Managing Osteoarthritis

 Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, leading cause of disability which affects many people globally. It is caused when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over a certain period. Although, osteoarthritis damages any joints of the body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

Physiotherapist focuses on the treatment for reducing pain and disability. Physiotherapist can prescribe therapeutic exercise for the benefit of joint movement.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint condition which causes pain, stiffness, and other symptoms when the ends of these bones are covered with protective tissue called as cartilage breaks down. Normally older people are affected by this disease it is also called as degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis, and wear-and-tear arthritis.

The causes of Osteoarthritis are heredity,obesity, injury, repeated stress on the joint. repeated stress on the joint, genetics, bone deformities, metabolic diseases and

joint overuse and other diseases,

·         Heredity. Some people suffer from inherited defect in one of the genes responsible for making cartilage.

·         Obesity . An obese person has the increased the risk for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and spine..

·         Injury. Injuries are the major reason for development of osteoarthritis. For example, athletes who suffer from knee-related injuries may suffer from Osteoarthritis.

·         Joint overuse. Excessive use of certain joints increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

·         Other diseases. Patient suffering from arthritis develop osteoarthritis.

 

 

There are two main types of Osteoarthritis Primary Osteoarthritis and Secondary Osteoarthritis. Primary Osteoarthritis means wear and tear on joints as people age cause primary OA. Whereas Secondary Osteoarthritis involves a specific pain that is caused by cartilage breakdown.

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis done by the doctors based on physical examination and description of symptoms and certain tests like X-ray, MRI and blood tests are suggested

 

Osteoarthritis is treated by a combination of treatments, like exercise, weight loss if needed, medications, physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises, hot and cold compresses to the painful joint, In some cases surgery may be helpful to relieve pain when other treatment options are not effective.

The type of treatment will depend on several factors, like your age, activities carried out, occupation, overall health, medical history, location and severity of your osteoarthritis.

The development of Osteoarthritis cannot be prevented completely but we can slowdown the progression of it by choosing a healthy lifestyle to avoid obesity and regularly conducting physical activity or exercise programs.

Workers or athletes who perform repeat movements and put pressure on specific joints can seek guidance from a physical therapist for proper movement and muscle strengthening to reduce joint strain and prolong joint health and learn proper balance and movement techniques to lower their risk of falling and causing injury to a joint.

Physical therapist treatment has proven to be an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis and may help you avoid surgery and use of prescription painkillers. Even though the signs and symptoms about Osteoarthritisdiffer from person to person, starting an exercise program and taking into consideration of risk factors will help reduce the pain.

 

At PhysioKare you will feel at home as our Physical therapist treatment for effective movement of the joints by suggesting exercise programs.