Joint Health

Understanding And Managing Osteoarthritis As We Age

By Nick Ewart MSc.P.T.

As we age, our bodies go through various changes, and one common challenge that many people encounter is osteoarthritis, or OA as it is commonly called. This degenerative joint disease is often referred to as the "wear and tear" arthritis, and can significantly impact our quality of life. In this article, we will look more closely at osteoarthritis, and we will explore its causes, symptoms, and practical ways to manage and reduce its effects as we enjoy the best years of our lives!

1. What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which is the shiny hard tissue covering the ends of bones. While it can affect any joint, it most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. In the United States, 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 will develop osteoarthritis in one or more joints.

2. Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with osteoarthritis is crucial for ongoing management. Aging itself is a contributing factor, as the natural wear and tear on joints occurs over time. Other contributing factors include previous joint injuries, obesity, genetics, and certain occupations, or sports and recreational activities that place excessive stress on our joints.

3. Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis is vital for early detection and management. Common signs and symptoms include:

Joint Pain: Osteoarthritis often presents with persistent pain in the affected joints, which usually gets worse with activity.

Stiffness: People with osteoarthritis usually experience stiffness of the affected joints, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Swelling: Visible swelling around osteoarthritic joints often develops as the osteoarthritis progresses over time.

Joint Crepitus: Clicking, cracking or grinding may be heard or felt in the osteoarthritic joints. This is known as crepitus, and is usually worse when moving or with activity.

4. Diagnosis

If you suspect that you may have osteoarthritis, it is a good idea to consult with a Health Professional for a proper diagnosis, and to discuss treatment and management options. Your Doctor or Physical Therapist will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination of your joints, and will likely order imaging tests, such as an x-ray or MRI, to assess the extent of your joint damage.

5. Lifestyle Changes for the Management of Osteoarthritis

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to help manage its symptoms and improve overall joint health, as follows;

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Maintaining a healthy weight can relieve stress on the joints and reduce the risk of developing or worsening osteoarthritis.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as swimming, walking, or cycling, can help improve joint mobility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and relieve pain. Consult with a Physical Therapist or an experienced Personal Trainer to develop a personalized exercise plan especially for you.
Balanced Diet: A diet rich in nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, is important to support joint health. Include plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables in your diet, and reduce the amount of red meat, fat, sugar, alcohol, and processed food that you eat.

6. Medications and Dietary Supplements

In some cases, your Doctor may recommend medications to manage the joint pain, stiffness and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. Common options include over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stronger prescription-only anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections for more severe cases. There are also many safe non-pharmaceutical options such as dietary supplements which many sufferers of osteoarthritis get great benefit from. One such dietary supplement is Joint Genesis. Joint Genesis was created by a Doctor in the US, and has been successfully used by 1000's of Americans to help alleviate their OA symptoms. You can learn more about Joint Genesis by clicking here.

7. Surgical Interventions

For individuals with advanced osteoarthritis and significant joint damage, surgical options may be considered. Joint replacement surgeries such as knee joint replacement or hip joint replacement are very effective at relieving pain and restoring mobility and function. However, surgery is generally considered a “last resort” only when conservative non-surgical management is no longer providing sufficient relief from symptoms.

8. Coping Strategies and Emotional Well-Being

Living with osteoarthritis can take a toll not only on physical health but also on mental health. It's essential to adopt coping strategies and prioritize mental health as follows;

Educate Yourself: Understanding your osteoarthritis empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Stay informed about osteoarthritis, its progression, and treatment options that are available.
Embrace Support: Joining support groups or seeking the guidance of a mental health professional can provide you with emotional support and coping strategies. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be very uplifting and supportive.
Mind-Body Practices: Using mind-body practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help manage stress, enhance relaxation, and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

As we age, maintaining good health involves dealing with and overcoming various challenges, with osteoarthritis being a common problem facing many of us as we get older. By understanding the causes of osteoarthritis, recognizing early symptoms, and making lifestyle changes, we can manage osteoarthritis effectively and continue to lead an active and fulfilling life.

Remember, exercising regularly and eating well are key components to maintaining good joint health, fitness, and well-being after 50!