Arthritis

‘Arthritis’literally means inflammation of the joints. It refers to disorders that affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth and decreased range of motion of the affected joints. It can affect one or multiple joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65 but can also develop in younger adults and children. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue which covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints.It absorbs pressure and shock created when you move. A reduction in the normal amount of cartilage tissue can cause some forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis which usually occurs with age. It is often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ and is diagnosed with an X-ray. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and in severe cases, surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which leads to the destruction of the bone and cartilage inside the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually diagnosed with a blood test. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological treatments, NSAIDs, steroids and physiotherapy.

Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are the most important ways to manage arthritis. Your physiotherapist can develop an exercise programme for you to assist in weight loss and improve your muscle strength and flexibility. In addition, we can advise you regarding assistive devices and splints to protect the joint if necessary. We may also use manual therapy techniques, acupuncture and/or taping, which can give you pain relief.