Managing arthritis pain and stiffness

Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the joints; this is where one bone in the body meets another. Arthritis can form in almost any joint inside the body. Anyone who lives long enough is likely to develop arthritis. It is important to discuss any pains or aches in the joints with a doctor as it is only when the correct form of arthritis is diagnosed that appropriate treatment can be received.

When people experience osteoarthritis pain they will often rest the joint to reduce the pain. However resting will in most instances lead the joint to become stiff. To reduce stiffness it is important for people to get moving. The less the joint is moved the stiffer the joint will become and the worse the arthritis will be.

People with arthritis should be careful not to sit down for longer than thirty minutes at a time. There are always ways to keep active, like walking to the shops instead of driving. Keeping the body moving will minimise the chances of arthritis setting in and stiffening up your body and this in turn will reduce arthritis pain.

Tim Allardyce, D.O., M.C.S.P., S.R.P. T
Osteopath and physiotherapist at the Osteopathy and Physiotherapy Clinic in Croydon

10064 December 2011