What is Osteoarthritis?

What is it? 

OA usually presents as an ache in the joint that made worse with a lot of activity or long periods of stillness.
Osteoarthritis is often described as wear and tear of the cartilage inside joints, although this can be a helpful analogy when talking about the condition, it is often not the whole story. 
Osteoarthritis (OA) is usually something that builds up over time and can become more or less painful with sudden changes to activity. 
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What Causes OA?
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Researchers are not certain what causes osteoarthritis. There are a number of risk factors, such as age, trauma or surgery to the joint, and a family history of OA. Over-use or repetitive use of a joint is though to play some role in the development of the condition. However, experts believe the benefit of activity far outweighs the possible risk of developing OA and that exercise can sometimes even be protective against osteoarthritis.

Do I need to stop exercising?

No, in fact, well prescribed exercise is how the condition is treated. While your symptoms are especially flared up, you may need to reduce weight-bearing exercise such as walking or running, while you work with a physio to settle your pain and begin to strengthen your knee. You physio can also work with you to find alternative exercise and activities, such cycling or swimming, while your pain settles.

Can it be fixed?

While the cartilage itself may not improve when looked at on x-rays, pain levels can be improved significantly with activity modification, strength and mobility exercises. Specific exercise to improve strength of the muscles surrounding the knee will improve the body’s ability to adsorb shock through the muscles rather than the joint itself. 

If you think you might have OA get in touch with us as let us see how we can help!

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