OSTEOARTHRITIS - RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT!

OSTEOARTHRITIS - RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT!

 

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES I WILL SUFFER FROM OSTEOARTRITIS (OA)? 

OA is the most common joint condition and is a growing cause of disability. More than 60% of this population is suffering from Knee joint arthritis.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING OA?

Some major risk factors for developing this condition are-

- Increasing age
- Previous joint injuries (example- meniscal tears),
- Being overweight or obese 
- Arthritis is more common is females
- Also  family history does play a role

-Urbanization is also associated with many health changes including early onset of arthritis. This maybe related to increases in bodyweight, sedentary lifestyle and dietary changes.

See your physiotherapist and get assessed! 

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CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP ME? HOW?

PHYSIOTHERAPY  IS  THE  CORE  TREATMENT  FOR  THE  PREVENTION  AS  WELL  AS MANAGEMENT  OF  OSTEOARTHRITIS 

In case of pain, physiotherapists use Electrotherapy- advanced modalities which have proved to help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints . The immediate effect of pain reduction needs to be maintained with a good exercise program!  

EXERCISE IS THE NEW AGE MEDICINE...

The best physiotherapy-customized exercise program can -

Maintain FULL JOINT RANGE OF MOVEMENT,               

Improve muscle STRENGTH and reduce loading of joints

Enhance the PHYSICAL ABILITY to perform DAILY ACTIVTIES

Improve BALANCE and reduces RISK OF FALL

Improve sleep patterns, mood and overall cardiovascular health

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

MY DOCTOR SAYS I HAVE STARTED OA RECENTLY, 

CAN I AVOID SURGERY?

YES, Physiotherapy can definitely delay or completely avoid chances of surgery.

Physiotherapy started early on in this condition, can act like a 'stitch in time which saves nine.'

Exercise is always the first line of managing OA. Evidence has proved that a good tailored exercise regime is safe and effective way of dealing with OA. Only in case of severe arthritic changes and deformity, you may have to opt for a joint replacement. 

       

CAN RUNNING GIVE ME OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Evidence suggests that in-fact recreational runners have reduced chances of developing osteoarthritis,.

Type of surface for running (tar road, a non-cemented surface, sand), quality and design of the shoes, proper warm up, cool down exercises and also strength training exercises - all affect the loading on joints. 

We strongly recommend you to visit your physiotherapist to know more and understand what is best for you!

DO I NEED PHYISOTHERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

YES. Physiotherapy after a knee replacement is a MUST and should not be avoided. A surgery maybe the answer to your ageing knee problems but it does not give you the guarantee to return to functional activities without the help of physiotherapy exercises. 

A physiotherapist can guide you to first recover the range of motion and then regain the muscle strength, improve balance and correct your walking pattern.

Hope you have fun exercising, with or without arthritis, with or without surgery.

Invest in your health today, to save yourself from disease tomorrow. 

     -Dr. Neha Gogate (PT)

     Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Team Rehab Station, Pune                         .