Osteoarthritis is a significant health problem worldwide.  It affects approximately 10% of men and 18% of women over 60 years of age.  Osteoarthritis generally affects weight bearing joints like the knees, hips, or spine.  Diagnosed later in life, it is a major cause of disability and pain.  The evidence suggests significantly increased risk of knee osteoarthritis 12-20 years post knee injury.  In addition, there is evidence that knee and ankle injuries, specifically, result in an increased risk of early development of osteoarthritis.

A recent study in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy did a review of the research to determine what will predispose you to developing osteoarthritis.  Below are the findings:

1. Previous injury and previous meniscectomy were clear risk factors to develop both hip and knee osteoarthritis.
2. Studies that examined obesity showed that there is an increased risk for hip and knee osteoarthritis with increasing body mass index (weight).
3. There is an increase in risk for osteoarthritis if you worked in job with physically demanding tasks.
4. Mixed results were found in examining the association between sport activity and osteoarthritis.  In other words, the research was not strong enough to say whether sports increases or decreases your risk for osteoarthritis.
5. Mixed results were also found when examining the relationship between physical activity osteoarthritis.

So what do you do if you have osteoarthritis?

Initially you want to have a combination of physical therapy interventions that are used to decrease the effect of increased weight, poor alignment of the knee and reducing gait speed to decrease the load on the knee joint.  This will be used to decrease the pain.  TNS (electrical stimulation) can also be used to assist in decreasing the pain.

Long term treatment of osteoarthritis is multifaceted,but the key factor is to have an individualized program that will address your specific needs and activity level.  The muscle weakness and in the leg and trunk needs to be addressed by specific exercises tailored to you by a physical therapist experienced in treating osteoarthritis.  Also, your therapist needs to perform an  assessment to address your particular movement patterns,  and how this affects joint stress.  Once the problem patterns are identified, a specific exercise program for neuromuscular control can be developed.

If you or anyone you know complains of joint pain, as part of our unique Standards of Care, Franklin Rehabilitation provides free screenings and referral to the appropriate specialists as indicated. Please call 414-425-9700 or visit https://franklinrehab.com/what-is-a-free-screening.