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An acquaintance of mine constantly wears bandages on his arms and legs, avoids any unnecessary movement and complains incessantly about pain. When I asked what had happened, he said he was suffering from osteoarthritis. When I asked if he exercised, he just shook his head. He explained that it runs in his family and that exercise wouldn’t help anyway. Let’s take a closer look at the facts about osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the protective cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint gradually breaks down. This results in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, making everyday life significantly harder for those affected.

Osteoarthritis is Not Just an Age-Related Condition

Although the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, it is by no means solely an “old age” disease, as is often assumed. For example, anyone who has been injured in sports or an accident in the past and possibly had surgery is at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis later on. Additionally, being overweight, which is a common issue today, can heavily strain the joints, as the extra weight puts pressure on the joint surfaces. On top of that, lack of exercise also contributes to the development of osteoarthritis.

Prevention is Key

While we can’t change our age or genetic predisposition, we can influence other risk factors. It is advisable to maintain a healthy weight and lead an active lifestyle. Regular exercise, including both strength and cardio training, can support joint health. If you are already suffering from osteoarthritis, there are also measures that can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, before taking any action on your own, you should definitely consult with a physiotherapist or doctor.

What Could a Possible Treatment Look Like?

First of all, if you are overweight, you should work towards achieving a healthy weight. With my fitness tips, you should have everything you need to accomplish that. Then, focus on leading an active lifestyle. Exercise is one of the first and most effective measures for alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It keeps the joints flexible and strengthens the surrounding muscles, which in turn reduces the pressure on the joints.

The widespread belief that overexertion or exercise could worsen osteoarthritis is simply wrong. Although many people think that resting is the right approach, it does not address the root cause of the discomfort. A passive approach may provide short-term pain relief, but in the long run, it will only make things worse. So, find a sport or form of movement that you enjoy and that you can integrate into your daily life long term.

How Effective Are Surgeries?

Surgery may seem like a quick fix for many, but the decision to undergo a surgical procedure should be carefully considered. The indications for surgery, such as for knee osteoarthritis, are not always clear-cut, and there are many patients who do not experience symptom relief even after the procedure. In some cases, the pain remains, raising the question of whether osteoarthritis was actually the main cause. While surgeries can alleviate certain symptoms of osteoarthritis, the condition itself is rarely cured. Furthermore, osteoarthritis can spread to other joints over time, and even the operated joint may experience further wear and tear later on.

What Actually Causes the Pain?

Pain is a very complex matter that largely takes place in the brain. When your body perceives an injury or damage, the nerves send signals to the brain, which interprets these signals as pain – the body’s alarm system to protect you from further harm. In chronic pain conditions, such as those that can occur with osteoarthritis, the pain may persist even after the original injury has healed. In essence, the nervous system has become accustomed to sending pain signals, even when the cause is long gone.

Closing Words

It’s always better to do everything you can early on to minimize the risk factors for osteoarthritis. But even if you are already suffering from it, regular exercise can do a lot to help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Movement remains the key – for healthy joints and an active life.