What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

Managing Osteoarthritis and Pain: Causes, Self-Care Strategies, and How Osteopathic Treatment Can Help

Osteoarthritis: Understanding Joint Pain and How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and a leading cause of joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility—particularly as we age. While often thought of as “wear and tear,” osteoarthritis is more than just an inevitable part of getting older. It’s a condition that can be managed effectively with the right strategies.

Osteopathy offers a supportive and personalised approach to help relieve pain, improve movement, and keep you doing the things you love.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones begins to break down. This process can result in bones rubbing together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the joint. Over time, the surrounding tissues may become inflamed, and the joint may become stiffer or deformed.

Contributing factors include:

  • Age (risk increases over 50)

  • Previous injury or joint trauma

  • Joint misalignment or poor biomechanics

  • Repetitive movements or high joint load over time

  • Genetics and family history

  • Obesity or excess weight placing strain on joints

While the condition is degenerative, it doesn’t always worsen rapidly, and with the right care, many people continue to live active, pain-managed lives.

Common Areas Affected by OA

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it’s most commonly found in:

  • Knees

  • Hips

  • Hands and fingers

  • Lower back (facet joints in the spine)

  • Neck

  • Big toes

The joints most frequently used, or those that bear weight, tend to be more prone to cartilage wear over time.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Signs of osteoarthritis can develop slowly and vary between individuals. Key symptoms to monitor include:

  • Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest

  • A dull, aching pain in the joint

  • Swelling or tenderness

  • Reduced range of motion

  • A grinding, clicking, or cracking sensation in the joint

  • Weakness or instability in the affected area

Pain usually worsens with activity and may improve with rest, though stiffness can become more prominent after periods of inactivity.

Self-Relief Tips for Osteoarthritis

While there’s no cure for OA, there are many ways to reduce discomfort and improve function:

  • Stay active – Regular, low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or cycling helps maintain joint health

  • Strengthen supporting muscles – Focus on building strength around the affected joint to reduce strain

  • Apply heat – Warm packs can soothe stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity

  • Maintain a healthy weight – Reducing excess weight eases pressure on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips

  • Support your joints – Use supportive footwear, braces, or ergonomic tools where needed

  • Modify your environment – Adjust your home or work setup to minimise repetitive joint strain

Consistency with these approaches can lead to meaningful improvements over time.

Do Osteopaths Refer for Imaging?

Yes. If your symptoms suggest osteoarthritis or if further clarity is needed, osteopaths can refer for X-rays or ultrasound imaging to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. This is often helpful in planning appropriate treatment or onward referral if required.

How Osteopathy Can Help with Osteoarthritis

Osteopathic treatment is focused on improving joint mobility, relieving surrounding muscle tension, and supporting better movement throughout the body. With OA, even small changes in movement patterns can make a big difference to symptoms.

Osteopathy may assist by:

  • Reducing muscular tension that places stress on affected joints

  • Improving movement and flexibility in and around the painful joint

  • Supporting other areas of the body to reduce compensatory strain

  • Enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage in stiff joints

  • Offering tailored movement advice and home care strategies

  • Helping prevent further joint stress through postural guidance

Treatment is gentle, hands-on, and individualised. It does not attempt to reverse osteoarthritis but aims to improve comfort and function—helping you move with more ease.

If you’re living with joint pain or stiffness, it doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Osteopathy can support your comfort and mobility, whether you're newly diagnosed or managing OA long-term.

 

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