05 Jul What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease that manifests as joint pain. It is of the most common forms of arthritis, affects millions of people around the world. Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes the cartilage in the bone joints to deteriorate. Besides the breaking down of cartilage, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint by causing the bone, the connective tissues that hold the joints together and the muscles attached to the bone to become weakened. This disease can result in pain and the loss of function of the affected joint. Although any joint in the body can be affected by this disease, osteoarthritis commonly occurs in the knees, hips and spine, and the joints that tend to bear most of the body’s weight.
Osteoarthritis is not only a disease of ageing, or one that only affects the elderly. Other risk factors include:
- being overweight or obese
- a previous significant injury to the joint
- An infection in the joint
- repetitive movements and strain due to your job, hobbies, or sports that you may play.
- genetics – the genes you inherit can play a role in the development of osteoarthritis.
- gender – women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis may vary between individuals, but they often include the following:
- stiffness
- pain associated with movement
- joint swelling and tenderness
- muscle weakness
- joint instability
- reduced flexibility and range of movement in the joint
- hearing sounds, such as a click or pop, within the joints
- Getting fatigued easily
If you suffer from osteoarthritis and experiencing continuous joint pain, it is important for you to see your GP or a preferred healthcare professional for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. It is vital that your condition is managed by a healthcare professional that specialises in this disease as they will be suited to develop an appropriate management plan for you. Managing osteoarthritis successfully requires full understanding of the condition and appropriately planning and pacing out your daily activities. Because there is no cure for osteoarthritis, your management plan needs to focus on controlling pain, improving joint function and maintaining a healthy body, mind and lifestyle.
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to osteoarthritis treatment and patient management and care. Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle hands-on techniques to help relieve your pain, reduce stiffness and tension, stretch the muscles and improve joint mobilisation. Treatment plans are tailored to suit the individual needs of each patient, depending on their age, fitness level and diagnosis. Many patients also find it helpful to talk to an osteopath about how to keep active and how to prevent common problems associated with osteoarthritis.
At OsteoVision, our team of specialists are always available to assist you and offer advice. Please contact us if you would like to discuss these symptoms, have any questions, would like to book an appointment or require more information about osteoarthritis.
Call: 03303 904 300
Email: info@osteovision.life
You can also book an appointment online at www.osteovision.life
Bibliography:
Betterhealth.vic.gov.au. 2019. Osteoarthritis – Better Health Channel. [online] Available at: <https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/osteoarthritis> [Accessed 21 July 2021].
Hull, B., 2017. What is Osteoarthritis? How can Osteopathy help? – East Gippsland Osteopathic Clinic. [online] East Gippsland Osteopathic Clinic. Available at: <https://eastgippslandosteopathy.com.au/2017/02/what-is-osteoarthritis-how-can-osteopathy-help/> [Accessed 21 July 2021].
Mayo Clinic. 2021. Osteoarthritis – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925> [Accessed 21 July 2021].