Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects millions of people.  It is thought that over 500 million people have it around the world.  So, its fair to say that Osteoarthritis is a relatively common condition. It typically starts to show symptoms after the age of 45.  People with OA will mention to me that they have pain and discomfort around the joints, swelling and stiffness. Stiffness is often worse in the morning after waking up or after sitting for a while. Osteoarthritis is effectively when the slippery cartilage between the bones wears out and becomes thinner.

The good news is that although it cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed.  In this blog I want to explain some measures that you can take to improve osteoarthritis pain.

Stop smoking- 

 We all know that smoking is bad for our lungs and heart but did you know it can affect the joints too?

Smoking increases inflammation within the body and therefore the joints.  We want to reduce inflammation to reduce pain.  

Smoking also reduces blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to the joints.  As well as reducing bone density that could make you more prone to fractures.  

Weight Management-

It makes sense that if there is less weight on the joints there will be less strain on them. By reducing your body-weight, your knees, hips and ankles will be under less pressure. It is important to consult a nutritionist to advise you on the correct amount of calories to consume.

Your choice of food is also important. You need to avoid foods that create inflammation. As a general rule you want to avoid processed sugary foods and alcohol. Toby, our nutritionist at Bodyfix Clinic can advise you more on this. (read more here)

Exercise–

There are many reasons why exercise is important for OA. Firstly it will help with weight loss (see above).

Secondly it will stimulate the fluid in the joints. Synovial fluid coats the surfaces of the bones and adds lubrication. Think of it like the oil in your car engine. When the fluid is warmed during exercise, it will bathe the joints in the fluid, delivering fresh nutrients to the cartilage.

Thirdly strengthening the muscles will help with muscle imbalances and improve the mobility of the joints.

People with OA are often scared of moving joints because they feel it will damage them in someway. The opposite is actually true. It is important to keep as much movement and mobility as possible.

 Osteopathy-

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy and we can use various techniques to improve mobility of the joints. One such technique is called traction and this involves gently pulling on the joint to create space within the joint. This reduces the pressure between the bones and also helps the synovial fluid to coat the joint surfaces.

 

Acupuncture-

Pain relief can be achieved through acupuncture. Thin needles can be inserted into specific points on the body. This ancient Chinese practice stimulates healing and pain relief.

Managing OA requires a comprehensive approach. Lifestyle changes, Osteopathy therapy etc are all key. These strategies can help maintain an active and pain-free life. Always consult a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan.

For more information or to book Osteopathy, Acupuncture or Nutritional advice contact us here or call 0208-394-0393