Arthritic Conditions

There are many arthritic conditions. Of these Osteoarthritis is the most common with 8.5 million people affected by it in the UK alone.

Also referred to as “wear and tear” osteoarthritis is the wearing thin of cartilage between our joints and the changes to the bones and surrounding soft tissues that occur as a result of this. The hands spine knees and hips are the most commonly affected joints.

You may experience joint pain, swelling and muscle tension in the affected area. Sometimes your condition will be fully diagnosed by xray or scan but usually your GP will recognise the condition from your case history and examining your joint. The usual course of treatment is anti-inflammatories or pain relief, Osteopathy can be used alongside treatment from your GP to help with joint mobility and strength.

Rheumatoid arthritis is less common but a more severe form of arthritis where the bodies immune system attacks and breaks down the joint often affecting the hands, feet and wrists. Joints are likely to be hot and swollen and often more than one joint will be affected. You may feel ill or have a fever with this type of arthritis. You should see your GP for this condition as it is managed differently to Osteoarthritis.

How osteopathy might help

If your joints become stiff your muscles have to work harder to move them. Arthritic pain may be reduced by treatment aimed at gently taking the joint through its full range of movement. Soft tissue massage can help to relieve tension in the muscles surrounding the joint.

We can advise on exercise, diet and supplements can be useful in reducing your level of pain. There is some evidence to show that the supplement glucosamine may be useful to sufferers. (See Information Sheets)

The fact that arthritis is present in the joint cannot be changed but we can help you learn how to get that joint to function as well as it possibly can.

Joint replacements

In some cases arthritic joints can be replaced. Hip and knee replacements in particular are popular. We often help patients in the months prior to their operation, maintaining the strength of the muscles around the affected joint but also looking at other areas that are affected. For example, if you have a left osteoarthritic hip you will walk differently and this can have a knock on effect to your spinal joints, knees and the other hip.

Case Study of a patient with arthritis