
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine and hands. OA develops over time due to wear and tear on the joints, aging, joint injury, obesity and genetic factors.

Understanding Osteoarthritis:
Cartilage Degradation: Cartilage is the firm, slippery tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage breaks down and wears away, causing bones to rub against each other leading to pain, swelling and loss of joint motion.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Joint pain, especially after activity or at the end of the day.
Stiffness in the affected joint, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling or tenderness around the joint.
Decreased range of motion and difficulty moving the joint.
Grating sensation or the formation of bone spurs around the joint.
Impact on Quality of Life: Osteoarthritis can significantly impact daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life, making simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even grasping objects difficult and painful.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Osteoarthritis:
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing osteoarthritis by providing targeted treatments aimed at reducing pain, improving joint function and enhancing overall mobility. Here are ways physiotherapy can help:
Exercise Therapy: Physiotherapists prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve joint stability and maintain or increase range of motion. Strengthening exercises help support the joint and reduce stress on the affected area.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage can help reduce pain, stiffness and improve joint flexibility. Manual therapy techniques also aim to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce muscle tension around the joint.
Education and Self-Management: Physiotherapists educate patients about osteoarthritis, including its causes, symptoms and strategies for managing pain and preserving joint function. This includes advice on lifestyle modifications, ergonomic adjustments and techniques for joint protection during daily activities.
Modalities: Physiotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, heat/cold therapy and electrical stimulation may be used to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing in the affected joints.
Assistive Devices and Orthotics: Physiotherapists can assess the need for assistive devices like walking sticks or walkers frames to reduce joint stress and improve mobility. They may also recommend orthotic devices such as braces or shoe inserts to support the joint and alleviate pain during weight-bearing activities.
Weight Management: For patients with osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints, physiotherapists provide guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight can increase stress on joints, exacerbating symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis:
Pain Relief: Physiotherapy interventions aim to reduce pain through various modalities and manual techniques.
Improved Functionality: Exercises and manual therapy techniques help improve joint range of motion, flexibility, and overall functional abilities.
Prevention of Further Degeneration: Physiotherapy helps educate patients on joint protection techniques and exercises to prevent worsening of osteoarthritis symptoms.
In summary, physiotherapy is a cornerstone in the management of osteoarthritis, offering non-invasive, personalised treatments that aim to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life for individuals affected by this degenerative joint disease. Early intervention and a comprehensive physiotherapy plan can significantly alleviate symptoms and optimise long-term outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis.