How to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis

Contrarily to claims by trado-medical practioners and food supplement merchants, that osteoarthritis can be cured, Tom Akin, a physiotherapist with the Edo State Specialist Hospital said the disease is not curable. However, he said it is the symptoms of the disease that can be managed, with the aim of reducing their intensity. The physiotherapist said […]

Contrarily to claims by trado-medical practioners and food supplement merchants, that osteoarthritis can be cured, Tom Akin, a physiotherapist with the Edo State Specialist Hospital said the disease is not curable.

However, he said it is the symptoms of the disease that can be managed, with the aim of reducing their intensity.

The physiotherapist said osteoarthritis occurs when the joint surfaces become rough and worn-out. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the end of your bones wears down over time.

He said the process that leads to osteoarthritis is a gradual one, which can result from excessive use of the joint, normal wear and tear, infection and/or traumatic injury to the joint. 

“Currently, this process that leads to osteoarthritis can’t be reversed. There is no known means yet, through which the worn-out joint surfaces that characterize osteoarthritis, can be restored back to how it was before the occurrence of osteoarthritis,” he said.

“But symptoms can usually be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, physical and other therapies, medications, and surgery,” he said.

According to him, the various osteoarthritis management modalities, serve the dual purpose of reducing the intensity of  the symptoms and slowing down the rate of progression of the joint degeneration. “Ultimately, the quality of life of osteoarthritis is optimized,” he added.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. 

Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine, says Akin.

“According to research findings, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting about 237 million (3.3%) of the world population. Among those over 60 years old, about 10% of males and 18% of females are affected. It is the cause of about 2% of years lived with disability,” he said.

Osteoarthritis is believed to be caused by mechanical stress (wear and tear) on the joint and low grade inflammatory processes like joint infection. It develops as cartilage is lost and the underlying bone becomes affected.

Akin said some causes include previous joint injury like fracture, badly managed dislocation, sprain and strain; abnormal joint or limb development such as bow-leg, k-leg and inherited factors.

Risk of developing osteoarthritis is greater in those who are overweight and obese, says the physiotherapist.

“Have one leg of a different length, and have jobs that result in high levels of joint stress such as lifting, climbing stairs and ladders, working in a kneeling or squatting position and heavy lifting in combination with a kneeling or squatting posture.

“Changes in sex hormone levels may play a role in the development of osteoarthritis as it is more prevalent among post-menopausal women than among men of the same age,” he added.

The main symptom of osteoarthritis is pain and these causes loss of ability and often stiffness, according to the physiotherapist, pain is typically made worse by prolonged activity such as exercise or long distance walk and relieved by rest. 

Tom Akin said stiffness is most common in the morning, and typically lasts less than  thirty minutes after beginning daily activities, but may return after periods of inactivity. Osteoarthritis can cause a crackling noise (called “crepitus”) when the affected joint is moved, especially shoulder and knee joint.

A person may also complain of joint locking and joint instability which sometimes causes fall. These symptoms would affect their daily activities due to pain and stiffness. Some people report increased pain associated with cold temperature.

Narrating her experience with the disease, Mrs Juliana Aneke , a teacher said she is finding it more and more  difficult to walk as the years run by. These days, she said after walking for a little distance she feels serious pains on her hips and knees. Aneke said she was teaching one day recently and fell down suddenly.

The risk of developing osteoarthritis can be reduced, by adopting lifestyle and work-style, which are devoid of excessive stress on the body joints. Tom Akin advised maintaining normal range of body weight, managing joint injuries professionally and avoiding abnormal and excessive use of joints.

Tom Akin said the most important ways of managing symptoms of the disease include regular exercise and achieving a healthy weight.

Others include medication like pain relieving medications, surgery and physiotherapy such as individualized exercise programme that will strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your range of motion and reduce pain.