What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is damage and loss of cartilage that surrounds the bones in the joints, which results in stiffness and pain. As the condition progresses there is eventual wearing down of the bone ends so that the surfaces are no longer smooth and may have small bony processes called
osteophytes
. Osteoarthritis also causes damage to the cartilage, which results in stiffness and aching of the joints as they can no longer glide smoothly.
Physiotherapy treatment for osteoarthritis will help you manage your symptoms and improve your independence and quality of life.
What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can be caused by repetitive use of any particular joint, but most often affects the wrist, hand and ankle. In some people osteoarthritis is secondary to pre-existing damage to the joint for example, caused by
fractures
,
ligament injuries
, maldevelopment of the bone or joint.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Above: Some range of motion exercises that can help with osteoarthritis Symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary a great deal depending on severity of condition and level of activity. Often deterioration or improvement of symptoms can change regularly with no obvious cause. Here at Liverpool Physio we can treat and advise you on how to cope with some of the following symptoms;
- Pain in the affected joints, inhibiting movement.
- Progressive stiffness in affected joints, reducing mobility.
- Reduced range of movement from bone thickening or osteophytes.
- Inflammation in affected joints including swelling and redness.
- Your affected joints may fill with fluid and feel tight, especially after using them.
- Sometimes audible creaky joints occur as the cartilage wears away, leaving bone on bone.
- Fever or chills sensation after physical activity are indicative of some kinds of arthritis.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
A diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be made by a physiotherapist or doctor who will conduct a thorough subjective and objective assessment.
Above: Our physiotherapist with her regular client that she trets for the management of osteoarthritis.If you would like more information about how Physiotherapy can help treat Osteoarthritis of the hand, or to book yourself an appointment, please contact us via email at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
What would a physiotherapy assessment for Osteoarthritis involve?
In your first appointment at Liverpool Physio, your assessment would be divided into the following two sections:
Subjective
A discussion to find out the cause of your symptoms, how long they have been persisting, if you have had any previous injuries in this area, what symptoms you are experiencing and how your condition is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
A physical assessment of your range of pain, tenderness in the area, range of movement and a series of special tests to identify exactly which structures you are likely to have affected.
What would a physiotherapy treatment for Osteoarthritis involve?
A person with osteoarthritis affecting their joints will benefit from physiotherapy treatment. An initial assessment with one of our specialised physiotherapists will look at your current symptoms, range of movement, muscle strength and function in order to develop a rehabilitation program centred on your needs and lifestyle. Physiotherapy treatment at Manchester Physio may include;
- Heat therapy to reduce pain and stiffness
- Soft tissue massage to relieve tension and aching joints
- Advice about wrist braces and supports that may help to reduce your pain during activity
- Range of movement exercises to protect the joint from shock and stress and improve grip, dexterity and coordination.
- Gentle strengthening exercise, increases joints muscle support.
- Advice about how to modify activities and avoid certain movements such as lifting and carrying heavy loads to provide some relief and increase independence
- Advice on lifestyle modification, including weight loss to reduce pressure on joints.
- Splints and orthotics during the night to reduce contractures.
- Wax baths are particularly good heat therapy and skin treatment for affected hands.
Physiotherapy treatment at Liverpool Physio will reduce pain, help to maintain joint function and increase the muscle strength, so that you can continue with your everyday activities with less pain and stiffness.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for Osteoarthritis?
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness or loss of strength and show signs of inflammation, you may have Osteoarthritis and you would benefit from seeing one of our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077
Summary
Osteoarthritis affects a lot of people and although there is currently no cure, with the proper management, the impact it has on your daily life can be greatly reduced. We can assess you to find the specific source of your osteoarthritic pain and then advise you on technique to self-manage your symptoms.
At Liverpool Physio our experienced Physiotherapists can comprehensively assess your condition and tailor a personalised treatment plan to address your needs. We can help you achieve the best possible functional recovery and importantly, advise you how to manage your symptoms.
If you would like more information about how Physiotherapy can help treat Osteoarthritis of the hand, or to book yourself an appointment, please contact us via email at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
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