The most typical kind of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). Degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis is two names. The destruction of cartilage, a rubbery substance that reduces friction in your joints, is the primary cause of osteoarthritis. The spine, fingers, thumbs, hips, knees, or big toes are the most common places for it to occur, yet it can develop in any joint. In osteoarthritis, a joint’s cartilage starts to degrade, and the underlying bone begins to alter. These alterations typically take time to manifest and worsen. OA may result in discomfort, stiffness, and edema. Some people lose the capacity to perform everyday duties or jobs, resulting in impaired function and impairment. Pain, aching, stiffness, decreased flexibility range, and swelling are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Joint injury or overuse, age, gender, obesity, genetics, and race are the risk factors for osteoarthritis. According to research, women are more prone than men to experience the stiffness, aching, and agony of osteoarthritis in their joints. For instance, compared to males in the same age range, women may have 3.5 times (350%) higher risk of developing hand osteoarthritis1. Compared to males, women have a 40% higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Hip osteoarthritis is 10% more common in women than in men.3 In addition, the scant evidence available indicates that women typically experience more intense osteoarthritis pain than males.
Most arthritis sufferers benefit greatly from physical therapy as part of their care. A group of medical specialists, including physiotherapists, assists you in resuming or maintaining an independent, active life at home and work. They are specialists in analyzing movement and can also teach you how to take care of your joints. Since there is no known cure for OA, doctors often use a variety of therapy to address its symptoms, which may include the following:
- an increase in exercise
- physical treatment that incorporates workouts to build muscle
- Loss of weight
- Medicines, such as over-the-counter painkillers and prescription medications
- assistance tools like crutches or canes
- Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective)
A physiotherapist for you will:
- Provide guidance and assurance
- Assist you in feeling particular about controlling your problem
- Address any worries or ambiguities.
- Make the right goals to keep you as active as you can.
In addition to these therapies, patients can develop self-management skills to control their OA. People with osteoarthritis can engage in the activities that are essential to them thanks to these measures, which assist to lessen their pain and incapacity. These five quick and easy methods for managing arthritis might be useful.
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm#:~:text=Osteoarthritis%20(OA)%20is%20the%20most,underlying%20bone%20begins%20to%20change.
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/therapies/physiotherapy/#:~:text=Physiotherapy%20is%20an%20important%20part,how%20to%20protect%20your%20joints.
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
