Arthritic Pain
Arthritic pain is a symptom of arthritis, a condition that involves inflammation and degeneration of joints. There are several types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. This pain can vary in intensity and duration and often affects mobility and quality of life.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time – “wear and tear”. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased movement in the affected joints – commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
The risk of developing OA increases with age. Previous injury can increase the likelihood of OA as well as repetitive stress – some jobs and activities stress particular joints repeatedly. Obesity and carrying excess weight can also add stress to weight-bearing joints and a family history of OA can increase risk.
Symptoms:
- Joint pain – This can range from moderate to severe. It may be constant or intermittent and can worsen with movement or after prolonged inactivity. It can be especially worse in the morning and joints may be tender to touch.
- Joint stiffness – particularly after periods of inactivity and in the morning. There is often a loss of flexibility and reduced range of movement in the joint.
- Sensation – You may experiencing grinding or clicking in the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints causing inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a wear-and-tear condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue with RA. A family history of RA can increase the risk.
Common Symptoms:
- Joint pain – RA often affects small joints first – like the hands and the feet and typically affects joints on both sides of the body.
- Joint stiffness – particularly after periods of inactivity and in the morning.
- Fatigue
How can Osteopathy help?
Osteopathy can be a valuable part of an integrative approach to managing arthritic pain, and is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. It’s important for individuals to have a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Our osteopaths will take a thorough case history and assessment. In some cases we may refer you for further tests such as imaging, or blood tests.
Osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal system, using manual techniques to promote overall health and alleviate pain. Once a working diagnosis for your pain is established, your osteopath will discuss a treatment plan with you – with the aim to help pain management, reducing inflammation and improving mobility and function.
Osteopathic treatment uses gentle hands-on manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve joint function. These may include soft tissue massage, stretching, and gentle joint manipulation. Some of our osteopaths may use gentle, soothing cranial techniques which are focused on the head and spine. If cranial osteopathy is a specific request of yours, please let us know before booking an appointment so we can make sure you are seeing a practitioner who uses cranial techniques.
Arthritic pain can interfere with daily activities, work, and recreational activities and your osteopath may provide recommendations for these to help you manage your symptoms and support overall health. Managing pain often requires a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, and your osteopath may provide you with specific exercises to strengthen muscles around the joints, improve range of motion, and enhance overall function and stability.
