Why Osteoarthritis Is Such a Pain–And How Physical Therapy Can Help
Persistent joint pain can severely hamper your lifestyle. One of the more common causes of persistent and chronic joint pain, particularly among older people, is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that causes joint inflammation.
People with osteoarthritis (OA) will struggle with pain and stiffness in the affected joints, making it difficult to live the type of active lifestyle that could help them manage their symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with OA, the physical therapists at Shoreline Physical Therapy can help you better understand the condition, ensuring you get the relief you need.
Call us today to learn more.
What Is Osteoarthritis? Examining the Causes and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, affecting around 3.5% of the global population–and nearly 32.5 million Americans. Its primary symptoms are joint pain and immobility; if left unaddressed, it can profoundly impact your overall quality of life.
But how do you address OA, a condition with no current cure? We can start by looking at what causes the joint inflammation. The joints in your body contain two materials that help protect the bones:
- Cartilage, a flexible tissue that acts as a shock absorber and prevents the bones in a joint from rubbing against each other
- Synovial fluid, a substance that lubricates your joint whenever you move
Osteoarthritis occurs when these materials degenerate, causing your bones to rub against each other. Without protection from cartilage and synovial fluid, basic joint movements become painful, the joint tissue becomes inflamed, and your range of motion diminishes.
But what causes that degeneration? Researchers aren’t sure, but it’s tied to aging–your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases as you get older. Around 80% of people over 65 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in their joints, although not all of them experience symptoms.
Certain factors beyond aging can also increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Most of these factors contribute to the tissue degeneration that causes OA:
- Excess weight
- Genetics
- Past injury to a joint (particularly a weight-bearing joint)
- Jobs that require repetitive squatting, bending, or twisting
How Do I Know If It’s Osteoarthritis?
There are many reasons someone might experience joint pain beyond osteoarthritis, so it is important to seek out an expert, such as the physical therapists at Shoreline Physical Therapy, for a diagnosis. That said, certain types of pain and other symptoms could indicate you’ve developed OA, especially if you’re over 50:
- Pain that flares up during activity but lessens with rest.
- Pain when you press on the joint.
- Joint stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning–it’ll usually ease up after about 30 minutes.
- Cracking, crunching, or creaking noises in the joint (officially known as crepitus–those sounds are the bones rubbing together).
When you visit us for your initial appointment, our therapists will conduct a detailed physical assessment that considers your health history, OA risk factors, and symptoms. We’ll also conduct several movement screens that test your range of motion, strength, and balance, which can help develop the best treatment plan for your needs.
Movement: The Best Medicine for OA
It might sound contradictory, but exercise is crucial in treating and managing osteoarthritis. Your joints want to move, and moving them regularly keeps them healthy and lubricated.
For this reason, physical therapy plays a big role in helping you manage osteoarthritis, especially if you want to avoid surgery. We’ll work closely with you to develop a tailored exercise program that suits your needs and ability levels, focusing on low-impact activities like walking, biking, or swimming.
We can also help with other areas of OA management, such as…
- Providing drug-free pain relief through manual therapy techniques.
- Working with you to improve your joint’s range of motion so you can move more freely.
- Helping you improve your balance and walking patterns. While OA can affect any joint, it’s most common in weight-bearing joints like the hips or knees, which make it difficult for you to move around.
- Educating you on OA and various self-management strategies.
Don’t Let Osteoarthritis Cramp Your Style!
Suspect you may have OA? Recently diagnosed and seeking treatment? The experts at Shoreline Physical Therapy can help. Call today to schedule your appointment!
Sources: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-osteoarthritis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482326, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.html
Use It Before You Lose It!Have you met your deductible this year? Now’s the perfect time to maximize your benefits—your Physical Therapy sessions could cost little to nothing! Don’t wait until deductibles reset; get the care you need now. Call Shoreline today at 910-604-6226 to schedule your appointment before your deductible resets in 2026!
📞 CALL 910-604-6226 NOW
— No referral required! —
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Is Exercising a Challenge? Try these Suggestions!
Everyone knows regular exercise is crucial to good health. Not only can it improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and other types of joint pain, it can lower your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes while boosting your mood.
But what happens if you struggle with mobility? How can you exercise regularly if it’s difficult for you to move at all? You might find some of these suggestions helpful:
- Find something you enjoy. This is the number one suggestion for exercising more. If you find an activity you love doing, you’ll look forward to doing it. Our therapists can help you find that sweet spot of exercises that suit your abilities and your interests.
- Modify your workouts to accommodate your needs. Did you know you can lift weights while sitting in a chair? Or take a heart-healthy walk while using a mobility aid? Our therapists can help you find the modifications that work for you.
- Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. You don’t have to go to the gym to work out. Putting away groceries? Try doing a few bicep curls with your soup cans (and eventually, you may graduate to using your milk jug!). Sweeping the living room? Put on some music, and don’t be afraid to dance as you work.
At Shoreline Physical Therapy, we want to help everyone get active in the ways that work for them. Call us today for personalized guidance on what will work best for you! Call Shoreline Physical Therapy today to learn more about getting started with strength training!
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/no-more-excuses-overcome-exercise-barriers
No Referral? No Problem!
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy! Direct Access allows you to skip the wait and get the care you need right away.
Don’t let pain or mobility issues slow you down—take the first step today!
Take Control of Your Joint Health!
Think you might have osteoarthritis, or need an expert team to manage a recent diagnosis? Let Shoreline Physical Therapy guide you toward relief. Call today to schedule your appointment!
Exercise of the Month
Ankle Alphabets
(Ankles, Foot Mobility)
Start by sitting up straight in a chair. Raise one leg out in front of you. Slowly write the letters of the alphabet with your foot, only moving at your ankle joint.
3 Sets, 10 Reps
(Materials needed: chair)
“Needed physical therapy for a shoulder replacement. Jay and the staff are professional, skilled, knowledgeable and caring. They make you feel comfortable with what can be a challenging task. Highly recommend!!” — D. R.
Naturally Relieve Your Aches & Pains Today With Our Free Ebooks!
Looking for ways to relieve your pain before seeing one of our physical therapists?
Healthy Southern Sweet Potato & Collard Green Stew
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large bunch collard greens, stems removed and chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
- Gather all ingredients. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are just starting to become tender.
- Stir in the chopped collard greens and black-eyed peas. The greens will look voluminous at first but will wilt down quickly as you stir.
- Cover and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collards are tender and sweet potatoes are fully cooked.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the deep flavors of the stew. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Ladle the hearty stew into bowls.
- Serve hot and enjoy this healthy taste of the South!
Free Consultation
Not sure if physical therapy at Shoreline Physical Therapy is right for you? We offer a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit for you! Schedule your appointment today!