What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause pain and joint stiffness anywhere in the body, which can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. The most common forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many people associate Arthritis as a condition affecting the older generations, however, Arthritis can affect people of all ages. According to Arthritis Australia, 1 in 5 Australians over the age of 45 have OA.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative condition affecting mostly the larger joints of the body. Common joints affected by OA include the knee, hip, shoulder and the small joints in the hand. Traditionally we have described OA as ‘wear and tear’ to the joint. However recent studies suggest that OA changes within the joint (inflammation, damage to joint cartilage and ligaments, and growth of bony spurs) may be due to the body trying extra hard to heal itself.
What treatment is best for Osteoarthritis?
Despite the progressive nature of OA there are opportunities to slow the rate of degeneration and improve quality of life for people living with OA. These modifiable factors include bodyweight, physical activity, muscle strength and posture. As OA progresses, certain movements or exercise may become painful. It is important to know that pain during activity does not mean that damage is occurring to the joint. Pain does not neccessarily mean you need to stop what you are doing. However, with assistance from your Physiotherapist you may need to modify your activities and start basic strengthening exercises to maintain your quality of life and keep you moving well.
How is Osteoarthritis different from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA is a systemic autoimmune condition, meaning it affects multiple joints and organs throughout the body. In RA the immune system doesn’t differentiate properly between healthy and unhealthy cells and can damage healthy tissue in joints and organs. RA is just one type of autoimmune arthritis. It is characterised by pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in multiple joints (predominantly small joints such as those in the hands and feet). RA affects both sides of the body. RA can also affect your eyes, heart, lungs, blood, nerves and skin.
What treatment is best for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Fortunately there have been many advances in RA treatment over the last few decades that help people living with the disease lead normal lives. RA is treated with a combination of medications prescribed by a rheumatologist and exercise. Medications work to help control the disease progression placing people in remission or near remission meaning they may have few signs and symptoms of the disease. Your physiotherapist will work alongside you to develop an individualized exercise program to work on your muscle strength, joint flexibility, and to help you maintain your day-to-day function and quality of life.
Where can I find more information?
If you are living with arthritis why not book an appointment with a Physiotherapist to discuss what they can do to help you stay active and live well with arthritis.
Check out the Arthritis Australia website at https://arthritisaustralia.com.au for more information about the different types of Arthritis.
