How to slow down Arthritis and Joint Degeneration

The most common joint degeneration disorder is arthritis. In most cases, the causes of arthritis are unknown. In theory, as we age, our joint cartilage slowly experience wear and tear.

Repetitive use of the joints irritates and inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate and in advanced cases, it may wear away completely.

Loss of cartilage causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and restricted movement. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone spurs (osteophytes) to form around the joints.

In some cases, arthritis may develop as a result of another conditions such as overweight or obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint structures, muscle weakness, abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities), gout, diabetes and other hormonal disorders.

Although arthritis is usually common among the elderly, it can also affect young people causing a change in their active lifestyle. The onset of osteoarthritis symptoms is typically gradual. Osteoarthritis symptoms may occur in any joint; however, the joints most often affected are the knees, hips, shoulder, and spine.

Here are some common osteoarthritis symptoms, followed by a few specific signs and symptoms for certain joints: -

Pain or tenderness in the joint area

Bony enlargement and swelling

Stiffness in the morning or a period of inactivity

Restriction in movement

Crepitus (crackling like noises) or grinding sensation within a joint

Bone spurs

Arthritis physiotherapy treatments

If you start to notice these signs, or are uncertain if your joints are at risk of suffering from arthritis, it is best to seek doctors or physiotherapists advice early. Since there is no cure for most forms of arthritis, most doctors will also refer their patients to physiotherapists for arthritis rehabilitation.

In the early stages of arthritis, physiotherapy's goals are to treat joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. Improve joint movement and increase muscle strength. In the later stages when joint is severely damage and patients having difficulty walking, physiotherapists will focus on pain relief and improve walking ability.

Physiotherapy treatments which may be used include pain relief equipment and rehabilitation exercises to relieve pain and stiffness:-

Pain relief equipment treatment - ultrasound, electrotherapy, thermotherapy, radiofrequency, shockwave therapy

Exercise rehabilitation - Controlled supervised exercise helps lessen pain and stiffness and improves the strength of muscles and ligaments which is essential in helping to stabilise joints, reduce joint stress and degeneration. Many of the day to day things that you do can place extra stress upon your joints without you knowing it consciously.

Here are physiotherapist�s recommendations on how to prevent arthritis: -

�Always listen to your body and respect pain. Do not keep ignoring the discomfort. Stop the activities that cause your joint aches and pain.

�Avoid overstressing joints. Use proper body mechanics in sitting, carry things, household chores. Do not jump, run and climb stairs repetitively if you are experiencing pain.

�Avoid jerky or sudden movements when possible

�Maintain a healthy body weight. Additional weight adds additional stress to your joints. So start to lose weight if you are obese.

�Use a support or guard or walking aids.

�Never overdo an activity or exercise

Practicing good joint protection and arthritis prevention is important for everyone, especially if you have experienced joint pain, aches or stiffness. It is best to seek physiotherapist early if your joint pain does not resolve with your own pain relief methods.

About The Author - Michelle Kwong is a registered and certified professional physiotherapist in Singapore. She has helped many arthritis patients to lead a better life and free of arthritic pain and discomfort.

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