Osteoarthritis
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In people affected by this disease the cartilage, or shiny coating that covers the ends of the bones inside the joints, becomes thinned and toughened. The end of each affected bone gradually becomes thicker and grows out sideways, causing the joint to change shape. Fluid may collect inside the joint, causing swelling.
How will osteoarthritis affect me?
Most people continue living a normal life with their osteoarthritis and do not become disabled by it. But in some people it can be very painful and disabling. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness in and around the affected joints. The pain is usually worse after exercising or walking, and at the end of the day. Your symptoms will usually change from day to day, so even if your joints are painful today, it does not mean they will stay painful in the future. You may notice that the affected joints are swollen or out of shape and tender when you knock or touch them.
How is osteoarthritis treated?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a lot that can be done to treat the pain and stiffness. We can teach you exercises to increase the mobility of your joints and strengthen your muscles. We can also provide you with devices fitted to your shoe and foot shape to support the structures of your foot. It is important to remember that you should not be afraid to continue exercising, and use pain as an indicator of when you should slow or stop during a running/walking session. Exercise is important to keep your joints flexible and to keep the muscles strong.
Self-help measures
If you are overweight and you have osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint such as your hip or knee you should try to lose weight. This will help to reduce the pressure on your joints and avoid further damage. Exercises that put less strain on joints, such as swimming and cycling, are particularly helpful. Exercising in warm water is also effective, either in a heated swimming pool or at home in a warm bath.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In people affected by this disease the cartilage, or shiny coating that covers the ends of the bones inside the joints, becomes thinned and toughened. The end of each affected bone gradually becomes thicker and grows out sideways, causing the joint to change shape. Fluid may collect inside the joint, causing swelling.
How will osteoarthritis affect me?
Most people continue living a normal life with their osteoarthritis and do not become disabled by it. But in some people it can be very painful and disabling. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness in and around the affected joints. The pain is usually worse after exercising or walking, and at the end of the day. Your symptoms will usually change from day to day, so even if your joints are painful today, it does not mean they will stay painful in the future. You may notice that the affected joints are swollen or out of shape and tender when you knock or touch them.
How is osteoarthritis treated?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a lot that can be done to treat the pain and stiffness. We can teach you exercises to increase the mobility of your joints and strengthen your muscles. We can also provide you with devices fitted to your shoe and foot shape to support the structures of your foot. It is important to remember that you should not be afraid to continue exercising, and use pain as an indicator of when you should slow or stop during a running/walking session. Exercise is important to keep your joints flexible and to keep the muscles strong.
Self-help measures
If you are overweight and you have osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint such as your hip or knee you should try to lose weight. This will help to reduce the pressure on your joints and avoid further damage. Exercises that put less strain on joints, such as swimming and cycling, are particularly helpful. Exercising in warm water is also effective, either in a heated swimming pool or at home in a warm bath.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In people affected by this disease the cartilage, or shiny coating that covers the ends of the bones inside the joints, becomes thinned and toughened. The end of each affected bone gradually becomes thicker and grows out sideways, causing the joint to change shape. Fluid may collect inside the joint, causing swelling.
How will osteoarthritis affect me?
Most people continue living a normal life with their osteoarthritis and do not become disabled by it. But in some people it can be very painful and disabling. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness in and around the affected joints. The pain is usually worse after exercising or walking, and at the end of the day. Your symptoms will usually change from day to day, so even if your joints are painful today, it does not mean they will stay painful in the future. You may notice that the affected joints are swollen or out of shape and tender when you knock or touch them.
How is osteoarthritis treated?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a lot that can be done to treat the pain and stiffness. We can teach you exercises to increase the mobility of your joints and strengthen your muscles. We can also provide you with devices fitted to your shoe and foot shape to support the structures of your foot. It is important to remember that you should not be afraid to continue exercising, and use pain as an indicator of when you should slow or stop during a running/walking session. Exercise is important to keep your joints flexible and to keep the muscles strong.
Self-help measures
If you are overweight and you have osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint such as your hip or knee you should try to lose weight. This will help to reduce the pressure on your joints and avoid further damage. Exercises that put less strain on joints, such as swimming and cycling, are particularly helpful. Exercising in warm water is also effective, either in a heated swimming pool or at home in a warm bath.