Osteoarthritis

The problem

• Is also known as OA or degenerative arthritis and is a group of diseases involving degradation of joints, articular cartilage and bone
• Cartilage is a tissue which lubricates and cushions joints
• OA can have a number of predisposing factors, including: hereditary, mechanical, metabolic and developmental
• OA often results in pain which decreases movement and function, leading to wasting of muscles and weakening of structures.
  
  

Interesting facts

• OA affects around 3 million people in Australia, representing about 15% of the population
• OA commonly affects hands, feet, the spine and the large weight bearing joints such as hips and knees.
• Muscle weakness around an osteoarthritic joint is a common finding
• Diabetes, obesity, injury and inflammatory diseases such as gout can promote the development of OA in joints
• OA is the leading cause of pain and disability in the elderly
• 90% of total hip replacements and 95% of total knee replacements are performed for OA in Australia 

What you can expect/look out for

• Acute pain
• Decrease in function of affected joints
• Stiffness and swelling
• Crepitus or creaking of joints
  
  

Hints for self-management

• Activity modification to reduce irritation of affected joints
• A graduated exercise program to increase strength of the surrounding muscles
• Weight management with diet and exercise
• Anti-inflammatory medication

Management options

• Research has shown that exercise is one of the most important treatments for OA of the hip and knee.
• Low impact exercises (where there is less impact going through your hips and knees) include water exercise, cycling, walking and strengthening exercises
• Strengthening exercises can be prescribed by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist
• Braces/supportive devices for affected areas eg knee brace
• Arthroscopy and in the most severe cases joint replacement surgery

More information

• Among the 100 different types of arthritis, OA is the most common
• OA is more common as we age
• Most cases of OA have no known cause and are referred to as primary OA. When the cause is known, the condition is referred to as secondary OA
• Repetitive use of worn joints over time can lead to loss of cartilage
• Inflammation of cartilage can stimulate new bone growth (spurs and osteophytes) which form around the joint (see below)

http://www.innvista.com/health/ailments/arthritis/osteoart.htm

 At Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy our highly qualified physiotherapists specialise in the assessment, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal injuries.

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This handout was prepared by Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and is intended as a general information service. Please note that the information provided is not intended as a substitute for advice from a registered physician or healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.