Are you experiencing pain in your groin or stiffness in your back? Has pain and discomfort made it difficult to go about your daily routine? If this sounds all too familiar, you could be suffering from osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. OA is a degenerative joint disease often described as “wear and tear” arthritis. Repetitive movement and prior injuries can both contribute to this condition. Early on, osteoarthritis is most commonly associated with stiffness and achiness after prolonged rest and inactivity. As the condition advances, inflammation may lead to pain and loss of motion in the joints.
Arthritis can be a frustrating and challenging condition to deal with. However, the good news is that there are many things that you can do to alleviate the pain and improve your function, joint movement, muscle strength, balance, and coordination. It may even be possible to eliminate symptoms, depending on the severity of your condition.
Call our clinic today to make an appointment. Our team of experienced practitioners can provide effective solutions to your pain and help you achieve a better quality of life!
WHAT EXACTLY IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects an entire joint, including the bone, cartilage, ligaments, and synovium (tissues that line a joint). Commonly associated with aging, this condition can deteriorate cartilage, change bone shape and structure, and cause inflammation.
OA can affect any joint; however, the most common areas affected include the hands, knees, hips, lower back, and neck. OA is primarily seen in individuals over the age of 50, although in some cases, younger patients can be diagnosed.
There are two types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary. Primary OA doesn’t have a known cause, although it is believed that genetic factors play a key role in the condition. Secondary OA usually results from a disease, infection, or injury. Despite their differences, the two types of osteoarthritis progress in similar directions, ultimately resulting in the loss of articular cartilage.
Typical symptoms include pain, joint stiffness, crepitus (i.e. noises like snaps and pops), and eventually muscle weakness and joint instability.
WHAT CAUSES OSTEOARTHRITIS?
There is increasing evidence that different risk factors are associated with osteoarthritis, including:
Obesity
Genetic predispositions
Sociodemographic characteristics
Specific bone/ joint shapes
There are also physical risk factors associated with increased osteoarthritis, including:
Joint injury
Participation in certain occupational activities (i.e. repetitive movements like bending or prolonged positions like sitting/driving
Participation in sports (i.e. contact sports)
Thigh flexor muscle weakness and knee osteoarthritis
Joint malalignment
Although aging is one of the most significant risk factors of osteoarthritis, obesity is also a major contributor to developing osteoarthritis. In addition, recent studies suggest that unhealthy diets are associated with systemic inflammation. Inflammation can make you more at risk of experiencing knee pain than patients with a healthy weight and diet.
Our practitioners can help improve joint movement, muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which will all reduce pain and inflammation.
HOW TREATMENT AT ENHANCE REBAB SERVICES CAN HELP YOU MANAGE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Our team of physiotherapists and massage therapists all offer effective techniques to help you manage osteoarthritis symptoms. Your provider will begin by assessing your condition to identify and address contributing factors. Regardless of the cause, our treatment programs play a significant role in treating osteoarthritis symptoms and should be the first step in recovery.
Our physiotherapists will educate you on how regular physical activity and customized exercise programs can reduce pain, prevent the condition from worsening, and improve daily function.
Our practitioners may use specific exercises to slowly stretch your joints and increase your range of motion. Our physiotherapists can also recommend changes for a healthier lifestyle if obesity or poor nutrition are contributing factors.
In addition, our massage therapists can help alleviate pain and ease muscle stiffness by improving circulation and helping to reduce inflammation.
At our clinic, our treatment plans can help improve your function without aggravating the pain. Your provider can help you reclaim a healthy lifestyle. From start to finish, we’re dedicated to your ongoing well-being.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or are struggling with symptoms of the condition, our providers are here to help. Call us +1 (868) 493-3330 or send us an email at admin@enhancerehabtt.com to learn more about treatment and book an appointment!
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