WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
Arthritis refers to inflammation and gradual degeneration of a joint. This can happen in the larger joints that bear weight such as the hips, knees and spine or in the smaller joints such as the fingers, wrists and toes. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects more than 1.3 million Australians according to the Australian Department of Health and Aging. It is more common in women than men, and with increasing age.
How can I tell if I have osteoarthritis?
With osteoarthritis the joints become increasingly painful when under load such as the knee or hip during and after walking. They also tend to feel stiff and sore after long periods of inactivity such as getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Over time the affected joint or joints will gradually get larger. This is due to extra bone growth around the joint and is quite obvious in the knees and fingers. At times there may also be some fluid swelling around the joint.
The spine can also be affected particularly in the lower back and lower neck regions. This may lead to pain and stiffness in your back or neck but it is important to realise that you can have fairly marked arthritis in your spine and have virtually no symptoms at other than some stiffness and reduced range of movement. You may well be told that your back or neck pain is due to arthritis simply because it is seen on X ray. However, if your pain came on fairly quickly it is unlikely to be due to arthritis as it takes years for arthritis to develop. If you have been told that your back or neck pain is due to arthritis don't accept the diagnosis before speaking with an Osteopath.
Don’t forget that there are other causes of achy, swollen joints and painful muscles including other forms of arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis so make sure you speak to an Osteopath in order to get a proper diagnosis so that you can take the most appropriate action. Don’t just assume that your problem is arthritis – it could be something much easier to deal with.
What causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, often described as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, is caused by a process of inflammation of the smooth cartilage surrounding a joint. The surface becomes less smooth and eventually wears away. With normal use a joint can last a lifetime, however abnormal or excessive use, or having an injury to the joint can cause this wearing process to accelerate. Old football injuries, car accidents, years of heavy lifting or doing repetitive activities such as squatting, kneeling, assembly line work or even computer work can accelerate the ‘wear and tear’ process. Being overweight also puts extra strain on hips and knees and is a major contributing factor to the development of Osteoarthritis in these joints. However, it is not purely a mechanical issue and can also be affected by diet and other aspects of lifestyle and general health.
What can Osteopaths do to help prevent and treat Osteoarthritis?
First of all a good assessment of the situation is vital. Often people assume that their ache or pain is due to arthritis when this may not be the problem at all, or it may be due to mild arthritis combined with muscle tension or other issues.
Other parts of the body may also be in trouble. For example an arthritic knee may affect the hip, pelvis or lower back causing extra problems such as back or hip pain. This can also work the other way – a problem in the back can cause postural changes which affect the way you walk which can then put extra stress on your hips and knees causing hip and or knee pain and possibly accelerate the wear and tear process in these joints.
Osteopaths aim to assess and treat these other issues in order to improve overall body function and thus endeavor the prevent arthritis developing in the first place or to minimise the discomfort felt in an already arthritic joint.. Your osteopath will also offer advice on the right forms of gentle exercise that can help mobilise the affected joints and release surrounding muscle tension as well as on dietary factors that may be involved.
Osteopathic treatment cannot cure arthritis or even reverse arthritic change in your joints. Instead it aims to reduce your pain and stiffness and minimise any further arthritic change in the affected joint or joints so that you can lead a more comfortable and active life.
Good general health and well being are dependent on regular movement and activity. Thus consulting an Osteopath could well make a considerable difference to your ability to move freely and comfortably and therefore give a significant improvement to your overall quality of life.
What are some other things I can do to help my arthritis?
If you have a diagnosis of arthritis, apart from seeing and Osteopath, there are several things that you can do yourself to help. It is really important to stay fit and active. Arthritis Tasmania runs excellent warm water exercise classes – these really are worth the trouble of getting wet! Ring Arthritis Tasmania on 1800 011 041 and join. They also offer Tai Chi for arthritis and other forms of support. You could also discuss your arthritis and other health issues with a qualified Naturopath, who will be able to suggest herbs and dietary modifications that may be of benefit.
How can I tell if I have osteoarthritis?
With osteoarthritis the joints become increasingly painful when under load such as the knee or hip during and after walking. They also tend to feel stiff and sore after long periods of inactivity such as getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Over time the affected joint or joints will gradually get larger. This is due to extra bone growth around the joint and is quite obvious in the knees and fingers. At times there may also be some fluid swelling around the joint.
The spine can also be affected particularly in the lower back and lower neck regions. This may lead to pain and stiffness in your back or neck but it is important to realise that you can have fairly marked arthritis in your spine and have virtually no symptoms at other than some stiffness and reduced range of movement. You may well be told that your back or neck pain is due to arthritis simply because it is seen on X ray. However, if your pain came on fairly quickly it is unlikely to be due to arthritis as it takes years for arthritis to develop. If you have been told that your back or neck pain is due to arthritis don't accept the diagnosis before speaking with an Osteopath.
Don’t forget that there are other causes of achy, swollen joints and painful muscles including other forms of arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis so make sure you speak to an Osteopath in order to get a proper diagnosis so that you can take the most appropriate action. Don’t just assume that your problem is arthritis – it could be something much easier to deal with.
What causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, often described as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, is caused by a process of inflammation of the smooth cartilage surrounding a joint. The surface becomes less smooth and eventually wears away. With normal use a joint can last a lifetime, however abnormal or excessive use, or having an injury to the joint can cause this wearing process to accelerate. Old football injuries, car accidents, years of heavy lifting or doing repetitive activities such as squatting, kneeling, assembly line work or even computer work can accelerate the ‘wear and tear’ process. Being overweight also puts extra strain on hips and knees and is a major contributing factor to the development of Osteoarthritis in these joints. However, it is not purely a mechanical issue and can also be affected by diet and other aspects of lifestyle and general health.
What can Osteopaths do to help prevent and treat Osteoarthritis?
First of all a good assessment of the situation is vital. Often people assume that their ache or pain is due to arthritis when this may not be the problem at all, or it may be due to mild arthritis combined with muscle tension or other issues.
Other parts of the body may also be in trouble. For example an arthritic knee may affect the hip, pelvis or lower back causing extra problems such as back or hip pain. This can also work the other way – a problem in the back can cause postural changes which affect the way you walk which can then put extra stress on your hips and knees causing hip and or knee pain and possibly accelerate the wear and tear process in these joints.
Osteopaths aim to assess and treat these other issues in order to improve overall body function and thus endeavor the prevent arthritis developing in the first place or to minimise the discomfort felt in an already arthritic joint.. Your osteopath will also offer advice on the right forms of gentle exercise that can help mobilise the affected joints and release surrounding muscle tension as well as on dietary factors that may be involved.
Osteopathic treatment cannot cure arthritis or even reverse arthritic change in your joints. Instead it aims to reduce your pain and stiffness and minimise any further arthritic change in the affected joint or joints so that you can lead a more comfortable and active life.
Good general health and well being are dependent on regular movement and activity. Thus consulting an Osteopath could well make a considerable difference to your ability to move freely and comfortably and therefore give a significant improvement to your overall quality of life.
What are some other things I can do to help my arthritis?
If you have a diagnosis of arthritis, apart from seeing and Osteopath, there are several things that you can do yourself to help. It is really important to stay fit and active. Arthritis Tasmania runs excellent warm water exercise classes – these really are worth the trouble of getting wet! Ring Arthritis Tasmania on 1800 011 041 and join. They also offer Tai Chi for arthritis and other forms of support. You could also discuss your arthritis and other health issues with a qualified Naturopath, who will be able to suggest herbs and dietary modifications that may be of benefit.