Drysdale Osteopathy • Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that affects many people as they grow older.

It is caused wear of the surface of the joints. This can range from being mildly annoying to having a joint replaced.

The knee, hip, spine and hands are commonly affected by arthritis. Other joints, such as the shoulder and elbow may be affected, but this is less frequent.

Factors such as overuse in sport or work, injury, obesity and hypermobility all play a part in causing arthritis.

When a person has developed arthritis there are a number of things that can help.

If you are over weight, lose as much excess weight as possible.

When the lower limb develops osteoarthritis, have the biomechanics checked. When there are uneven loads passing through the foot, leg and hip this leads to uneven wear and tracking in the joints.

Specific changes to your diet can help decrease inflammation, and means you will not be so dependent on anti-inflammatories and pain killers.

Joint mobilisation and specific massage help maintain joint mobility and remove fluid build up around the joint.

Acupuncture and Trigger Point Therapy can help decrease pain, muscle stiffness and dull down inflammation. 

Supplementation of Glucoseamine Sulphate at 100 grams per stone of body weight for 3 months is well worth a try, as this supplement can help with cartilage regrowth.