Understanding Arthritis
There are several different types of arthritis but the most common is Osteoarthritis or OA.
Osteoarthritis starts with the roughening of cartilage then the body can put in place a ‘repair’ process to try to make up for the loss of cartilage. This can involve the formation of tiny bits of extra bone, called osteophytes that grow at the ends of a bone within a joint (enlarged joint) and an increase in the amount of thick fluid inside the joint (swelling).
Sometimes, the early stages of osteoarthritis can happen without causing much pain or trouble. However, it can lead to damage inside a joint, as well as pain and stiffness.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain during or after movement.
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting.
- A “grating” sensation (crepitus) when using the joint.
The Ashbourne Approach
We know that keeping active will help you maintain a healthy weight, and this will reduce the pressure and irritation on your joints. Doing regular/targeted exercise will keep muscles around a joint strong, and this will help to support and stabilise a joint affected by osteoarthritis. Exercises will be tailored to your body and your needs, and we will make sure you are confident to do them correctly. We will work with you to find strategies and treatments to get control of your pain and get you back to the things you love to do wherever possible.
