What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease characterised by the progressive loss of articular cartilage. The joint erodes slowly and the bones may be affected. The synovial membrane that lines and lubricates the inside of the joint to facilitate movement becomes inflamed and may produce more synovial fluid than normal.
The main symptom is joint pain, which subsides with rest, and in advanced stages, the disorder can limit movement and lead to joint deformity.
What can be done to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
- Walk on flat surfaces, ride a bicycle, swim or do water aerobics for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
- Do not climb stairs and use the lift.
- Do not perform exercises that cause pain.
- If you experience pain, get some bed rest and do not do any physical exercise.
- Avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time. Do not spend too much time standing still.
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid overloading your joints.
- Wear shoes with low heels.
- Sit on chairs with flat backs.
- Sleep on a hard mattress.
- In the mornings, when stiffness and pain are more severe, take hot showers and massage the joints.
- For osteoarthritis of the hands, use lightweight tools and household utensils with wide handles.
- Mobilise your hands frequently with rubber hand exercise balls.
The information published in this media neither substitutes nor complements in any way the direct supervision of a doctor, his diagnosis or the treatment that he may prescribe. It should also not be used for self-diagnosis.
The exclusive responsibility for the use of this service lies with the reader.
ASSSA advises you to always consult your doctor about any issue concerning your health
ASSSA advises you to always consult your doctor about any issue concerning your health.
