Is my arthritis going to get worse and cause more pain?
This is a question we get asked quite frequently in the clinic. It’s always a hard question to answer as we are all very different people, who do very different things and have very different lifestyles.
How about if I put it to you that arthritis does not have to be a debilitating condition, which stops you from doing things that you love doing?
WHAT?
Would that change your outlook of your condition?
Yes, it’s true; arthritis does not have to be that condition which holds you back. There are many things that you can do that can help to keep you active and mobile. First thing that I have to implore that you do is, to seek advice from your Health care professional!!
Let’s have a look at what arthritis actually is.
Arthritis is inflammation in the joint, be it back, knee, shoulder, etc. It’s part of the body’s natural healing process. The two main types of arthritis we see at the clinic are inflammatory arthritis and degenerative/mechanical arthritis/osteoarthritis (OA).
Inflammatory arthritis normally occurs as a defence against viruses or bacteria. Often this occurs for no obvious reason and is referred to as an auto immune condition, which means the immune system is attacking your joints. So, instead of helping to repair the body, inflammation can cause damage to the affected joint and cause pain and stiffness. The inflammation can also affect tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint.
Degenerative/mechanical/osteoarthritis (OA) is a group of conditions where the main problem is damage to the cartilage which covers the end of the bones. Normally the cartilage helps the joints to move smoothly. In this type of arthritis the cartilage becomes thinner and rougher. The bone underneath then tries to repair the damage but sometimes overgrows, altering the shape of the joint. It can also result from previous damage to the joint such as fractures or previous inflammation.
Ok, so knowing what it is, what can we do about it?
Ok so first, seek healthcare professional advice. As I said above we are all very different and at very different stages of having the condition in different joints. Getting assessed properly, finding out all about you is the most important thing. Finding out about what you can or can’t do and even what you would like to be able to do, top our list every time.
NOTE! Doing nothing will get you nowhere!
I am always keen to find out what your limitations are and setting goals to get you closer to where you would like to be.
The main thing with physiotherapy and arthritis treatment, it always boils down to the assessment. Inevitably there will be some exercise to do; as this is what research tells us is important to help ease those aches, pains
and tightness. Finding the right exercise regime that works best for you without overly stressing your body or making things worse is always one of our goals.
At our clinic, we also advocate the use of manual therapy techniques to help loosen off tight muscles and stiff joints. That is what we find works best for our clients.
So, is my arthritis going to get worse and cause more pain?
In my opinion, yes it will if you do not seek help and find the right rehabilitation. Getting the right treatment will certainly help to keep aches and pains at bay.
Remember, doing nothing will most likely make things worse.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the clinic on 02892 666959, or info@gavnoble.com