Being diagnosed with osteoarthritis can be scary and confusing. It’s natural to be concerned and to wonder what the condition means for you and your lifestyle, both now and in the future.
In this article, we address some of the most common concerns, questions and areas of confusion for people who are newly-diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Of course, a blog is no substitute for talking to your doctor or orthopaedic consultant who can offer you personal one-to-one advice. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to call us for an appointment, we’d be very happy to help.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative disease that affects the joints in the body. The cartilage lining the joints becomes worn or damaged, causing the bones to rub together when you move. The result can be pain, stiffness, swelling, loss of function/stability, or joint deformity. While osteoarthritis can occur in any joint of the body, it is most common in the knees, hips, neck, lower back, hands and fingers. People of any age can be affected by osteoarthritis, but it is most common in adults over 50.
What should I do now I’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis?
Exactly what you are doing now! When you have been diagnosed with a new condition, it is helpful to find out as much as you can about it from reputable sources, including blogs and websites. Arthritis UK is a helpful website full of information and advice about all forms of arthritis and you can also find information from the NHS, NHS Inform and BUPA. We recommend talking to your doctor or orthopaedic consultant who can provide tailored information and advice.
Do I need to stop exercising if I have osteoarthritis?
You should not stop exercising if you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. However, over time, you may need to avoid certain high impact activities and switch to lower impact exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming and yoga.
Read more about the benefits of exercising with osteoarthritis.
How badly will osteoarthritis affect my mobility?
It is impossible to tell how badly your mobility will be affected by osteoarthritis as this depends on many different factors including your age, general state of health, which joints are affected and how you manage the conditions. You can reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on your mobility by exercising to build strength, reduce stiffness and improve flexibility in the muscles surrounding the joint. Losing weight can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, including hips and knees. We recommend getting an early diagnosis and working with your doctor or orthopaedic consultant to minimise osteoarthritis symptoms.
How can I manage the pain of osteoarthritis?
Managing the pain of osteoarthritis will depend on how severely affected you are by the condition. In the early stages, basic over-the-counter medications should be sufficient. However, as the condition worsens you may need prescription drugs to help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation in the joints. There are also injectable treatments to relieve pain and swelling.
Are there any lifestyle improvements I can make to help me manage my symptoms?
As well as low impact exercise, mentioned above, you may want to shed some weight if you are overweight. Every 10 pounds of weight adds between 20 and 39 pounds of force to each knee so even losing a few pounds can make a difference. Talk to your doctor if you need advice and support with this. Quitting smoking can also help as tobacco smoke increases inflammation throughout the body which can hamper your body’s natural healing processes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying well-hydrated all help with managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Do I need to make changes to my work or home environment?
You are unlikely to need to make changes in the early stages of the disease, however as it becomes more severe you may want to consider making changes at home or work. An occupational therapist will be able to suggest aids to make everyday activities, like bathing or showering, easier. Talk to your employer if you feel that you would benefit from adjustments to your workplace. Under the terms of the Equalities Act (2010), they are required to do make reasonable adjustments.
Will I need to have surgery for osteoarthritis?
Not necessarily. Joint replacement surgery is generally recommended for the most severe joint pain due to osteoarthritis. However, not everybody with the condition requires surgery.
Can dietary supplements or complementary therapies help?
There is some evidence to suggest that the supplement glucosamine may help with osteoarthritis of the knee, along with spices like turmeric. Some people find acupuncture is helpful for managing pain, while others say massage can help ease painful muscle spasms, as well as being nurturing and relaxing. Do your own research and be wary of unsubstantiated claims.
Contact us if you would like more information about diagnosing, managing and treating osteoarthritis as well as other forms of arthritis.
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