Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition involving the cartilage and underling bone of a joint. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common hip and knee problems in older adults aged 65+. OA affects everyone differently, which means that symptoms will vary from person to person.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain (severity with vary).
- Stiffness.
- Reduced range of motion in the joint.
- How long you can exercise/walk.
- Swelling.
What can cause osteoarthritis?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. But it is known some factors can put an individual at risk of developing this condition.
These include:
- Lack of physical activity/sedentary lifestyle.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Family history of osteoarthritis.
- Previous hip or knee joint injuries/trauma.
- Occupation (jobs that put excessive strain on these joints).
Unfortunately, this condition is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, meaning sometimes surgery is necessary to get rid of the pain. Even then, sometimes not everyone gets back their knee/hip range of motion back. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help you manage your knee/hip pain. For example, a combination of weight loss, exercise, and medication. Exercise, however, is a long-term treatment for a condition that worsens over time. Strengthening muscles around the hip/knee help that can improve the pain, pain-free range of motion of the joint, how long you can walk pain free and, in some cases, lead you to an outcome where you may not require surgery! In fact, the earlier you seek treatment, the better the results!
OA of the joint wherever it may be is common, so if you have OA, book in with Back in Motion Braybrook so we can help you on your journey to pain-free movement.