What is the impact of Osteoarthritis on our Bodies? Physiotherapy and its Effect

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What is the impact of Osteoarthritis on our Bodies? Physiotherapy and its Effect

Introduction

What is the impact of Osteoarthritis on our Bodies? Physiotherapy and its Effect : Osteoarthritis is a very common joint disease that is caused due the wear and tear of joints. The primary cause of Osteoarthritis is a breakdown of cartilages due to which the joint friction is affected.

Impact of Osteoarthritis in any joint but mainly affects the hips, knees, spine, thumbs, fingers, and big toes. When joints are not active in this condition, then it causes stiffness. Physiotherapy is very effective in treating Osteoarthritis.

A physiotherapist uses manual therapy in which legs or hands are stretched, massaged, and mobilized the body tissues so that joints can become flexible and supple.

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Most common Osteoarthritis

1. Osteoarthritis of the hip

Impact of Osteoarthritis of the hip can cause stiffness as well as pain. In this situation, everyday activities are hard to do, such as taking a walk, sitting/rising from a chair, tying a shoelace, etc.

It is important to start Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis of the hip soon as the condition worsens with time. By this, the pain can be managed, and you can stay active.

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Causes:

• Increase in the age
• Obesity
• Any injury to the hip joint
• History in a family of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms:

• Pain in the thigh or groin that spreads to buttocks or knees.
• Pain in vigorous activities.
• Stiffness in the joints of the hips makes it difficult for you to bend or walk.
• Increase in joint pain in rainy weather.

2. Osteoarthritis of the knee

It is one of the most common Osteoarthritis, with more than 100 forms. It mainly affects adults but can happen in children too.

Many simple daily activities can become hard in this condition, such as walking, running, climbing stairs, bending, etc. It can prove to be a serious disability. It is important to follow physiotherapy treatment protocol for knee osteoarthritis as soon as possible.

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Causes:

• Obesity
• Genetics
• Diabetes
• Elevated cholesterol
• Injury in the knee joint

Symptoms:

• Buckles in the knee of the feeling of weakness.
• Increase in pain of knee joints with change in weather.
• Vigorous activity can cause pain to increase.
• Swelling and pain might worsen in the morning, during sitting and resting.

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3. Osteoarthritis of the neck

Neck Osteoarthritis or cervical Osteoarthritis is a condition that attacks joints, discs, and bones of the neck.

It is caused due wear and tear of joints, and they lose fluid and then become stiffer. It can cause difficulty or problems in grabbing things, making neck movements, problems in walking, coordination, etc.

Causes:

• Wearing down spinal disks that are present in the neck
• Ageing can cause the spinal disk to crack or tear
• Cartilage in the neck joints starts to degenerate
• Pressure caused due to herniation which causes numbness, tingling, and pain

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Symptoms:

• Headaches, muscle spasms, and dizziness.
• A sound of grinding, popping, and clicking when you move your neck.
• Soreness in the neck.
• The main symptom is neck pain and stiffness, which worsens with neck movements or over time.

Osteoarthritis and physiotherapy

There is no particular treatment for Osteoarthritis. Its effect can be improved, and pain effects can be enhanced with the help of physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists use many manual therapies to improve or remove the stiffness of joints that suffer from Osteoarthritis. These exercises help regain the joints’ movements, which will make them active.

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Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which tissues or cartilages at the bend or bones of joints gradually worsen over time. The main symptoms of Osteoarthritis can be tenderness, loss of flexibility, swelling, bone spurs, grating sensation, etc.

As these symptoms increase, they result in joint instability, pain, inflammation, and swelling. In such cases, one should avoid sugars, alcohol, tobacco, and refined carbohydrates. It is crucial to take serious earlier symptoms and get physiotherapy.