Popular Conditions

Arthritis (Osteo-arthritis)

There are many type of arthritis. The commonest is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis arises when a joint become worn out (due to wear and tear, degeneration, old age etc). The lining of the joint wears away, causing pain, inflammation, and damage to the underlying bone structure. Whilst the damage cannot be reversed, we can do a lot to keep the pain at bay, keep the joints in working order and so crucially for many, keep you going. In so doing many people are able to reduce their reliance on drugs and so lead freer lives. There is always something that be done to help any worn out joint.

The commonest joints to suffer are: hip, knee, shoulder, ankle and arthritis of the spine (usually neck or low back).

*Early morning stiffness
*Pain that is almost always better for movement and worse for rest (though it can be worse after exercising too)
*Joints can swell and look ‘lumpy’, red and hot
*Pain that takes place when you stand on it or put pressure on the joint
*The absence of pins and needles
*Feels like you need a good massage over the stiff areas
*Pain can sometimes refer to other places, ie a hip pain could masquerade as a knee pain – so always get professional help.