Osteoarthritis is seen to be a prevalent health issue amongst the population worldwide. The majority of the population can live an active lifestyle despite having Osteoarthritis. This simply means that having Osteoarthritis is absolutely Normal!!
But the pain you feel due to the condition is pretty awful. Well, it can be completely taken care of. The phrases you’ve heard which say degeneration, bone to bone contact, bone spurs, wearing away, joint space narrowing are nothing to be afraid of. Let’s change the way you think about these scary terms.
- Knee Osteoarthritis is NOT a terminal diagnosis
Knee OA is an ageing-related lifestyle disorder. The wear and tear of the articular cartilage is a natural phenomenon. However, the forces on the joint and absorption over decades determine the severity. Well, this ageing process is certainly irreversible. But the process can be slowed down and maintained by a regular form of exercise.
Your misconceptions regarding knee osteoarthritis often lead to self-imposed activity modifications, anxiety, fear or depression. Unfortunately, you may not have been told that you can live an active life with your arthritic knee.
You need to be assured that Knee Osteoarthritis is absolutely manageable. It’s not the end of the world.
- Arthritis is NOT your ‘Pain Generator’
The bone and cartilage do not have nerve endings. Hence, two bones rubbing against each other or even the cartilage thinning does not generate pain. Then, what generates your arthritic pain?
Periosteum, the tissue around your bones that supplies blood to the bone has nerve endings. Any damage to the periosteum leads to pain. This makes it one of the major contributors to pain.
Secondly, the synovium i.e. the lining of the knee joint is inflamed as a result of wear and tear. Inflammation of the synovium may contribute to pain. Along with this, the increased stresses on the knee joint may lead to bone marrow oedema resulting in increased deep pain. However, not every person with arthritis presents with synovitis or bone oedema.
Muscular imbalances around the knee and hip are major contributors to knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Weakness in muscles of the core, hip and knee lead to increased stresses on the joint making it more susceptible to early wear and tear. Tight muscles around these joints restrict movement in the joints creating further compensatory movement patterns. Thus, correcting these muscular imbalances act to get you rid of your knee pain.
- Exercise is your first line of treatment
Who likes being under the knife to get operated on? Surely nobody! Surgery is considered to be the last form of treatment if other methods of treatment fail. So why not aspire to be pain-free without surgery?
Exercise is proven to be the most effective treatment for early and moderate osteoarthritis. Therapeutic exercises show enormous benefits with regards to improving muscle strength, stability, decrease muscle atrophy, fatigue, inflammation that ultimately helps in pain reduction. Mobility, stability, strength and balance is all you need to get rid of your knee pain. A structured exercise pattern will not only relieve pain but will also improve your quality of life.
So, to sum it all, you don’t need to be afraid if you’re diagnosed with Knee Osteoarthritis. It is a part of your life. But how you manage it, will decide your fate. Don’t fall prey to people using degeneration as their tool to frighten you with Osteoarthritis. If someone tells you to stop your activity, look back and answer why an active lifestyle is important.
Most importantly, consult your physical therapist with a guided approach to get rid of your knee pain. Get yourself assessed well and treated better.
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