Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints, particularly the cartilage and underlying bone. There is no one particular cause, but obesity, past trauma and occupation can be risk factors for its development. It is more common in older adults (65 yrs+) and typically seen in hips and knees.
How is Osteoarthritis treated?
There are a number of treatments out there advertising to cure arthritis, however there is no known cure. But there are lots of ways that you can manage the symptoms and pain and continue doing the things you love!
In the short term, pain can be managed quite effectively through physiotherapy, ice or heat packs and medication from your doctor .
For the long term however and to help prevent your condition worsening, regular exercise is so important, together with addressing any risk factors you may have.
Why is exercise important for people with Osteoarthritis?
Regular exercise can help to improve mobility and flexibility of joints, strengthen muscles and joint support and improve posture and balance therefore leading to a decrease in pain and improved mobility, fitness and overall quality of life.
Low impact exercise is typically most comfortable for people with arthritis – this includes Clinical Exercise, hydrotherapy (or water exercise), and walking. It is important you begin any exercise plan with the help of a physiotherapist or qualified professional.
The right intensity and duration of exercise is important for success and it may even be harmful to joints if the exercise is too high impact. Overall a holistic approach to management is required and different for everybody, so give your local Back In Motion practice a call to get your plan started today.