Osteoarthritis
Treatment for osteoarthritis in South Bristol
At the Bristol Back Pain Clinic, our chiropractors and osteopaths are experts in assessing, diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions (problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the body) including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis.
Focus on osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK and causes the joints to become painful and stiff. It is a degenerative joint condition that occurs as the result of ‘wear and tear’. It can affect both men and women at any age, but is more common as we get older. The pain and stiffness in the joints can make carrying out everyday activities difficult for some people.
Types of osteoarthritis
Although any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, it most often causes problems in the weight-bearing joints such as the spine, knees, hips and small joints of the hands. The pain and stiffness resulting from it are known by many names including arthritis, spondylitis, rheumatism or rheumatics.
Treatment for hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis
NICE (GP guidelines) recommend manipulation and stretching as an adjunct to core osteoarthritis treatment which includes exercise.
Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at the Bristol Back Pain Clinic explains how we can help: “While osteoarthritis is not curable, chiropractic and osteopathic care can help our patients actively manage the condition. We do this by using a range of techniques designed to reduce inflammation and pain in the hip and knee and also improve joint function. These include joint mobilisations or adjustments, stretching and massage techniques, home stretches and exercises. We also provide advice on changes to lifestye and diet that can help patients manage the condition.”
For more information on osteoarthritis and how to manage symptoms if you have it, see our Focus on osteoarthritis blog.