ARTHRITIS, that word that no-one likes to hear when seeking a diagnosis of sore, swollen joints. What exactly is arthritis and how can it be treated?
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Arthritis is a general term meaning inflammation of the joints. With over 120 different types, osteoarthritis is the most common form. Commonly referred to as OA, it is a condition where cartilage becomes thin and degenerated, losing the ability to provide support and cushioning to the joints. This can sometimes feel like the bones rubbing together, and you may hear ‘crepitus’ or grating, crackling or popping sounds coming from the joint.
Why we get OA is not fully understood. Research has shown that you are more at risk of developing the disease if you are overweight, as this places more load and stress through the major weight bearing joints such as the hip, knee and ankles. Other risk factors can include having a previous injury to a joint, such as an ACL tear in the knee. Jobs that involve increased kneeling, climbing and squatting can cause greater risk for knee OA. while heavy lifting can put hips more at risk.
For someone with OA, experiencing stiffness in the joint, especially morning stiffness is common. This tends to last for approximately 30mins, until the joint “warms” up. Many of our joints contain synovial fluid which acts like the oil in a car. When car oil sits stagnant for a period of time it gets thick and gluey. Once the car is turned on and the oil warms it becomes thin and helps the car to run smoothly. Our joints are the same. When we don’t move our joints the synovial fluid becomes thicker. However once we start moving it thins and provides the joint surface lubrication and cushioning.
What can you do to help manage the condition? Education is key. Learn about your arthritic condition and play an active role in your treatment. Treatment often involves advice and management by a physiotherapist. Exercise has been shown to have enormous benefits. It is important to keep the affected joint moving and the muscles around the joint strong to provide support. A physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program to suit your specific needs and goals. Forms of exercise that help offload the joints such as cycling and hydrotherapy are generally most suitable. Resistance training to help build muscle also plays a vital role.
One final tip: If you are a keen walker and suffer from hip or knee OA, ask your physiotherapist about walking poles. They can be an effective way to offload your affected joint and hence make walking any distance more comfortable.