Achey Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is one of the most the most common chronic conditions affecting our joints.
In fact, did you know that in 2015, one in every eleven Australians reported suffering from some form of OA?
That’s huge!
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body. However, it is often most painful and functionally limiting when it affects the small joints of the fingers and thumb.
What is Osteoarthritis?
In a normal, healthy joint, a layer of smooth, rubbery tissue called cartilage lines the ends of each bone. Cartilage provides our joints with a firm but slippery cushioning surface, perfect for allowing the bones to glide against each other. It also acts as an important ‘shock absorber’ that protect our bones from damaging forces during physical movement.
When a joint is affected by OA, the cartilage in that joint breaks down and wears away. This exposes the bones underlying the cartilage and allows them to rub together, causing pain, swelling and reduced movement at the affected joint.
As this rubbing continues, the bones wear down and can change shape. Over time, small bits of jagged bone - called bony spurs or osteophytes - can grow on the edge of the bone and cause ‘crunching’ and ‘grinding’ within the joint.
What causes Osteoarthritis?
While OA is often considered a ‘wear and tear’ condition related to the ageing process, research does show there are certain factors that might put you more at risk of developing OA.
In the hands, these include:
A family history of OA
Being female
Repetitive use of the hands over time - work, hobbies etc
Previous injuries to the hands
Being overweight
How do I know if I have Osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of OA can vary between people and depend on which joint/s are affected.
As OA is a degenerative condition, symptoms can also come on slowly - over many months or even years!
Most commonly, people experience pain and stiffness in the affected joints.
This can often be worse with activity in the beginning stages of OA but can become more consistent over time.
Other symptoms may include observable changes to joint shape, clicking, grinding, shooting pains and limited flexibility at the joint.
What can I do about it?
While currently there is no cure for OA, the great news is it is a very well researched condition!
This means that there is a LOT you can do with your hand therapist to help manage your pain, prevent symptoms from worsening and make sure you can still do all the things you want and need to do!
So just what are these glorious things you could be doing to make those hands feel better? Tune into our next blog - number 2 of 4 in the ‘Achey Arthritis’ Series - to find out!