Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Affecting around eight million people, osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis in the UK that normally affects the hands, spine, knees and hips. Usually developing in people aged over 40, more women suffer from osteoarthritis than men, and you are more likely to get osteoarthritis if you have a family history. A degenerative condition, it breaks down the cartilage around joints which can make movement more difficult, as well as creating pain and stiffness that can be debilitating. With the thinning of cartilage, the surrounding ligaments and tendons have to work harder to support movement, which can also lead to swelling and, eventually, to bone grating against bone which can alter the shape of joints and pull them out of alignment.

How do you treat osteoarthritis?

Physiotherapy can be a great help for those who suffer from degenerative arthritic conditions and joint pain. We’ll use a number of different techniques to help to control your symptoms, as well as providing you with sound advice so you understand what’s happening to your joints and muscles and what you might be able to do at home to manage it.