What is osteoarthritis?
The osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis is the degenerative illness more common. This pathology attacks the hyaline cartilage, which covers the bone surfaces and is responsible for protecting the ends of the bones and promoting joint movement.
When osteoarthritis develops and advances in a person's body, the cartilage loses its properties, even disappearing. It is a painful illness because it causes the bones to rub directly.
Osteoarthritis is locate usually in the cervical and lumbar spine, in some joints of the shoulder and fingers of the hand, hip and knee. The joint at the beginning of the big toe may also be affected.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis They usually develop slowly and as time goes by they get worse. Some of the most common signs of this disease are the following:
- Pain. The joints hurt when a movement is performed.
- Rigidity. It is common to feel stiff joints when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
- Sensitivity. The affected areas will be tender when a little pressure is applied on or near it.
- Loss of flexibility. As the disease progresses, the joint will lose movement.
- Squeaky feeling. Sometimes you may even hear clicking sounds when you move one of the affected joints.
- Osteophytes. Extra pieces of bone that feel like hard lumps may form around the affected area.
- Swelling. The soft tissues surrounding the joint may become inflamed.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by natural wear. However, there are some risk factor's that can increase the chances of suffering from this pathology:
- Advanced age. Age is the main factor that increases the chances of having osteoarthritis.
- Sex. The causes are unknown, but women are more likely to suffer from this disease.
- Obesity. The greater the patient's weight, the greater the risk of osteoarthritis. High weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees are affected. Additionally, fatty tissue produces proteins that can cause inflammation.
- Joint injuries. An injury while playing sports or from an accident can increase the risk of having this pathology, even if it occurred a long time ago.
- Repeated stress on the joint. This occurs when a joint is subjected to repetitive stress.
- Genetics. Some people can inherit the disease.
- Bone deformities. People born with malformed joints or defective cartilage are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis.
- Some metabolic diseases. Diabetes and hemochromatosis increase the chances of suffering from this pathology.
How is osteoarthritis treated?
Existing treatments
It is important to be clear that osteoarthritis does not cure, but it can be treated so that patients can lead as normal a life as possible. The sessions of physiotherapy contribute to improve functionality and reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis. The treatment must be personalized for each patient, oriented to the symptoms they suffer.
The main objective of physiotherapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis is minimize symptoms and stop its evolution as far as possible. Some techniques that stand out are the following:
- Capacitive diathermy.
- Therapeutic exercise program.
- Manual therapy.
- Relaxation techniques.
- Postural education.
Benefits of our treatments
The physiotherapy is essential for people who suffer from osteoarthritis, since it has numerous benefits. Below, we tell you the most notable ones:
- Alleviate the pain.
- Maintains mobility and muscle strength.
- Fights inflammation.
- Increases circular stability.
- Prevents deformities and contractures.
In Wellness Retirement we put all of our people at your service team so they can help you with what you need. Get in contact Contact us to receive more information. We are waiting for you in our clinics.
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