This month’s newsletter focuses on Arthritis: what are the causes and how to manage the symptoms.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also commonly known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the most common form of arthritis. It is the most common cause of difficulties with mobility in the older population. Approximately 30% of the population between the ages of 50 and 70 years of age have problems related to OA, and that percentage increases with age. Osteoarthritis is a progressive, noninflammatory disease characterized by changes in the structure and function of the joint cartilage, adjacent bone, joint capsule and other surrounding tissue. Most commonly OA will affect the spine, hips, knees, and knuckles. However, any joint in the body can be affected.

In the past, OA was often described as “wear and tear” of the joint. This can be misleading as the cartilage actually needs ongoing movement to stay healthy. There is a healthy balance between the regeneration and degeneration of cartilage. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is more degeneration/break down than regeneration. This will cause the cartilage to thin, crack and possibly disappear. Bones can then start to rub against each other. Cartilage needs a certain amount of load to regenerate. This is why healthy loads need to be applied on the joint to aid in recovery. Thus, OA can be better described as joint failure.

There are two types of OA:

Primary and Secondary. With primary OA, the initiating factor is unknown and is more common in the weight bearing joints. In secondary OA, the factor is known. For example: repetitive movements, recurring injuries, abnormal joint movements, or even prolonged immobility.

Typical Signs and Symptoms:

  • In the early phases, there is joint stiffness especially after resting which quickly disappears with activity. This is commonly referred to as “movie goers sign”.
  • As OA advances, joint pain sets in. It is important to note that pain can be referred to other areas in the body for example the buttock, and thigh with OA in the spine.
  • Joint pain is often made worse by activity and weight bearing as OA progresses.
  • Pain is relieved by rest.
  • Joint noise (crepitus) and deformity may appear.

Key Risk Factors:

  • Heredity-genetic coding for defective joint cartilage or defects in joint construction.
  • Excess weight-causes extra stress on the weight bearing joints.
  • Joint injuries-trauma from accidents or repeated use, particularly from activities like sport or work.
  • Joint damage-associated damage from another type of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis can lead to OA.

Treatment

Treatment for mild to moderate OA is conservative and focused on decreasing symptoms and improving function. When function improves, the next step is to become more active. Conservative treatment will focus on physical and lifestyle management.

Physical Management:

Heat and Cold

Heat reduces pain by relaxing the tightness surrounding the joint and improving blood flow. Cold will block the pain signals.

Manual Therapy

Chiropractors will perform joint manipulation, mobilizations, and traction as treatment. All of which are effective options to help relieve symptoms.

Home Exercise:

Appropriate exercises will help to lessen the symptoms of OA. These will include stretching and strenghtening which help to relieve pain and keeps the muscle and tendons around the affected joints flexible and strong. Low impact exercises like swimming, walking and aquafit, and bicycling can all reduce pain while maintaining strength, flexibility and cardiovascular function.

Lifestyle Management:

It is important to protect your joints by avoiding excess stress from daily tasks. Make sure to alternate heavy tasks with lighter ones avoiding stressful joint positions and support when necessary.

Weight Control and Reduction:

Obesity is an increasingly common problem and is a known risk factor for many diseases including OA of the hip and knee. For people who are overweight, the load on the joint is as much as 2-3 times greater than the actual amount of body weight applied. This means that even a small difference in body weight can greatly affect the load on the joint. Obesity has also been linked to faster breakdown of cartilage. It was mentioned earlier about the importance of the balance between the breakdown and regeneration of cartilage. Thus, having a healthy weight will really help to keep this process more in balance.

For those with more moderate symptoms, the first step is the same as for those with mild symptoms. However, when the condition has progressed and the above strategies are not working as well, your general practitioner may recommend medication, and walking aids. If things continue to progress, you may be referred to a specialist for other pain management options or surgery for a joint replacement.

The key to remember, the earlier that you take action, the more likely you will be able to manage the condition effectively.

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help.

• Follow our practitioners on social media-Dr. Frederick is on Facebook-@Dr.Frederick Chiropractic, Instagram-@dr_frederick_chiropractic. Our Massage Therapist, Lori Tangen is on Facebook- @Lorraine Tangen RMT or Instagram- @ltangenrmt

Reference: gladcanada.ca