subject: Osteoarthritis Exercises - Physiotherapy Treatment [print this page] Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with aging, though younger people suffer from the disease as well. The most common form of arthritis, OA is the result of degeneration of the cushioning cartilage that rests between bones. This condition, while often slow to develop, can ultimately be very painful and debilitating. Most generally, the condition affects the feet, knees, hips and spine.
While the condition is associated with old age, people do get it when younger; men are more likely than women to have OA before the age of 45, and women are more likely to have it after age 55 than men, reflective of the process set into motion by menopause. However, most people over the age of 70 experience the effects of OA to greater or lesser degrees.
OA can also be genetic; it is commonly found in multiple members of the same family. OA occurs as the composition of the cartilage changes in the aging process: water content in the cartilage increases while the protein diminishes. The loss of protein, and its binding properties, results in flaking and eventual loss of the cartilage. This loss of cartilage causes pain and irritation in the joint, which limits mobility. It can also cause new growth of bone in the area (so-called spurs), which can also result in joint pain.
Though it is possible to be asymptomatic, most people do report symptoms, chiefly, they report pain, which is exacerbated by exercise and weight bearing; and tends subside with rest. OA is also characterized by grating of the joint when in motion, swelling of the joint, limited mobility, morning stiffness, and pain in rainy weather. It is possible to have OA and be asymptomatic also.
Treatment focuses on efforts to reduce pain relief, increase joint mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Medications used in the treatment of OA include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available without a prescription. One drawback to NSAIDs, however, is that they can cause stomach problems when used over a long period of time. Many OA suffers have a need to take them for long periods of time.
Doctors also prescribe to their OA patients COX-2 inhibitors, which prevent swelling. However, use of COX-2 inhibitors was recently linked to increased risk of heart and stroke, and so the FDA has reevaluated its approval of the drugs. Steroids, injected directly into the joint, are also used in the treatment of OA. And, over the counter supplements like glucosamine and chrondroitan are used to treat OA. Finally, artificial joint fluid can be injected into the knee and provide pain relief for up to six months at a time.
Many people get relief from osteoarthritis exercises, which also help prevent further deterioration. Exercises are often specific to the affected joints, but in general are designed to increase the strength of the muscles surrounding the joint. Building up these muscles allows for less load bearing on the joint, which reduces pain and inflammation. It also helps to prevent the body from maladjusting to the presence of the pain in the joint, which can cause further issues.
Swimming, stretching, biking and weight training designed to work muscles by not joints are all common OA exercises. Knee exercises for OA suffers, for example, often focus on the VMO muscle, which sits at the inside top portion of the knee and is responsible for lateral movement as well as weight distribution.
Doctors also recommend resistance training, and for those who suffer from osteoarthritis physiotherapy tools and techniques have been found to be very useful.
Other treatments include: alternating use of hot and cold on the affected joint, ensuring that you get plenty of rest, eating a well balanced diet, protecting the joints from strain and losing weight.
Weight loss is sometimes recommended as well. Excess weight on these joints will only complicate a recover and worsen pain, and excess weight is associated with less exercise, which is critical to maintain for those seek to reduce pain and inflammation associated with OA.
Some people with OA use braces and splints to alleviate pressure on the joints, and limit movement, which prevents further damage to the joint.
In more severe cases of OA, surgery can done t replace damaged joint or repair them. There are different surgical options, including arthroscopic surgery, which is used to trim damaged cartilage. There is also a cartilage restoration technique used to replace damaged cartilage; this option is more frequently used in younger patients.
There is also a surgical technique called an osteotomy, which is used to realign the bone in order to relieve stress on the joint. Finally, surgeons also sometimes fuse bones, or conduct total or partial replacement of damage joints with artificial joints.
Summary
OA is a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage that sits in joints between bones. When cartilage is damaged, friction is created in the joint, which results in pain, inflammation and lack of mobility. These issues tend to worsen over time without treatment. Medications range from simple pain relievers that can be purchased over the counter to more serious prescribed medications that are used to reduce swelling and pain.
