Are you 50 years above and suffering from joint Pain? Well, you might have osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints mainly the knee and hip that occurs as a result of wear and tear.
In simple words, it is like your car tire. After a while of use, the threads on the tire becomes flat.
The bone ends in a joint, is covered by a layer of whitish, shiny tissue which is called as the joint cartilage or articular cartilage.
The Articular cartilage has 2 purposes:
- To allow for smooth motion: cartilage is a slippery material and it allows both bones to glide on each other smoothly which results in smooth motion across that joint.
2. To absorb shock: articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber, cushioning bones against impact during walking/running or jumping. This reduced the damage to the joint per say.
But, over the years, due to wear and tear and also injuries, this articular cartilage will undergo degenerative changes.
Take your car tire for an example, after a while of usage, the threads on the tire will be exhausted. A somewhat similar thing is happening in your joints as well.
When the articular cartilage is damaged, the bone that was hidden beneath it is now exposed. And when this exposed bone is rubbed against the opposite bone during movement, you will experience pain of varying degree.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are follows:
1) morning stiffness of the affected joint
2) pain and swelling
3) clicking sounds from the joints
This condition can be treated without the need for surgery in its early stages which consists of:
1) weight reduction
2) stretching exercises
3) movement exercises to prevent the joints from becoming stiff
4) strengthening of muscles around the knee/hip
If you are suffering from such symptoms, you should follow the exercises shown in the images below.
And also seek treatment early.
Have a great day!