Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects millions of people worldwide. In the U.S. alone, 30 million people have this condition. Usually, osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that causes wear and tear on the joints, develops in the knees, hands, hips and spine.
While osteoarthritis can negatively impact your life, it can also be successfully treated.
Signs You May Have Osteoarthritis
Have you ever wondered if you have osteoarthritis? Here are a few signs that indicate you might be battling this condition:
- Pain or aching in your joints
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Grating sensation when you move the affected joint
- Bone spurs
- If you have these symptoms, let your physician know you are concerned that you might have arthritis. He or she can assess your condition to determine if you do, and can suggest a treatment plan.
“Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. In osteoarthritis, the slick surface of the cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone.” — Mayo Clinic
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
If you do have osteoarthritis, you have several treatment options. Here are just a few:
— Physiotherapy
— Medications
— Weight loss
— Surgery
All of these can be effective treatment options for osteoarthritis, depending upon your unique needs. Many people find physiotherapy, an exercise-based, drug-free therapy, to be an effective treatment for this condition.
5 Things to Ask Your Physiotherapist If You Have Osteoarthritis
If you choose to pursue physiotherapy as a treatment for your case of osteoarthritis, there are several questions you should ask your physiotherapist:
- What is arthritis?
- Does my age have anything to do with my case of arthritis?
- Why does arthritis wear my joints down?
- How much physical activity should I engage in while having arthritis?
- Can physiotherapy help my arthritis?
Read 6 Questions I Get Asked While Treating Someone with Osteoarthritis to find the answers (provided by a physiotherapist) to these questions.
“Physiotherapists can help you find the right exercises and activity to help improve pain and discomfort caused by OA while also improving your overall health.” — Physiocanhelp.ca
Don’t Hesitate to Be Inquisitive About Arthritis
When it comes to osteoarthritis, knowledge is power. The more education you have about it, the better, so don’t be afraid to ask your physiotherapist any type of question — even one you think is silly. Physiotherapists love to answer questions their patients have, so speak up if you have a concern.