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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of
arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition involving the breakdown
of the protective cushion of the cartilage covering the ends of
the bones where two bones meet to form a joint.
The terms degenerative and secondary arthritis are sometimes used
as osteoarthritic changes are more likely to occur when there has
been previous injury, unrecognized defects in the structure of the
joint or poorly healed sporting injuries.
Which joints are most commonly affected?
Although any synovial joint in the body may be affected by osteoarthritis,
certain groups of joints are more usually affected.Osteoarthritis
of the hands most often affects the end finger joints producing
bony growths or nodules known as Heberden's Nodes. The base of the
thumb is another site.
Osteoarthritis of the spine occurs in the neck or lower back region.
In this case there is also wearing of the discs between the spinal
bones or vertebrae. This type of osteoarthritis is called Spondylosis
or Spondylitis.
The third group of joints involved is of the large weight-bearing
joints, the hips and the knees. Osteoarthritis of the hip tends
to affect middle-aged and older people and may be quite severe.
Osteoarthritis of the knee in some cases may be attributed to previous
injury. Continual mechanical stress, such as being overweight, will
certainly make this condition worse.
Other joints such as the ankles, feet, toes and shoulders may also
be affected.
What are the symptoms?
For some people the changes within the joint may lead to quite severe
pain and stiffness around the joint. Pain may even be present at
rest as well as on movement. For others, symptoms may be very mild
and occasional, perhaps being brought on by periods of increased
use or some minor injury. Muscle weakness may ultimately lead to
the joint feeling unsafe and unstable, as if about to give way.
Symptoms will also vary both with the joints involved and their
use.
What can be done about osteoarthritis?
There is a lot that can be done to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis.
In fact, the outlook for people with osteoarthritis is far better
today than it has ever been.
Within the community, general practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational
therapists, podiatrists, health educators, rheumatologists and orthopaedic
surgeons form part of a wide network of caregivers who can help
the person with osteoarthritis. Education programs also enable people
to take a more involved, informed approach to their problem.
Self help and osteoarthritis.
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis there is a variety
of known treatments and management techniques that help people control
and reduce the effects of the disease. Research has shown that people
who exercise regularly, practice relaxation and/or use any other
self-management techniques have less pain and are more active than
those people who are not self managers.
Exercise
There is a very positive relationship between exercise and the management
of osteoarthritis. Exercise has many benefits for the person with
osteoarthritis.
Exercise will help to:
• Decrease pain
• Keep joints mobile
• Increase muscle strength
• Strengthen bones and ligaments
• Prevent joint deformities
• Provide nourishment to joints
• Increase general fitness and wellbeing
• Maintain and increase your ability to perform daily tasks.
There are many appropriate exercise programs for people with arthritis
available in the community, including fitness activities such as
swimming or walking, gentle exercise classes, Tai Chi and even sports
such as tennis, table tennis and bowls. Water exercise is of particular
benefit to people with osteoarthritis as the warmth and buoyancy
of the water makes movement much easier.
Medication
Paracetamol can be used for the effective relief of pain and discomfort
associated with osteoarthritis and has no harmful side effects on
the stomach.
Aspirin and medications known as Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS) can be used to treat inflammation and pain. Individual
reactions to these medications vary, but irritation of the stomach
is the most frequent side effect. Therefore, these drugs should
be taken with meals. Rarely, there can be serious bleeding from
the stomach or upper intestine.
Joint protection
Joint protection is a term used to describe ways of looking after
your joints. It means reducing the stresses that can cause more
pain, damage, and even eventual loss of function.
You need to become aware of positions, activities and stresses that
cause pain.
Diet
Contrary to popular belief, there is no diet that will cure osteoarthritis.
It is advisable to maintain a balanced healthy diet to control body
weight.
Surgery
The development of highly successful surgical techniques has led
to an increase in the number of joint replacements especially of
hips, knees and, less commonly shoulders, that are now being performed.
The information presented is not intended to replace the medical
advice of your doctor or health care provider. Arthritis SA recommends
that you consult your doctor about specific medical conditions.
Other information and resources available
from Arthritis SA
Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet
• Email advisors@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your postal address in email)
Bending for Bowlers
• Email advisors@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your postal address in email)
Telephone Advisory Service
9.30am - 3.30pm, Mon - Fri
8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
Library
Overcoming Arthritis by Dr Paul Lam and Judith Horstman,
2002
Your Questions Answered - Osteoarthritis by John Dickson
and Gillian Hosie, 2003
Video - Freedom to Move
Borrowing privileges extend to members only
Video & DVD Sales
Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, by Dr Paul Lam, 2001
For prices and order details please contact Arthritis SA
• 8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
• Email info@arthritissa.org.au
• (please include your name and business hours phone
number in email)
Moving Towards Wellness Course
6 weeks x 2.5 hours
click here "Self Management
Courses" for further information
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