The term arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint but is generally used to describe a number of condition in which there is degeneration or damage to the cartilage surfaces in a joint.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and usually involve redness, swelling, stiffness, heat, and pain.
The cartilage is a padding that absorbs stressful forces. Over time the cartilage can become damaged due to injury, or can start to wear. The amount of change can vary with the type and stage of arthritis and can cause inflammation which affects the cartilage, the bone under the cartilage, and the synovial lining of the joint.
There is no specific cure for osteoarthritis, it is more about the management of symptoms and function.
Mild symptoms can often be managed with exercise and pain killers when required. Physiotherapy has been shown to significantly improve function, decrease pain, and delay need for surgical intervention such as a joint replacement. If you are overweight, weight loss may also help by reducing the amount of load that the affected joint needs to support.
In more progressive cases, or when pain is intolerable, surgery may be appropriate. Which type of surgery may depend on factors such as which type of arthritis, extent of joint change and the age of the patient.
Joint replacement surgery, such as for knees and hips, is very common for higher levels of joint damage. With good physiotherapy guidance after your operation, people can often return to very good levels of function and activity including sport and exercise.
A physiotherapist can explain your condition and give you advice on which management option may be suitable for you. If surgery is appropriate, we can help signpost you to a good Orthopaedic Surgeon and help you get the best results possible after the operation.