure on your affected joints.
Conclusion
Recovering from osteoarthritis is more than just seeing the right doctor or specialist; it is also about having the best-suited post-care solution that enables your recovery and a certain degree of independence and mobility. That is where mobility aid providers, such as Falcon Mobility, come in.
We enable families with assistance tools. With a wide variety of assistance tools, such as power wheelchairs and mobility scooters, you can experience a more mobile and independent recovery from osteoarthritis. Our team of experienced and friendly mobility experts are eager to help match you with the right product. Contact us or visit our showroom to find out more!