World Arthritis Day
Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint pain and there are over 100 types of arthritis and related joint conditions, with pain and stiffness being the main symptoms. There are 2 main types - degenerative and inflammatory.
Arthritis Facts:
Children get arthritis too
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the most common forms of arthritis
We do know you’ve got to move it or lose it; rest can make pain and other symptoms much worse.
3.9 million Australians have arthritis. That’s 1 in 6 people.
Arthritis is the leading cause of chronic pain and the second most common cause of disability and early retirement due to ill health in Australia.
Most forms of arthritis are thought to be auto-immune conditions, where the body’s immune system attacks its own joint tissues
The most common type is degenerative or wear and tear (sometimes referred to as osteoarthritis), which typically affects neck, low back, fingers, hips, knees. It often presents with asymmetrical joint involvement with symptoms of pain, stiffness, swelling.
Less common inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect younger people and have more far reaching (systemic) effects in the body. It normally presents with symmetrical joint involvement.
Osteopathy and arthritis
Osteopathy may help give your body some relief from arthritis, through gentle treatment that encourages blood/nutrient supply and lymphatic drainage of tissues. This can ease swelling and improve range of motion available in joints.
Assessment of your whole body also reveals where compensatory patterns or strains have developed. These strains often occur over time with joint ‘favouring’ and can lead to further muscular aches and pains at sites distant from the involved joint, due to altered function.
Often lifestyle and postural advice is given, correct lifting techniques can be explained as well as some simple home exercises prescribed.
Exercise
Staying active through gentle exercise is good for everyone, especially people with osteoarthritis. Daily exercise like walking or swimming, in small amounts (when not in a flare up of symptoms) is good for keeping your joints moving and general health and wellbeing.
Right now it’s Dogtober and we have beautiful spring days. If you have a dog I bet you don’t have to ask them twice to go for a walk with you!
Facts & stats sourced from Arthritis Australia.