Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, a condition that affects over 58 million adults in the United States alone. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between our joints gradually begins to wear away as we age. This can cause pain and discomfort in the joints, as well as a reduced range of motion, swelling and stiffness.
However, some people may experience more severe osteoarthritis symptoms than others. This can be due to a number of factors, and may be an indicator of how fast osteoarthritis progresses in the body.
Here are 4 factors that determine how fast osteoarthritis progresses:
- Age — According to one study, between 30% and 50% of people over 65 suffer from osteoarthritis. The older we get, the more our cartilage degenerates, leading to a worsening of osteoarthritis symptoms.
- Obesity — People who are overweight or obese are more likely to get osteoarthritis than people who aren’t. Carrying extra weight in the body puts more stress on the knees, hips and other weight-bearing joints. This can make the symptoms of osteoarthritis grow worse.
- Injury — If you have had a previous injury in one or more of your joints, such as sprains, dislocations or fractures, you may be at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. It is also likely that your osteoarthritis symptoms will be worse in the areas where you previously experienced an injury.
- Occupation — If you work in a job that often puts stress on your joints or requires you to perform repetitive motions, your osteoarthritis symptoms may progress faster. This can include walking, kneeling and lifting, and carrying heavy objects.
What can I do to prevent my osteoarthritis from progressing?
If you find that you are at risk of worsening osteoarthritis symptoms, there are several steps you can take to help manage your condition. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is paramount, as are finding ways to manage your pain and stiffness from arthritis, so that your healthy lifestyle can continue unimpeded.
Physical therapy is an excellent tool to help prevent the progress of osteoarthritis symptoms. A free screening at one of our Whatcom Physical Therapy clinics can be the first step to helping you maintain your quality of life with osteoarthritis. We pride ourselves on excellent patient care and using innovative techniques to slow symptom progression and preserve independence.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment to begin treating your osteoarthritis.
Our Locations
FAQ
Conditions Library