Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent chronic joint condition. Osteoarthritis is the medical term for degenerative changes of the joint that can include both cartilage degeneration and irregular bony growth.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis can present as pain, swelling and an inability to move the joint freely. It is most commonly found in knees, hips and the lower back.
Obesity is commonly acknowledged as a risk factor for osteoarthritis due to the increased loading of the joints and pressure on the cartilage between the bones.
So, what can you do if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis?
Weight loss should be part of the first-line management approach for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Every kilogram of bodyweight a person loses takes up to 5kg of force from an OA knee for example.
Current research shows that a 5% reduction in body weight in conjunction with a joint strengthening program can decrease OA pain by up to 30%.
Similarly, a 10% reduction in body weight with a strength-based program can lead to up to 50% reduction in pain.
If you have been diagnosed with OA, a visit to a dietitian and physiotherapist can help you get on track with an eating plan for weight loss and a strengthening program for your joints. This in turn could see you rely less heavily on pain medication and could help to reduce the incidence of potential future joint surgery.
Contact us at Brisbane City Physiotherapy if you would like to get started on a OA management plan.
