By Audrey Epps, OTR, CHT, Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, was traditionally thought of as a disease related to individuals who are aging and experiencing “wear and tear.” However, osteoarthritis is now recognized as a disease of the whole joint, which can impact more than just the geriatrics population.
According to the CDC, about 33 million US adults have osteoarthritis with 21.2% of those being adults, ages 18 and older. Currently, osteoarthritis does not yet have any drugs that can slow or modify the disease and therefore individuals must look towards other remedial options.
Treatment for OA (Osteoarthritis) as per the Arthritis Foundation:
Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists can play a pivotal role in promoting quality of life and reduction of symptoms in one’s daily life. An occupational therapist can educate individuals on how to protect their joints by performing daily tasks in modified ways, altering the environment in which activities are performed or exploring use of individualized assistive devices. They can also recommend or fabricate custom splints to support and ease stress on painful joints in the hands. Speak to your physician about whether an occupational therapy referral would be beneficial for you.
Physical therapy (PT): Physical therapists can also play an instrumental role in a person with osteoarthritis life. Physical therapists can prescribe individualized exercises for you to promote improved ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking and bathing. If there is a need, physical therapists can also explore compensatory technique and assistive devices for ambulation.
The OT and PT teams at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation Centers are skilled at working with individuals with arthritis. Please consult your MD if you are interested. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 973-322-7500.
Medications: There are no medications that can slow or stop the progression of osteoarthritis, but some individuals can minimize or relieve pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medication to enhance comfort. All medications should be explored with your personal doctor.
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The experienced and compassionate staff at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation Centers, with locations in West Orange and Livingston, offers adults and children the specialized care they need to resume an active life after surgery, injury or illness. Staff is committed to providing patients with the most advanced services in a safe, caring and soothing environment. For high-risk patients who are unable to visit in person, telehealth is an option. Patients do not need a prescription for physical therapy services.
Audrey Epps, OTR, CHT, is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist at the RWJBarnabas Ambulatory Care Center. Audrey has 35 years of clinical experience and has been a staff member at the facility since 1990. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2001. Her area of specialty is orthopedic hand rehabilitation. She strives to always provide excellent care, compassion and empathy for her patients.