Osteoarthritis

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What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly known as wear and tear arthritis and is a frequent cause of joint pain and mobility restrictions, especially in older adults. Traditionally, it was thought to result from the gradual breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of bones in a joint. However, in recent years, this has been redefined to include the involvement of all components of the joint, including the joint lining, ligaments, bones, and muscles, alongside the thinning of cartilage. It is also understood that the body’s response to repair joint damage can contribute to the structural changes seen in osteoarthritis, which can restrict movement and cause pain.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body but often impacts the knees, feet, and hips due to their frequent use and the forces they bear in daily activities. While it is more common in older adults, about 2.5% of all arthritis sufferers (3.6 million Australians) are under 45 years old.

pain in the right indicated by redness surrounding right knee caused by osteoarthritis

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What Happens In Osteoarthritis & Who Is At Risk?

Since we all rely on our joints for daily mobility and activity, no one is completely exempt from the risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, some factors are known to increase your likelihood of developing this condition, including:
  • Age: The prevalence of arthritis significantly increases with age.
  • Gender: Arthritis is more common in women than in men.
  • History of injury: If you’ve previously injured a joint or had surgery, it raises the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.
  • Genetics: Certain genes are associated with a higher risk of arthritis, including a gene that causes a mutation in collagen.
  • Natural joint differences: Variations in joint shape or structure can predispose you to osteoarthritis.
  • Weight: Since weight directly impacts the pressure on joints during movement, being overweight increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
  • Overuse: Repeatedly performing movements that load the joints, such as in certain work environments, can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

 

When our joints are healthy, all of their components work together smoothly, allowing for pain-free, frictionless movement. This includes the cartilage, which provides a slippery surface for the bones to glide smoothly, as well as the synovial fluid and joint lining. When osteoarthritis begins to affect a joint, the cartilage thins, and the bone surface becomes rougher. The body’s repair process can also lead to additional structural changes, such as thickening and stretching of the joint capsule, thickening and inflammation of the synovium, and the development of bone spurs within the joint.

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Signs & Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Joint pain and stiffness are the primary symptoms of osteoarthritis, and their severity can vary widely from person to person and even from week to week. You may notice your joints creaking or reduced flexibility. Swelling in the joints can also occur, and over time, the shape and appearance of the joint may change. Many people with osteoarthritis find that factors like colder weather—or even the time of day—can influence the intensity of their symptoms.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis is straightforward, as it involves a combination of your symptoms and medical imaging to confirm changes in the joint. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can take the right steps to improve comfort and minimize the long-term impact of arthritis on your body.

How To Treat Osteoarthritis

Once changes to the integrity and structure of your joint occur, they are generally irreversible. However, osteoarthritis is a gradual process that worsens over time, and there is plenty that can be done to slow its progression and manage painful symptoms. With the right approach, you can stay comfortable, supported on your feet, mobile, and independent. For arthritis affecting your feet and legs, the following strategies can help:

  • Footwear: You don’t need to switch to bulky shoes. The key is choosing shoes that support your foot posture, offload any painful or prominent joints, cushion your feet to better distribute pressure while walking, and accommodate other issues like bunions.
  • Custom foot orthotics: We use orthotics to significantly improve comfort and mobility. Each pair is prescribed after a comprehensive assessment with your podiatrist, who understands your feet’s unique structural and functional needs. Our orthotics are designed using a 3D scan of your feet, ensuring a perfect fit and no guesswork.
  • Physical therapy: Low-impact strengthening and stretching exercises help maintain joint function, strength, and flexibility.
  • Activity modification: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend adjustments to your routine to help slow arthritis progression. For example, if long walks are causing pain, we may suggest shorter walks combined with pool-based exercises to reduce joint stress.

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