Arthritis

Arthritis is the most common form of joint disease. Arthritis increases with age, and the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joints. The primary forms of treatment for arthritis are medication and physical exercise/therapy. Arthritis can affect all joints in the body but primarily affects joints in the knee, hip, spine and hand. The onset of arthritis causes cartilage to become more brittle, which can lead to joint pain and functional impairment. The changes in the cartilage, bone and muscles around the joints usually take place slowly, over the course of a number of years. The muscles that you use to move your joints are weakened, and the joints become less mobile. One cause of arthritis is the long-term wear and tear on joints that can arise during repetitive or heavy physical labour, or due to being overweight. When people turn 50 they start to suffer age-associated muscle degeneration, which can cause their joints to come under extra strain. 

Given that arthritis is a condition that can arise due to long-term wear and tear and repetitive movements, individuals with limb deficiencies may be more likely to develop arthritis, as they must use their body in such a way during their everyday lives that certain joints are subject to extra strain. As wear and tear on your joints results in pain and stiffness, this may mean that you avoid certain movements or actions even more, thereby causing yourself yet more pain and more difficulty in coping with everyday life.  

To avoid the onset and development of arthritis, it is important to maintain a sound body weight so that you do not place extra strain on your joints. Physical activity and exercise can help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. By exercising the muscles around the joints that are particularly susceptible, you can build up a strength that relieves the joints. Please feel free to contact EX-Center, where there are orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists with experience of working with patients with limb deficiencies.