Osteoarthritis is a natural age-related change to our joints. It is commonly referred to as “wear and tear” and is the most common type of arthritis, usually present in people over 50 years of age. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of cartilage, which is the tissue that covers the end of the bones helping the joints glide smoothly,
Ageing does not necessarily mean that we will experience discomfort, pain or stiffness. If you do notice changes which are impacting your physical abilities, many people often find that the care and advice from an osteopath can help you manage these allowing you to enjoy the pleasures of life into your later years.
Many people also find it helpful to talk to an osteopath about ways of keeping active, preventing common problems such as falls, or managing conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain and osteoporosis.
We know that as you get older you can still have healthy joints!
How Can We Help With Osteoarthritis?
At Body Beliefs, we take a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnoses, treatment and prevention of pain. We will gather information about your symptoms, relevant health and medical history, how the pain is impacting your daily activities and consider any ergonomic or environmental influences. We will then conduct a thorough osteopathic assessment and examination. This enables us to clearly explain what caused your pain, and why it happened. We will then provide specialist, hands-on treatment, and offer exercises and advice to accelerate your recovery and manage the problem.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
The primary cause of osteoarthritis is age-related degenerative changes to the joints. As we age, the cartilage in our joints can become thinner and less flexible, making them more susceptible to damage. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis include:
- Obesity: carrying extra weight can put more stress on the joints, leading to more wear and tear
- Genetics: certain genetic conditions can make a person more susceptible to osteoarthritis
- Injury: previous joint injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.
- Repetitive motions: Certain occupations or sports that involve repetitive motions can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis
It's worth noting that age and genetics are the most common cause of osteoarthritis, and it can develop naturally over time even without the presence of other risk factors.
What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Pain: The joint may be painful or achy, especially when it is used.
- Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.
- Swelling: The joint may be swollen or tender to the touch.
- Limited range of motion: The joint may be harder to move or less flexible than normal.
- Crepitus: a crackling or popping sound may be heard when moving the joint
- Loss of muscle strength: As the joint becomes less stable, muscle weakness may occur in the surrounding area
It's worth noting that not all people with osteoarthritis will have the same symptoms and severity can vary. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have severe pain and disability. Symptoms can also come and go and can be affected by factors such as weather, stress and physical activity.
How Do We Treat Osteoarthritis?
Although there currently isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis, it is something that can be managed through nutrition, exercise, weight management and positive healthy lifestyle changes.
When it comes to treating osteoarthritis, we at Body Beliefs take a holistic approach using a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve function. These may include physical manipulation, mobilisation, stretching, soft tissue massage, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. We will work closely with you to identify any underlying causes of the pain and address them through hands-on treatment, lifestyle changes and advice.
At Body Beliefs, we pride ourselves on "exceeding expectations", as evidenced by the glowing 5-star reviews from our satisfied patients on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook. To schedule an appointment, please book online or call 01277 676 676.
