"Osteoarthritis: How to Keep Moving and Living Well"

Read Time: 6 minutes ⏱️

Welcome back! 🫡

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can make even the simplest movements painful.

Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging, but there are many ways to reduce pain and improve joint function.

Today, we’re unpacking osteoarthritis, its causes, and how to manage it effectively

We Will Explore

• What is Osteoarthritis?

• Key Symptoms of Osteoarthritis 📝

• How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed? 🩺

• What Causes Osteoarthritis? 🧠

• Living with Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options 🛠️

• Why Early Management Matters ⏳

• Final Thoughts 💭

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears down.

This results in pain, swelling, and reduced movement in the affected joints, most commonly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

As the cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub against each other, causing further damage to the joint.

OA is often referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, but it's not just a condition of old age—it can affect people of all ages, particularly those with a history of joint injury.

Key Symptoms of Osteoarthritis 📝

If you’re dealing with osteoarthritis, you may experience:

• Joint pain: Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

• Stiffness: Stiffness in the affected joints, especially after periods of inactivity or when waking up in the morning.

• Swelling: Swelling or tenderness around the affected joints.

• Loss of flexibility: Decreased range of motion in the affected joints.

• Grating sensation: You may hear or feel a grinding sensation in your joints, especially during movement.

• Bone spurs: Hard lumps may form around the joint, as the body tries to compensate for the loss of cartilage.

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed? 🩺

Diagnosing OA usually involves a physical examination to assess the range of motion, swelling, and tenderness in your joints.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to detect joint damage and confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, your doctor may perform blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What Causes Osteoarthritis? 🧠

Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, but several factors can increase your risk:

1. Age: The risk of developing OA increases as you age, with most cases occurring in people over 50.

2. Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the likelihood of developing OA.

3. Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.

4. Repetitive Movements: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motions can wear down the cartilage over time.

5. Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may increase your risk of developing the condition.

Living with Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options 🛠️

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve joint function:

1. Exercise Range & Strength
   Regular strength and cardio exercises, can strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve flexibility. Strength Exercise can also help you maintain range of motion and reduce pain.

2. Weight Management
   Losing weight can reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly in the knees and hips, helping to slow the progression of OA.

3. Massage Therapy
   Massage can help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain in areas affected by osteoarthritis.

4. Joint Bracing / Taping
   Wearing a brace or using orthotics can provide additional support and reduce strain on the affected joints.

5. Pain Relief Medications
   Over-the-counter pain relievers, like paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. (Not Recommended on a regular basis- Try to stay natural with pain relief, such as herbals, ice, heat, eat anti inflammatory foods.) Injections
   Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may be used to provide temporary pain relief and improve joint function.

6. Surgery
   In severe cases, joint replacement surgery (such as knee or hip replacement) may be necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Why Early Management Matters ⏳

Early intervention can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce pain. By adopting a proactive treatment plan, you can maintain mobility and continue to enjoy your daily activities with less discomfort.

At Lincs Injury, we offer a range of therapies to help manage osteoarthritis, from physical therapy and massage to lifestyle advice, ensuring you get the personalised care you need.

Final Thoughts 💭

Osteoarthritis may be a chronic condition, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people with OA can manage their symptoms and continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.

Know someone living with osteoarthritis?

Share this article to help them manage their symptoms and find relief. 🧡

Lincs Injury Team x

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