What you can do to Relieve Pain, Stiffness and Swelling in Joints Caused by Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects 1 in 10 Canadians and is the most common form of arthritis

Osteoarthritis is due to the body’s inability to repair damaged joint tissues which leads to the breakdown of cartilage – the soft and flexible firm tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones, and underlying bone causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

The joints most commonly affected are:

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands
• Neck
• Back

Risk factors:

• Age: although Osteoarthritis can strike at any age the risk increases with age
• Body weight: extra weight puts stress on your joints
• Genetics: your family history can be a contributing factor

Warning signs:

• Pain when you use the joint and improvement when you rest it
• Stiffness in a joint that usually lasts 30 minutes or less on most days
• Swelling in the joints with a possible ‘creaking’ sound when you move them
• Grind or crackling sensation in the joint along with a cracking sound

Your family doctor will discuss symptoms and prescribe an x-ray to confirm a diagnosis. Osteoarthritis often gradually worsens so it’s best to treat it as soon as possible.

No cure exists for Osteoarthritis, however there are ways to reduce risk, relieve pain and improve function.

What you can do:

• Physical activity and healthy body weight: strong muscles and tissues support joints. Exercises that include stretching, increased muscle tone and stamina help reduce pain and stiffness and help you keep a healthy body weight.
• Hot and cold therapy. Heat is ideal for relieving pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms as well as enhancing range of motion. Cold helps with swelling, pain and constricting blood flow to an inflamed joint
• Relaxing techniques like deep breathing exercises
• Use of assistive devices to protect your joints and make routine tasks easier: Use a cane to relieve stress on hips and knees. Use enlarged grips on kitchen utensils to decrease stress on hand joints, and other devices that can help with reaching for and carrying objects.

Speak with one of our Scarborough family doctors now and find out more about how to keep your joints as healthy as possible.

Source: The Arthritis Society