OSTEOARTHRITIS – RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT!
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES I WILL SUFFER FROM OSTEOARTRITIS (OA)?
OA is the most common joint condition and is a growing cause of disability. More than 60% of this population is suffering from Knee joint arthritis.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING OA?
Some major risk factors for developing this condition are-
– Increasing age
– Previous joint injuries (example- meniscal tears),
– Being overweight or obese
– Arthritis is more common is females
– Also family history does play a role
-Urbanization is also associated with many health changes including early onset of arthritis. This maybe related to increases in bodyweight, sedentary lifestyle and dietary changes.
See your physiotherapist and get assessed!
CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP ME? HOW?
PHYSIOTHERAPY IS THE CORE TREATMENT FOR THE PREVENTION AS WELL AS MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS
In case of pain, physiotherapists use Electrotherapy– advanced modalities which have proved to help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints . The immediate effect of pain reduction needs to be maintained with a good exercise program!
EXERCISE IS THE NEW AGE MEDICINE…
The best physiotherapy-customized exercise program can –
Maintain FULL JOINT RANGE OF MOVEMENT,
Improve muscle STRENGTH and reduce loading of joints
Enhance the PHYSICAL ABILITY to perform DAILY ACTIVTIES
Improve BALANCE and reduces RISK OF FALL
Improve sleep patterns, mood and overall cardiovascular health
MY DOCTOR SAYS I HAVE STARTED OA RECENTLY,
CAN I AVOID SURGERY?
YES, Physiotherapy can definitely delay or completely avoid chances of surgery.
Physiotherapy started early on in this condition, can act like a ‘stitch in time which saves nine.’
Exercise is always the first line of managing OA. Evidence has proved that a good tailored exercise regime is safe and effective way of dealing with OA. Only in case of severe arthritic changes and deformity, you may have to opt for a joint replacement.
CAN RUNNING GIVE ME OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Evidence suggests that in-fact recreational runners have reduced chances of developing osteoarthritis,.
Type of surface for running (tar road, a non-cemented surface, sand), quality and design of the shoes, proper warm up, cool down exercises and also strength training exercises – all affect the loading on joints.
We strongly recommend you to visit your physiotherapist to know more and understand what is best for you!
Hope you have fun exercising, with or without arthritis, with or without surgery.
Invest in your health today, to save yourself from disease tomorrow. –
Dr. Neha Gogate (PT)
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Team Rehab Station, Pune .
2 Comments
Ravi Mahajan · September 2, 2022 at 10:24 am
Does OA affect hands – Arms. What is the periodicity of its painful attacks ? Is the PT sufficient or any supplements are required
Rehab Station · September 5, 2022 at 9:38 am
Yes OA does commonly affect the small joints in the fingers and hand, can also affect the shoulder joint.
Differential diagnosis can be Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
In elderly people the prevalence of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis is estimated to be 26%
for women and 13% for men. Symptomatic hand
osteoarthritis has a great impact on daily functioning and health-related quality of life.
Patients suffer from pain and joint stiffness and
grip strength is reduced by more than 40% compared to healthy persons. On an average, hand
mobility is restricted in all digits, in particular
digits I, II and III.
Research suggests positive effects of using supplements in patients with OA, most commonly – Vit D