(5-minute read)
Many patients come to my Henleaze osteopathic clinic concerned about the management and treatment of arthritis in Bristol, and I aim to address their fears in the first consultation.
According to a recent report by Arthritis UK, over 10 million adults, young people, and children in the UK live with arthritis.
Their research highlights one in six people living with the pain, fatigue, and disability that can be associated with arthritis. It impacts the ability to work, care for family and move daily.
There are different types of arthritis, and individuals suffer in varying degrees from mild to severe, with a variety of ways to manage and treat the symptoms.
There are various forms of Arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis, such as Rheumatoid arthritis require careful management under the care of a rheumatologist, but more commonly individuals suffer from Osteoarthritis (O/A).
For the purposes of this blog, I shall focus on this much more common type of arthritis, and one which osteopathy is more able to help patients manage.
What is Osteo-arthritis (O/A)?
Over time, the cartilage in joints starts to wear. This wear and tear is an unavoidable part of ageing.
Factors affecting the speed of arthritic wear and tear can include genetic predisposition, general ageing, as well as overuse or repeated overuse of certain joints in daily life or certain activities.
As mentioned, arthritis affects people in varying degrees from mild to severe, and subsequently, there are a variety of ways to manage and treat the symptoms on a day-to-day basis for a fuller, happier life.
Arthritis is often a word that instils fear in many, and some people view it as the end of mobility following a diagnosis.
However, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to the management and treatment of arthritis, and I advise my patients in Bristol accordingly.
Where does arthritis impact the body?
Common parts of the lower body to be affected by arthritis are the hips and knees.
Hips and knees can show mild arthritis and stiffness, leading to severe arthritis requiring a full knee or hip replacement operation. These procedures are very successful.
Patients visiting my BS6 clinic for the management and treatment of arthritis also often present with issues in the lower back and neck areas, where there is commonly a degree of wear and tear.
Poor posture and sitting positions are a major factor when it comes to causing early arthritic changes in the lower back and neck. Sitting well and moving more are great ways to limit this.
An ergonomic seat can make a huge difference - visit here to find out more.
Can arthritis be managed?
Remaining mobile within pain-free ranges is a major step towards conservative management of arthritis, and I cannot stress enough the importance of daily mobility enough to keep muscles strong and reduce the impact of arthritis.
Some GPs will give a diagnosis of arthritis to patients and prescribe painkillers, and this is great to manage pain.
Being proactive is vital when it comes to managing any level of arthritic condition. Mobility will nearly always improve joint health. Early management of arthritis can be very effective.
What causes arthritis?
There are a number of reasons why arthritis is increasing, and much of it is linked to our daily lifestyles. An immobile and sedentary lifestyle can cause major movement issues.
Combined with other factors such as poor diet, not enough hydration, and significantly longer lifespans means that many people will experience some form of arthritis in their life, from mild to severe.
Can arthritis be treated?
I offer effective treatment for arthritis in Bristol to a wide variety of patients each week.
Osteopathic treatment for arthritic conditions often focuses on gentle osteopathic manual treatment, including soft-tissue muscular work. This helps to improve overall joint function, body movement levels, and blood flow (key for healthy tissue).
Arthritis is sometimes seen as a slow deterioration in mobility, and I provide many patients with maintenance treatments at my Henleaze clinic.
Maintenance treatments for arthritis depend on the patient and their level of arthritis, but it can typically mean a visit every month, every few months, or every six months.
To find out more about maintenance treatments for arthritis in Bristol, visit here.
Is arthritis preventable?
Ageing does not necessarily mean the inevitable onset of severe arthritis, and I see lots of patients coming to me with pain diagnosed as arthritis.
Even if there is a degree of arthritis, most conditions can be effectively managed with help.
Being proactive is critical, and this includes mindset as well as movement every day.
Loosening up the joints and regular exercise are important.
For older patients, I highly recommend different forms of gentle exercise. Visit here to learn more.
After the age of 50, it is vital to consider different ways to exercise and keep the body moving in a way that reduces the possibility of injury.
Water-based exercise, such as swimming and aqua fit, presents superb options, as they offer really good mobility levels while not loading joints with weight or pressure.
To find out more about the benefits of water-based exercise, read this.
There are so many ways in which patients can reduce the impact of arthritis, including daily walking with the dog, regular standing and stretching, yoga, pilates, dancing, and gym classes specifically targeted for older people.
The most important thing to remember is that so much can be done when it comes to the management and treatment of arthritis in Bristol. Don't put up with it, you deserve better!
For a consultation on the management and/or treatment of arthritis in Bristol, please book with me here.