One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It damages your joints through wear and tear. Wear and tear of our joints may occur due to aging, injury, prolonged poor posture, overuse of joints, or excess weight.

Arthritis can be painful and depressing. There is no cure, but there are ways of managing the condition and making life easier. Physiotherapy is an important part of that management.

How Does Osteoarthritis Affect People?

Most people develop some degree of osteoarthritis especially as they get older. The changes are permanent and will exist even when there are no symptoms. Osteoarthritis affects people in varying degrees. Some people may be symptom-free or suffer only mild or intermittent pain provoked by episodes of increased use or minor trauma.

For some people symptoms can be disabling and, when it involves the larger joints of the body such as the hip or the knee, the severity of the problem may require surgical treatment.

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis is one of 150 different forms of arthritis for which there are different treatments. Your general medical practitioner can make a diagnosis. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and/or physiotherapy.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapists are highly qualified in the assessment and treatment of the effects of osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy can:

reduce pain improve movement and posture strengthen muscles improve independent function

Treatment methods may include gentle passive movement, heat, electrical treatments, hydrotherapy, splints and advice on preventing further joint damage.

Symptoms and Signs

• recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
• stiffness, particularly early morning stiffness
• swelling in a joint
• obvious redness or heat in a joint
• inability to move a joint

How You Can Help

always respect pain avoid overstressing joints avoid jerky/sudden movements don't overload joints take care with lifting watch your weight use splints or walking aids as advised use labour saving devices don't overdo activity or exercises

Exercises - How Do They Help?

Exercises for people with osteoarthritis should be individually prescribed. Your physiotherapist can devise a program of exercises to suit your condition. As a general rule remember if any exercise hurts then DON'T DO IT.

Exercises help by:

• maintaining or increasing movement
• improving joint lubrication and nutrition
• restoring muscle balance
• improving circulation
• improving strength and stability
• improving poor posture

Don't forget to maintain your GENERAL FITNESS LEVEL - this helps you feel better and retain your healthy joints. Gentle regular exercises such as swimming, exercising in water (hydrotherapy), walking or cycling are recommended.

Rest Rest is an important part of managing your osteoarthritis. Usually rest is balanced with exercises and activity. In particular rest is required when joints are HOT, SWOLLEN OR PAINFUL.