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Osteoarthritis: What to Know

What is important to know about osteoarthritis?

Author: Dr. Britt Dalton, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT

Osteoarthritis, typically considered the “wear and tear” on joints, is the most common type of arthritis. It is estimated that around 80% of persons over the age of 65 in the United States show some type of arthritis on imaging, though only ~60% of these people actually have symptoms. Osteoarthritis may be due to a previous injury, repetitive stresses over time, a product of various diseases, and/or genetics. It tends to affect weightbearing joints more often, including the spinal joints, knees, and hips, as well as the fingers. Typical characteristics of osteoarthritis are morning stiffness often lasting around 30 minutes, joint pain and potential swelling of the joint, loss of motion in the affected joint, and even frequent popping or clicking in the joint.

So, with all that information, what is important to know about osteoarthritis?

• It’s normal for x-rays to show some changes to the joint, even in those without pain. Research shows that evidence of arthritis on x-rays is over twice as common as actually experiencing pain from arthritis. This means that there is far more to arthritic pain than just the quality of the joint, and as such should provide confidence that even if you have been told you have arthritis, the pain and restrictions caused by it can often be improved. 
• It is safe, and even recommended, to exercise an arthritic joint. The nature of arthritis is that the affected joint tends to stiffen over time, become more painful, and ultimately lead to more disability associated with it. Working to restore range of motion in the joint, maintain and even build muscle strength and endurance around the joint, and learn ways to modify activities to reduce stress on the involved joint, are all ways that have been shown to not only reduce pain, but improve the quality of life in those affected by osteoarthritis. 
• It is okay to feel a little pain when you are exercising. Sometimes it is unavoidable to do an activity without feeling some discomfort. The benefits from exercising and remaining active many times far outweigh the risks associated with it. This does not mean “no pain, no gain”. If you do feel some pain, it should be mild and a level you are comfortable with. Likewise, any associated pain from the activity should ideally resolve within 24 hours, if not less. Severe pain (or any level of pain you are not comfortable with), or pain lasting longer than 24 hours, should result not in complete cessation of activity but in making modifications to your routine going forward. Other tools such as moist heat or ice (whichever you prefer), light compression, and even bracing can help to manage symptoms associated with arthritis. 
• If you are, however, struggling to manage the pain or loss of function associated with arthritis, consider setting up a free consultation with us to learn what all factors may be influencing your condition and what may be done to help it.