Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition caused by the gradual wearing away of cartilage in the joints such as knees, hips, shoulders, and ankles. When cartilage breaks down, the bones start rubbing against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.
It mostly affects older adults but can also occur at any age due to injury or overuse. Physiotherapy in Bengaluru plays an important role in managing joint pain and improving mobility.
Osteoarthritis mainly develops due to long-term wear and tear of the joints. As we grow older, joint cartilage becomes weaker, making age the biggest risk factor. Other factors can also increase the chances of developing Osteoarthritis
Many risk factors increase the risk of Osteoarthritis which include:
Old age– the problem starts in the late forties due to muscle weakening.
Gender– Osteoarthritis is more common in women especially knee and hand Osteoarthritis.
Some occupations– Osteoarthritis may occur owing to your lifestyle. Performing some hard activities frequently can also lead to Osteoarthritis.
Joint deformities– If you have any deformities since childhood, then it can lead to Osteoarthritis.
Genetics– several rare types of Osteoarthritis which initiate at an early age are linked with genes.
Obesity– one of the primary causes of Osteoarthritis is being overweight.
With the progression of osteoarthritis, joint pain gradually becomes more severe and persistent. Swelling may start appearing in the affected joints and nearby tissues, making daily movements difficult and uncomfortable. Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
The signs of osteoarthritis are not the same for everyone. Some people notice that their joint pain increases with changes in weather, especially during cold, damp conditions or when air pressure drops. For others, the level of discomfort is closely related to their daily activity — the more they use the affected joint, the more pain and stiffness they may experience.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis mainly depends on the area of pain and the symptoms you are experiencing. To confirm the condition, your doctor may perform a few evaluations and tests such as:
Physical examination– throughout the physical examination doctor will check your affected joints closely along with checking the pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness of the affected joint.
X-Ray – X-ray is done to confirm the type of Osteoarthritis. It also shows that to what extent the joints have been damaged.
MRI– MRI is done to observe the joint and surrounding tissues.
Blood tests– for Osteoarthritis there is no blood test. The doctor might do some tests to confirm out other types of arthritis.
Joint fluid analysis– a doctor can also use a needle to draw out fluid from your body. He will take this fluid to check and determine if there is inflammation or else the pain is caused due to gout or any other infection.
Physiotherapy treatment for Osteoarthritis in Bengaluru involves a combination of different treatment approaches, including exercises, weight management, medications, and physiotherapy care. The treatment plan depends on the severity of osteoarthritis, the affected joint, the patient’s medical history, daily activities, and work routine. Among all treatment options, physiotherapy is considered one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis-related pain and improve joint function. Physiotherapy provides multiple benefits for people suffering from osteoarthritis such as:
The treatment methods selected by the physiotherapist mainly depend on which joint is affected by osteoarthritis. Your age, body weight, overall fitness level, and how long you have been experiencing the condition are also taken into consideration while planning the therapy.
