What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects joints in the body particularly cartilage which is the smooth cushioning between the bones. This cartilage can break down over time and can cause stiffness, swelling and pain in a joint. The most common joints affected are knees, hips, hands and the lower back. It is important to note that osteoarthritis is an active process and symptoms can be modified with the right approach for the individual.
• Joint injury – previous injury to a joint increase the risk of developing OA
• Being overweight – increased weight puts more stress and load through the joint. Fat cells can also promote inflammation
• Weak muscles – reduce the ability of a joint to load and can affect its movement and positioning
• Age – as we get older the risk of OA increases
• Overuse – using the same joints in the same way over and over can also contribute to OA
• Discussion of symptoms – with your GP or Physiotherapist. These professionals will know what symptoms to expect for your issue to likely be OA.
• Physical examination – assessment of the joint movement, strength and irritability.
• X-Ray – this can confirm diagnosis, however, the joint changes on the scan does not always correlate with the severity of your symptoms.
There are many different treatment options for OA. But ultimately there is no cure for the underlying process, but it can definitely be slowed down or stopped. Symptoms of pain, stiffness, functional deficits and swelling can be managed with an individualised comprehensive treatment plan. Exercise and weight management are crucial for the management of symptoms over the long term. Medications as directed by your Dr or pharmacist can also help to manage pain.
The World Health Organisation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week plus at least 2 strengthening sessions per week. Regular exercise can help to improve flexibility, strength and balance of joints, which helps to reduce pain and improve functionality. There are many other health benefits associated with regular exercise that have positive implications on ones health.
Weight management can help to reduce the load on joints. As little as 5% reduction in overall weight can have significant improvements to an individual’s joint pain. For every 1kg of weight lost there is 4kg of pressure removed from a joint.
Some people believe or are led to believe that surgery is the only option when diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Surgery can help to manage symptoms but this should ONLY be as the last resort when conservative care has not worked.
A holistic approach is very important to get on top of your symptoms and manage them over the long term. At Back In Motion Rosny Park we recommend seeing a Physiotherapist to help develop an exercise and physical activity programme that is right for you and guide you in other aspects that may be of benefit in managing your osteoarthritis.
We are here to help! Not sure how you will go doing physiotherapy exericses? At Back in Motion, Rosny Park we have a fully equipped rehabilitation gym which we can also utilise to help us achieve all of your goals.
Author: Evan Clayton, Physiotherapist (B. PhEd, B. HSc (Physio))