A Look Behind Living With Osteoarthritis: What To Expect

Many people take proactive steps to lead a healthy lifestyle to avoid infamous diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and other common conditions. However, some illnesses can sneak under your radar and manifest itself as a dull ache, one that is easy to overlook until it’s too late: osteoarthritis. 

What is Osteoarthritis?

It’s a progressive disorder that affects your joints, which is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which attacks the body’s joints due to an autoimmune disease, osteoarthritis occurs due to a mechanical breakdown of the cartilage surrounding the joints.

This causes stiffness, pain, and limits mobility in the following areas: 

• Hands and fingers; 
• Knees; 
• Hips; 
• Shoulders; 
• Lower back; 
• Neck;

People who live with osteoarthritis often feel like they are constantly recouping from a marathon. The aches and pains occurring from the joints can often be disruptive, which can compromise daily functions like climbing, walking, and simple activities that involve movement. 

In the worst-case scenario, the cartilage can completely deteriorate, resulting in the bones rubbing painfully against each other. You can feel the first tell-tale signs of osteoarthritis when you notice the following symptoms: 

• Joint aching or soreness when moving; 
• Pain after long periods of inactivity or due to overuse; 
• Stiffness; 
• The joints seem enlarged; 
• Inflammation or joint swelling;

What Causes Osteoarthritis? 

There are many factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, such as the following: 

• Hereditary - Some people are born unlucky by inheriting defective cartilage, which increases the likelihood of developing joint abnormalities and rapid deterioration at an early age.
• Obesity - People struggling with weight management often have a high risk of developing osteoarthritis at the knee, hip, and spine. It’s best to manage your weight as soon as you can before the condition worsens.
• Injury - Athletes are also at high risk of developing osteoarthritis due to sports injuries, especially when experiencing broken bones near the joints.
• Joint Overuse - In addition to sports, people who work in jobs that require repetitive movement can develop osteoarthritis. 

Treating Osteoarthritis

Living with osteoarthritis can quickly get in the way of your daily routine, but you can gradually improve your mobility and ease the pain by combining different treatments. Typically, you can reduce the pain by combining exercise, weight loss management, pain medications on top of your physical therapy. 

Of course, the best treatment plan depends on your lifestyle, age, overall health, and the severity of your condition. Some people can effectively minimize the pain and bring back the full range of their mobility, while older people may have to rely on supportive devices like crutches or cranes. 

The Bottom Line: How Osteoarthritis Impacts The Quality Of Your Life

If you're looking for physiotherapy in Brisbane, get in touch with us today to see how we can help! We can help you personalize your physiotherapy treatment plan and tailor it according to your unique needs. 

With our expert physiotherapists, you can ease your pain and get back to your daily routine without any limitations. Get in touch with us and see what we can do to improve your quality of life!