Osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability in older people. Cartilage at the bone ends provide protection to the joints in the body. In osteoarthritis, these cartilages break down causing loss of protection of the bones, and joints subsequently develop stiffness and pain. If not attended in time, Osteoarthritis can also damage ligaments, menisci and muscles. Over time it may create a need for joint replacement.
Osteoarthritis developed with ageing is called primary osteoarthritis. Wear and tear associated with ageing causes this problem. The more aged you are,the more likely you are to get affected by this disease.. Typically, aged females are more affected by osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis, however, develops at an earlier age, typically 10 or more years after a specific reason like injury or obesity.
Osteosarthritis most commonly occurs in the knees and hips, but can affect other joints like the hands and shoulders..
The pain and stiffness of severe osteoarthritis may make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, sleep or perform other daily work.
Physiotherapy plays a significant role in treating osteosrthritis. It decreases inflammation, improves joint mobility and strengthens the muscles surrounding the painful joints. Stretching and exercises help in combating these problems.
Physiotherapy treatments are found to be most effective to check or remove osteoarthritis symptoms, such as reducing pain, prevent disability, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life. The treatment plan covers following process.
- Muscle strengthening
- Improving flexibility and joint motion
- Improving Aerobic functioning
- Weight loss.
Not only is physiotherapy effective to arrest the pains and improve mobility, it can also accelerate recovery after joint replacement surgery.
