Arthritis occurs from the damage or slow degradation of our joint cartilage. Cartilage is the strong rubbery tissue that covers bones as they meet at joints. It acts as a cushion between, adding protecting against shock absorption and allowing our joints function optimally.
When our joints become damaged it can cause severe pain and inflammation, which often leads to impaired function. This type of cartilage damage occurs most commonly in the knee, but other joints can also be affected.
What causes arthritis?
Acute damage to the joint cartilage which is very common in people who are active in professional sports can lead to slow progressive degenerative changes over time that can lead to arthritis. But it is not just trauma that can cause cartilage damage, inactivity can also result in cartilage damage or degradation over time. Our joints require movement regularly to remain keep in good shape. It is important to understand that you increase your risk of cartilage damage if you spend long periods inactive, this is because movement stimulates your cartilage and keeps its healthy. On the other hand repetitive over work of joints can also cause cartilage damage that can lead to arthritis over time, especially if you are overweight. The gradual wear on joint cartilage can eventually lead to loss of cartilage in the joints, and can lead to osteoarthritis.
There are 2 types of pre-disposing factors for osteoarthritis:
1) Impact or direct trauma - in the knees for example, this can causes what is know as a meniscal injury or tear.
2) Degenerative cartilage damage - often through either repetitive trauma, long periods of inactivity, or a genetic predisposition.
So how can arthritis be treated?
Other than conservative treatments like manual therapy (osteopathy) and physical rehabilitation, there are injection treatments and surgical intervention, but let's face it - we all want to avoid surgery if possible.
So from Injection therapies, there are a couple of options available, from steroid injections to biological treatments. For the purpose of this article, we are just going to cover conservative treatments. For further information on steroid please click here or hyaluronic acid injection treatment and biological treatments .
In osteopathic practice our aim is to reduce pain, preserve joint health and to promote mobility and functional strength. This is done firstly be establishing what the predisposing factors are that are leading to the pain and dysfunction. This can be many things as mentioned above. Following on from this, we then look then treat the joint using many forms of osteopathic manual treatment. This may vary from stretching to some specfic joint mobilisations. Functional strength will involve working on other structures which stabilise, for example a weak hip will often lead to knee dysfunction.
Overall a better functioning a joint will enable best health and aim to preserve health and slow the progression of degenerative changes.
Get In touch to find out more on how we can help you with your joint injury or arthritis or schedule a consultation. We have osteopathy clinics in Solihull, Birmingham and Bromsgrove.
We also offer FREE consultations for specialist treatment. Enquire for further details.
GET IN TOUCH TO FIND OUT MORE OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Don’t let pain, joint damage, sports injuries or arthritis get in the way of allowing you to do what you want. Schedule a consultation at Dynamic Osteopaths & Regenerative Medicine today, and let us treat your injury, provide pain relief and get you back to your full and active lifestyle. We have clinics operating out of Solihull (Henley-In-Arden), Birmingham (Harborne/Edgbaston) & Bromsgrove (Barnt Green).
Call us today 01564 330773
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