Arthritic Pain
10 million people suffer from arthritis in the UK according to arthritis research UK. Its a serious problem that's associated with pain. Arthritis changes in both the big and small joints & will reduce mobility. The reduction creates areas of overload and arthritic pain in varying degrees.
These changes are person specific.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness. Swelling, tenderness and a grating or crackling sound when moving the affected joints.
The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and between different affected joints.
For some people, the symptoms can be mild and may come and go. Other people can experience more continuous and severe problems which make it difficult to carry out everyday activities.
Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands.
Most guidance on Arthritis recommend moderate exercise. This will help to manage the symptoms. Moderate exercise can be difficult when you have a loss of function . A combination of excecise and Osteopathy will help with the pain.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
As part of life joints get damaged. If your body repairs the damage itself and you don't experience any symptoms.
In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down. This causes pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint. Bony growths can develop (Osteophytes) The area can become inflamed (red and swollen).
Risk Factors Associated with Arthritis
- Joint injury – overusing your joint when it hasn't had enough time to heal after an injury or operation. Too much exercise
- Other conditions (secondary arthritis) – osteoarthritis can occur in joints damaged by Rhumatoid arthritis or gout
- Age – your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older
- Family history – osteoarthritis may run in families
- Obesity – puts excess strain on your joints, particularly those that bear most of your weight
