Get Informed: Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Treatment

As we age, our body sometimes gets tired of how we treat it – no matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we are the best caretakers. Often this confrontation between mind and body takes the form of osteoarthritis, a common but painful condition.

What exactly is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage wears away and the bones start to rub together. This results in osteoarthritis symptoms such as pain, stiffness and inflammation.

Check out this video from Health Choices First. In it, Dr. Kam Shojania speaks about osteoarthritis and the management of this very common ailment. http://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/category/arthritis/osteoarthritis/management-of-osteoarthritis

Treatment for osteoarthritis may include lifestyle changes (including exercise to strengthen the muscles in the affected area), changes to diet (most commonly losing weight to relieve pressure on the joints), or medication prescribed by a physician (to help improve function and to manage pain). Other treatments may include injections (Viscosupplementation) to help with the lubrication of the joints. The treatment will all depend on your unique situation.

If you are suffering from osteoarthritis and would like to speak to someone about the various treatment options available, Athletic Edge Sports Medicine can help. We have years of experience managing osteoarthritic symptoms, and have the knowledge and tools to help you achieve real relief. Call us today at 416-800-0800.

Competing in Winter Sports When You Have Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Not everyone shies away from winter. Many Canadians pride themselves - in fact relish - in the knowledge that the snow and ice offers up our favourite winter sports.  For many, this time of year can be the best! Whether skiing, skating, snowshoeing or any other wintertime sport, this season presents a plethora of options for keeping fit and having fun.

However, for those suffering from osteoarthritis symptoms, competing in winter sports may not be possible, let alone enjoyable.

What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage between your joints breaks down, causing bones to (painfully) rub against each other. Although it is possible to experience osteoarthritis symptoms in any joints in the body, symptoms most frequently creep up in the knees, hands, hips, feet and spine.

What are some of the most common osteoarthritis symptoms? Someone suffering osteoarthritis symptoms might feel deep, aching joint pain, especially with activity. They might also suffer from joint stiffness, particularly after a period of rest. Swelling and stiffness of the joints, a crunching feeling when moving joints, a loss of flexibility in the joints, as well as back and neck pain with stiffness also define common osteoarthritis symptoms.

So when these osteoarthritis symptoms present themselves what can you do? Your best bet is to visit a sports medicine clinic to speak with a sports medicine specialist about controlling your osteoarthritis symptoms, especially when you're competing in winter sports. They will be able to perform a specialized assessment and determine the best course of action to deal the painful osteoarthritis symptoms you can't ignore.

Some of the treatments that a sports medicine specialist might suggest to deal with your osteoarthritis symptoms may include:

-          Physiotherapy – a trained and certified physiotherapist can employ a variety of traditional and modern techniques to help build up your strength and flexibility as well as restore function and increase movement to combat osteoarthritis symptoms.
-          Viscosupplementation – this treatment involves injecting a hyaluronic acid solution into the joint to help lubricate the joints. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring acid in the body that works to ‘grease’ your joints to make movement easy and painless.
-          Custom bracing – a custom knee brace or custom wrist or ankle brace can greatly reduce the stress and strain on joints, while at the same time strengthening muscles.  This can drastically reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
-          Surgery – although usually seen as a last resort to what your sports medicine specialist will likely advise trying first, you may find other treatments just can't keep you from this time consuming and invasive procedure.  But many who resort to surgery may not have given themselves time and opportunity to try other options first, so remember surgery is not a sole option for relief, but a viable last option that may indeed help.

If you find yourself suffering from osteoarthritis symptoms while competing in winter sports, you do not have to suffer in silence.  Remember there are several options available for treating osteoarthritis symptoms, so you can focus on savouring the things you enjoy most.

For more information on how to deal with your osteoarthritis symptoms, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca.