Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease affecting mainly the hips, knees, lower back, neck, and the small joints in the hand and feet. This condition can be very debilitating and mainly effects older aged peopled (40+ years of age). OA affects 1 in 13 people.
The Normal Process of OA:
- In normal joints cartilage covers the end of each bone allowing a smooth gliding motion while providing cushion in the joint.
- Individuals who have OA have breakdown of the cartilage causing pain, swelling, and problems with joint movement.
- As OA worsens the bones may breakdown and bone spurs will develop
Risk Factors of OA:
Unmodifiable risk factors
- Age: 40+ years of age.
- Gender:
- Men: More due to knee trauma
- Women: More prevalent in women
- Family history
- Race: more prevalent in Asian culture
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Injury: Previous trauma = has high correlation of OA
- Obesity
- Occupation: overuse injury
Signs and Symptoms of OA:
- Joint Pain
- Swelling around the joint
- Increased pain with extensive use
- Morning joint stiffness
- Loss of mobility in region.
- Asymmetrical: when comparing sides, joints look different
Physiotherapy Management of OA:
Main problems:
- Decrease function (i.e. struggles with stairs, limp, balance)
- Decrease muscle strength
- Pain
- Decrease in mobility at joint
Goals:
- Reduce pain
- Increase mobility (i.e. walking)
- Increase in function (gait, posture, ADLS’s)
- Weight loss
- Increase strength
What we can provide:
- Exercise
- Hydrotherapy
- Massage
- Orthotics/Bracing/Taping
- Weight loss
Please call 1300 122 884 if you would like one of our experienced Physiotherapists to assess your current condition. We can immediately provide treatment to reduce OA pain and improve mobility and function. Learn more about knee osteoarthritis here.
