Is it possible to avoid ARTHRITIS?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is often referred to as “Wear and Tear”. This is not strictly true, it isn’t that movement rubs away parts of the cartilage. Arthritis occurs because cartilage has a poor blood supply and so must get its nutrition through the fluid in the joint being wiped over the joint surface during movement.
If nutrition isn’t sufficient to maintain cartilage it gets thinner. As the cartilage gets thinner pressure increases in the joint and swelling, pain and stiffness appear because the cartilage can no longer do its job
Why do we need cartilage?
Cartilage has no nerve endings in it so it won’t cause pain when we load the joint which it covers. The surface of the joint repels water, this means the joint is effectively floating like two magnets pushing each other apart, this really reduces friction in a joint
Cartilage is shaped to make the surface deeper by being cup shaped. This enhances joint stability.
How do we stop arthritic joints hurting?
Pressure in the joint causes a lot of the pain. This can be compensated for by the muscles around the joint being strong, your physio can give advice on how to achieve that. In the short term resting with the joint off loaded, particularly hanging.
Certain chemicals get released while a joint is being mobile. This particularly causes a gnawing tooth ache type pain. Gentle movement of the joint will stop this at night. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to give advice on drugs to reduce this effect
If a joint is swollen the pressure can cause pain. Rest, ice and gentle massage will reduce this
As it was said above as cartilage thins the joint will get stiffer. Mobility exercise, strength and joint supplements can all help reduce this problem
How Physio helps arthritis?
Physio helps with specific joint mobilisation to reduce stiffness, massage to reduce swelling. Pure Physio is keen to explore how exercise will reduce symptoms in the long term by strengthening the muscles which support the joint and mobility to reduce stiffness. Specific advice around how and when to move, do jobs and exercise can also make a remarkable difference.
If you want to discuss a solution to your arthritis call Pure Physio Albany 09 448 1277 or click here to book online.