What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that can affect various joints of the body, including the neck, shoulders, knees and the fingers. Here’s a quick look at how OA impacts these crucial joints and what you can do about it:

🧠 Neck (Cervical Spine)

  • Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes pain radiating to the arms and shoulders.

  • Management: Regular neck exercises, good posture, heat/cold therapy, and consulting a Physiotherapist for pain relief options as well as finding the right exercises for you.

🦵 Knees

  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

  • Management: Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, weight management, physical therapy, and possible use of knee braces.

💪 Shoulders

  • Symptoms: Pain and stiffness, especially when moving the arm or lifting objects.

  • Management: Strengthening and stretching exercises, avoiding repetitive overhead activities, and using anti-inflammatory medications as advised by your doctor.

Fingers

Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the fingers. You might also notice bony enlargements at the finger joints.

Management: Hand exercises to improve flexibility, using adaptive tools to ease daily activities, warm water soaks, and using splints to support the fingers.

💡 Tips for Living with OA:

  1. Stay Active: Regular exercise helps maintain joint function and reduces stiffness.

  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints like knees.

  3. Healthy Diet: Include anti-inflammatory foods and stay hydrated.

  4. Consult Professionals: Regular check-ups with your GP or Physiotherapist to manage symptoms effectively.

Ryan Barr