Managing Arthritis: Hip & Knee Pain

Manage your Arthritis pain…

Many of my Osteopathy patients come to the clinic bearing gifts in the form of x-rays or MRIs showing ‘wear and tear’ or ‘degenerative changes’ in one or more of their joints usually being the Hip or Knee. Usually this means they have osteoarthritis. By no means should this be a scary word, because arthritis is actually a normal part of the ageing process, affecting all of us to some degree as we age.

Research shows manual therapy such as Osteopathy can relieve pain and manage pain, by increasing flexibility and improve quality of life for people with hip and knee arthritis. This is a bold statement however it is well reflected in NHS guidelines which recommend manual therapy (stretching and manipulation), alongside exercise, weight loss and pain meds to manage symptoms. So my fellow arthritics, there are many things you can try before considering the surgical option!

What exactly is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in adults worldwide. It is most common in the over 45 age group, but not limited to.  The Hips and knee joints are most commonly affected by arthritis, but the spine, hands, wrists, feet and ankles are also frequently affected too.

OA is a degenerative joint condition, which causes smooth cartilage that lines the joints to wear away, the damage causes friction making movement more difficult. This can lead to pain, stiffness and inflammation. Over a period, the cartilage can erode and bony spurs (osteophytes) develop leading to heightened pain.

How can Osteopathy help?

An Osteopath will release muscle tension around the joint, increasing the range of movement and encourage better joint health by prompting blood and lymph flow to and from the area. In effect this will reduce your pain and inflammation and increase flexibility.

Osteopaths can use a variety of techniques to achieve this, depending on your situation and wishes. These include gentle articulation, massage, stretch and joint mobilisation, they will also be able to advice you on strengthening and stretching exercises to do at home.

Can an Osteopath help with Arthritis in any joints?

The most common affected joints with OA are the hip and knee. From a professional perspective I have helped reduce symptoms in people’s backs, neck, hip, knees, wrist and thumbs. I apply similar principles in all my cases as arthritis follows the same degenerative process in all joints however I also tailor make treatments to suit your needs.

Over to You…

Do you suffer from Osteoarthritis or know someone who does?

Do these symptoms sound familiar…

• Tenderness around the suspected joint.
• Increased pain and stiffness on activity such as walking, standing for a period of time, bending from hip or knees.
• The joints appearing larger or slightly knobbly.
• Lack of movement coming from the joint.
• Weakness of muscles around the affected joint.

If they do and you have not tried Osteopathy, give us a call today and let us get you back to doing what you love!