Understanding Osteoarthritis
Written by Osteopath Gemma Ahrens
As an osteopath, I understand that osteoarthritis can be a challenging condition to navigate, especially as we age. In this blog post, I aim to provide clarity and insight into what osteoarthritis is, its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how it can be managed to maintain an active and fulfilling life.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) can be described as the degeneration of joints that primarily affects the cartilage, the protective cushioning between bones in your joints. As we age, this cartilage begins to break down which can lead to stiffness and swelling in the affected joints. It commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but can also affect the hands and other joints. Studies show that 1 in 5 Australians over the age of 45 have OA (1).
Causes of Osteoarthritis
While aging is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis, there are other factors that can contribute to its development, including:
Joint Overuse: Repetitive movements or excessive strain on joints over time can contribute to cartilage breakdown.
Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis in that joint.
Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis.
Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
Pain: Joint pain, especially after activity or prolonged periods of rest.
Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Swelling: Swelling around the affected joint.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the joint through its full range of motion.
Grating Sensation: A sensation of grinding or grating in the joint during movement.
Managing Osteoarthritis
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several strategies to manage symptoms and significantly improve quality of life:
Exercise
Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or tai chi can help strengthen muscles around the joints and improve flexibility. Working with a trainer or exercise physiologist can also help to improve muscle and joint function through targeted exercise. Some studies have actually found that exercise therapy for patients with OA can provide similar pain relief to common pain-relieving medications, but without the possible adverse side effects. (2)
Manual therapy
Osteopathic treatment aims to decrease muscle tension and improve joint mobility, therefore can be incredibly beneficial for patients with OA. Treatment may be able to decrease pain in joints, as well as increase overall mobility within the body (3). Studies have found that manual therapy such as osteopathic treatment has best results when combined with exercise and strengthening programmes. (4)
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Ensure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.
Healthy Diet
Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. For more information and advice based of your individual needs, you can speak to a dietician or naturopath.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as we age. While it can be challenging to manage, with the right strategies and support, it is possible to maintain an active and fulfilling life despite osteoarthritis. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management options available, individuals can take control of their osteoarthritis and continue to enjoy life to the fullest. The best approach to achieving more mobility and less pain is definitely a multi-model approach including exercise, lifestyle changes, education and manual therapy. Remember, it's never too late to take steps towards better joint health!
If you are looking for support for Osteoarthritis, you can give us a call on 0425 876 929 or book an appointment with Gemma below.
Osteoarthritis - https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/osteoarthritis/ (1).
Physical therapy for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis: supervised, active treatment is current best practice https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31621559/
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Improves Function and Relieves Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis - https://www.ftrdergisi.com/uploads/pdf/pdf_4057.pdf
Manual therapy, exercise therapy, or both, in addition to usual care, for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: a randomized controlled trial. 1: clinical effectiveness - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23313532/
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