Osteoarthritis is a condition that I often see in clinic and rightly so. Too many people assume that because they have been told they have OA then there is very little that can be done and it’s a case of putting up and shutting up until it gets so bad that you opt for surgery. This is not the case with the appropriate advice and exercises you can get life-changing results. In this blog, we will learn a little more about the condition and what we can do to help.
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint. It is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people in the UK and worldwide.
Causes of OA
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, but there are several risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing the condition. These include:
- Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in people over 50 years old.
- Genetics: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on the joints, which can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
- Joint injuries: Injuries or overuse of a joint can damage the cartilage and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
- Occupation: Certain jobs that require repetitive motions or heavy lifting can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity and location of the affected joint. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: The affected joint may feel achy, stiff, or tender.
- Stiffness: The affected joint may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long period.
- Swelling: The affected joint may appear swollen or feel warm to the touch.
- Limited range of motion: The affected joint may have a limited range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
- Crunching or popping sounds: The affected joint may make crunching or popping sounds when moved.
Who gets it OA?
Osteoarthritis can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in people over 50 years old. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, and certain occupations or sports that put stress on the joints can also increase the risk of developing the condition.
In the UK, around 8.75 million people have sought treatment for osteoarthritis, with around 33% of people over 45 years old showing symptoms of the condition.
Treatment
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but with careful management and treatment, you can reduce your pain and improve your function as well as slow down the progression of the condition. These include:
Physiotherapy
- Exercises and stretches can help improve the strength and flexibility of the affected joint, reducing pain and improving function.
- Improving the alignment (biomechanics) of a joint with OA can have a big effect on how the joint functions, by reducing strain through the joint you reduce pain and improve function.
All of the above are covered in My pain free body program. This home treatment program is a great way to gain a body that is strong and well-supported offloading arthritic joints, reducing pain, and improving function. Exercise if done wrong can also aggravate symptoms so a carefully designed program is needed. This gentle but effective program is ideal for those with OA you can access some sections for FREE have a look at it here. Have a look at my blog – 6 top tips for exercise with OA.
Other treatment options
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding repetitive motions, avoiding aggravating activities, and pacing yourself can all help to manage your symptoms.
- Walking Aids; sticks, crutches, poles, and frames can all help to offload weight-bearing joints reducing pain and improving function.
- Heat and ice: these can be useful in reducing pain and discomfort in effected joints.
- Medications: Painkillers can be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist to find the most suitable drug for your needs. Not all painkillers work well for everyone so be patient and if it’s not working go back and try something else until you find an effective drug for you.
- Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial joint.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects millions of people in the UK and worldwide. While there is no cure for the condition, there are several treatments available that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, it is important to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
