There are many types of arthritis but by far the most common type that osteopaths
see in practice is osteoarthritis, which affects around 8.5 million people in
the UK.
So what is it?
Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as wear and tear, is a condition
that affects joints and usually develops over a period of time. In a healthy
joint there is cartilage on the bony surfaces to aid joint movement, prevent
bony damage and provide shock absorption, in osteoarthritis this is the first
thing to be affected. The body’s constant maintenance of the cartilage slows
and it begins to thin until eventually the joint ends up as bone on bone. The
body tries to compensate by growing bone (osteophytes) in places where there
should be cartilage.
This whole process is painful! The irritation of joint surfaces causes
inflammation and swelling, also the muscles associated with the joint tighten
up in order to try to protect it.
Wear and tear in one joint (or a few joints) can cause you to move
differently and cause problems elsewhere.
What joints does it affect?
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but most commonly it affects
joints that have been overused, suffered trauma or are weight bearing. In
practice the areas that I see most commonly affected are the neck, low back,
hips and knees.
Who does it affect?
Usually osteoarthritis develops in people over 50 however it may be
earlier if a joint has suffered a trauma or overuse. It is also to do with your
genetics, more common in women and if you are overweight.
What can be done about it?
Unfortunately osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, however it can be
managed and prevented from getting dramatically worse. Standard medical
treatment may involve pain management, lifestyle changes, exercise programmes,
steroid injections and perhaps eventually joint replacement.
Osteopaths can help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis with manual
treatment by loosening tight muscle around the joint, improve fluid drainage
away from the joint, improve joint mobility and ensure that other areas are
functioning properly so that the affected joint does not have to overwork.
A diagnosis of osteoarthritis or wear and tear does not have to result
in a down hill path! Don’t let pain stop you doing what you love; we can help!
Please get in contact: 07977367222 charlotte@rockinghamforestosteopaths.co.uk
