Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability. The areas mostly affect by OA are the hips, knees and hands. OA is defined as the loss of cartilage leading to a degeneration of the adjacent bones associated with the inflammatory process.

Whilst the exact cause of OA is unknown it is though that there are many different triggers that initiate the disease such as:-

Lack of activity
Previous joint injury
Obesity
Gender
Age
Abnormal joint alignment
Genetics

The signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Joint pain post exercise and relieved at rest
Joint stiffness in the morning
Reduced function
Reduced range of movement
Pain on movement
Swelling
Tenderness
Bony spurs due to osteophytes
Crepitus
Muscles weakness
Joint instability

OA can greatly reduce the quality of life and every measure should be taken to maintain healthy joints and disrupt the pathology of the disease by seeking physiotherapy treatment as the sooner it is diagnosed and treated the greater chances that it can be slowed down.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis may consist of the following modalities:-

Hydrotherapy
Electrotherapy
Pilates
Soft tissue massage
Exercise programs
Biomechanical correction
Joint mobilisation