Exercising with Osteoarthritis

Did you know...

From 1990 - 2019, 3.20 Million Australians were estimated to have Osteoarthritis. 

The highest prevalence was found in the hips, knees and hands.

So what is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly identified by...

•  Changes in the properties of joint cartilage.

•  The formation of osteophytes 

•  Changes in subchondral bone

Common myths around osteoarthritis:

1. "I have joint pain and stiffness. I must have arthritis."

2. "It must be bone-on-bone."

3. "I can't keep exercising with osteoarthritis".

1. There are people with osteoarthritis that have minimal or no pain whatsoever. While some people with osteoarthritis do experience pain, if 100 people with knee osteoarthritis were randomly surveyed, a large portion of them would have no pain whatsoever. 

2. While osteoarthritis can lead to degradation of cartilage (think cushioning of a joint), there is commonly still some level of cartilage present. Even without any cartilage present (e.g. after a complete meniscus removal at the knee), there is still synovial fluid present. Synovial fluid acts like oil for a car, and helps to keep the joint lubricated so that it can move more easily.

3. Exercise is very important for people with osteoarthritis, as it may help to promote blood flow to the area and more lubrication from synovial fluid. Strength training is also important in strengthening the muscles surrounding the area. Similar to improving the suspension on your car, strength training allows the joint to take less load.
   

Arthritis does not always equal pain. Pain does not always equal arthritis.

But what are the treatments for Osteoarthritis? (OA)

Although there is no cure for OA, most people do not require surgery and it is usually best managed by reducing the level of strain placed on the area with OA and improving the strength of the surrounding muscles. This can be achieved through exercise, weight management and a progressive strength program. If symptoms are significantly impacting activities of daily life, joint replacement surgery may be considered.