INJURY HUB
Joint wear at a glance.
Degenerative conditions, like arthritis and arthrosis, are a sign of aging, just like grey hair! Unfortunately osteoarthritis can stop us from doing the things we love, and although there is no cure, there are various ways to slow its progression and lessen the pain, getting you back to the things that matter. Equip yourself with the knowledge on how to manage osteoarthritis and to continue to live your life to the fullest!
The Most Common Joints Affected By Osteoarthritis
Painful joints can be a sign of osteoarthritis. Cause and treatment depend on which joint is affected. Learn more about slowing joint wear and alleviating pain .
Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthosis)
The knee joint is a complex structure consisting of bone, ligaments and cartilage. It facilitates movement and allows us to walk, run and jump. Long term wear and tear of the joint leads to the dev...
Hip Arthritis: Osteoarthritis of the Hip Joint
The hip joint connects our pelvis to the upper femur (upper leg bone). This joint facilitates the transfer of power from the upper body to the lower body, which allows for movement. Long term degen...
The shoulder joint connects our shoulder blade to the upper arm bone, the humerus. Bending and stretching of the joint allows us to move our arms, lift and carry objects alongside other complex mov...
Trauma from accidents or sports-related injuries can lead to the development of ankle arthritis. A patient suffering from this condition will experience pain while performing basic movements of the...
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQS About Arthritis
What Is The Difference Between Arthritis And Arthrosis?
Arthritis is a general term that covers all types of arthritis, including arthrosis. Arthrosis is a specific type of degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of the joints leading to a damaged and weakened cartilage.
What Are The Early Signs Of Arthritis?
There's a range of early warning signs of arthritis including: Pain and swelling around the joint, stiffness that gets worse while it's inactive and improves when you're exercising, reduced range of motion, cracking or grinding noises when moving and a dull ache that comes and goes, especially in cold weather.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis is primarily a degenerative condition that comes with age due to wear and tear of the joints. Factors that can aggravate this process include excess weight, poor diet, low activity, old age and excessive levels of activity, with people who have a family history of arthritis much more likely to develop it.
Can Arthritis Be Cured?
Unfortunately there is no way to cure arthritis, however with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can slow down the progression of the condition and effectively manage any pain caused by it.
What Kind Of Brace Is Best For Arthritis?
In milder to moderate cases of arthritis, braces that compress at a medical grade and stabilse the affected joint are most suitable for reliveing pain and stiffness. In more chronic and serious cases, unloading of the joint is required to minimse or prevent bone on bone contact.
Is It Alright To Wear A Brace All Day?
This changes from person to person, and is really dependent on comfort levels and the severity of the condition. Wearing a brace during the day is normally okay if the patient is comfortable, but should only be done if you're stretching and moving.
Do Compression Socks Help Arthritis?
Medical grade compression has been shown to be highly effective in relieving the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. While compression socks normally bought at the chemist or airport can provide some relief, it's not long lasting or effective in most cases. It's important to use medical grade compression stockings to ensure adequate relief and pain management.
What Part Of The Body Is Affected By Arthritis?
Any joint in the body can be affected by arthritis. However, the more common areas include the knees, wrists, feet and hips. It's more likely to occur in the parts of your body that are more regularly put under strain over time.
Can Arthritis Be Reversed?
Once the cartilage in your body is damaged, it can't heal, nor grow back. This means that in the large majority of cases it's irreversible, and can only be treated through therapy, bracing, suppllements and other lifestyle changes.
