Osteoarthritis (OA)

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This condition can affect any joint in your body, but it most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

Key Features of Osteoarthritis:

  • Gradual Onset: Osteoarthritis develops slowly, with symptoms worsening over time.

  • Joint Pain: Pain is often associated with movement and improves with rest.

  • Stiffness: Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

  • Loss of Flexibility: Reduced range of motion in the affected joints.

  • Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the joint.

  • Bone Spurs: Extra bits of bone, called osteophytes, may form around the affected joint.

References:

Hunter, D. J., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). "Osteoarthritis." The Lancet, 393(10182), 1745-1759.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Factors contributing to this breakdown include:

  1. Aging: The most significant risk factor; cartilage naturally wears down as you age.

  2. Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

  3. Overuse: Repetitive stress on a joint can cause cartilage to wear down more quickly.

  4. Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may increase your risk.

  5. Obesity: Excess body weight increases stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

  6. Biomechanics: Poor posture and improper body mechanics can contribute to joint wear and tear.

References:

Martel-Pelletier, J., Barr, A. J., Cicuttini, F. M., Conaghan, P. G., Cooper, C., Goldring, M. B., ... & Pelletier, J. P. (2016). "Osteoarthritis." Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2, 16072.

Typical Treatment Plan for Osteoarthritis

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on managing symptoms and improving joint function. A personalised treatment plan at our clinic may include:

  1. Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments can help improve joint movement, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.

  2. Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises, flexibility routines, and low-impact aerobic activities can help maintain joint health.

  3. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve joint function and blood flow.

  4. Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on weight management, activity modifications, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce joint stress.

  5. Nutritional Advice: Dietary recommendations to reduce inflammation and support joint health.

  6. Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to manage pain, along with natural pain relief methods such as dry needling or cold/heat therapy.

References:

Bannuru, R. R., Osani, M. C., Vaysbrot, E. E., Arden, N. K., Bennell, K., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M., ... & McAlindon, T. E. (2019). "Osteoarthritis Care: Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Nonsurgical Management of Knee, Hip, and Polyarticular Osteoarthritis." Arthritis Care & Research, 71(9), 1190-1199.

How Can Treatment Help with Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?

At our clinic, we offer a range of treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Realigning the spine and joints can reduce stress on affected areas, decrease pain, and improve joint function.

  • Exercise Therapy: Tailored exercise programs to strengthen muscles around the joints, improve balance, and increase flexibility.

  • Trigger Point Therapy: Relieves muscle tension that may contribute to joint pain.

  • Patient Education: Teaching proper movement techniques and ergonomic practices to reduce strain on joints.

Research supports the combination of these therapies as an effective approach to managing osteoarthritis symptoms and slowing disease progression.

References:

Kolasinski, S. L., Neogi, T., Hochberg, M. C., Oatis, C., Guyatt, G., Block, J., ... & Bannuru, R. R. (2020). "2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee." Arthritis Care & Research, 72(2), 149-162.

Best Exercises for Osteoarthritis

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis symptoms. Here are some exercises that may help:

  1. Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises: Swimming, cycling, or walking to improve cardiovascular health without placing undue stress on the joints.

  2. Strength Training: Building muscle around affected joints can provide better support and reduce pain.

  3. Flexibility Exercises: Stretching and yoga to maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

  4. Balance Exercises: To improve stability and prevent falls, particularly in older adults.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have osteoarthritis.

References:

Fransen, M., McConnell, S., Harmer, A. R., Van Der Esch, M., Simic, M., & Bennell, K. L. (2015). "Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Cochrane Systematic Review." British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(24), 1554-1557.

Assessment and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Assessing osteoarthritis involves reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and possibly using diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRI scans. This assessment helps us understand the severity of your condition and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

References:

McAlindon, T. E., Bannuru, R. R., Sullivan, M. C., Arden, N. K., Berenbaum, F., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M., ... & Bhandari, M. (2014). "OARSI Guidelines for the Non-Surgical Management of Knee Osteoarthritis." Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 22(3), 363-388.

How Can We Help Your Osteoarthritis?

At our clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Our approach includes:

  • Chiropractic Treatment: To mobilise joints and reduce pain.

  • Exercise Therapy: To strengthen and stabilise affected joints.

  • Myofascial Therapy: To alleviate muscle tension and improve mobility.

  • Dry Needling: To relieve pain and improve function.

  • Patient Education: NRE to empower you with knowledge and strategies to manage your condition effectively.

What If We Cannot Help Your Osteoarthritis?

If your osteoarthritis does not respond to our treatments or if we believe another approach might be more appropriate, we will:

  • Refer You to Your GP: We can coordinate with your General Practitioner for additional medical evaluation.

  • Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest X-rays or MRI scans for further assessment.

  • Refer You to a Specialist: In cases requiring advanced care, we will refer you to a trusted specialist.

Our priority is your health and well-being, and we are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.

MoveMed UK, where Movement is Medicine.