Osteo – Arthritis of the Knee

What is Osteo- Arthritis (OA) and how My Physio can help?

Osteo –Arthrtis is most commonly known as wear and tear of the joint, in which natural cushioning between joints called cartilage – wears away. Due to wear tear effect, the bones of the joints rub closely against each other and the rubbing results in pain, swelling and stiffness. At my physio, we have extensive experience in treating chronic pain conditions such as Osteo – Arthritis of the knee, read our google reviews to see how others have benefited from our treatments.

What causes Osteo-Arthritis?

Almost everyone will eventually develop some degree of OA in their life. However, some factors significantly predispose the condition

• Age : The ability of cartilage healing decreases as we get older.
• Weight: When body weight increases it also increases pressure on all the joints, especially the knees.
• Repetitive stress: This depends on type of job a person has. People with certain occupations that include a lot of activity that can stress the joint, such as kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy weights, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee because of the constant pressure on the joint.
• Gender: Women aged 55 and older are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Other illnesses: People with rheumatoid arthritis the second most common type of arthritis, are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis. People with certain metabolic disorders, such as iron overload or excess growth hormone, also run a higher risk of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteo- Arthritis

• Pain that increases with weight bearing
• Swelling around the joint
• Feeling of warmth in the joint
• Morning stiffness
• Clicks and grating sensation when bending the knee
• Decreased in mobility of the knee, making it difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk.
• Clicks and grating sensation when bending the knee

Physiotherapy

Often, physiotherapy is first choice of management by the G.P and specialist to reduce pain and improve range of motion of the knee. If you are having trouble with daily activities, physiotherapy therapy can help greatly. Physiotherapists will focus on pain management and teach you ways to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility in your joint.

• Pain less joint manipulations
• Acupuncture
• Dry needling
• Knee brace prescription
• Hydrotherapy
• Pilates – specific exercise focusing on knee joint
• Electrotherapy modalities