Arthritis

How Does Osteoarthritis Affect People?

Most people develop some degree of osteoarthritis especially as they get older. The changes are permanent and exist even when there are no symptoms. 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 physiotherapy and/or anti-inflammatory medication.
Treatment methods may include gentle passive movement, heat, splints and advice on preventing further joint damage through self management.
Specific exercise prescription is also a proven therapy in the management of arthritis.

Symptoms And SignsRecurring 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 Physiotherapy Can Help
We 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.Assess and treat biomechanical problems that may exacerbate the pain and loss of function.

How You Can Help YourselfAlways respect pain.Avoid over-stressing joints.Avoid jerky/sudden movements.Don't overload joints.Take care with lifting.Watch you weight.Improve your body alignment to take stress off any arthritic joints.Use splints or walking aids as advised.Don't overdo activity or exercises.

Exercises - How Do They Help?
Exercise for people with osteoarthritis should be individually prescribed. Our physiotherapists can devise a programme of exercises to suit your condition. As a general rule remember if any exercise hurts then DON'T DO IT.
Recent physiotherapy research has consistently shown exercise to be effective in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Exercises Help ByMaintaining or increasing movements.Improving joint lubrication and nutrition.Restoring muscle balance.Improving circulation.Improving strength and stability.Improving you 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
Whilst rest is an important part of managing your osteoarthritis, it is usually balanced with exercises and activity. In particular rest is required when joints are HOT, SWOLLEN OR PAINFUL.