Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Osteoarthritis isn’t just about the wear and tear on your joints; it’s a condition that many Canadians face as they get older.

This degenerative joint disease causes the tissues in the joint to break down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes a real struggle with daily activities. It’s the most common type of arthritis, especially among older folks. If you find yourself stiff and sore after a bit of rest or first thing in the morning, you’re not alone.

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness, we get how much osteoarthritis can impact your life. That’s why we’re here with a range of treatment options and the expertise to help. We have extensive experience in helping patients manage and find relief from osteoarthritis, so you can get back to living your life to the fullest?

As we age, the likelihood of developing OA goes up, especially after 50, though it’s not a given for everyone. Injuries to joints, like a bone break or a tear in cartilage or ligaments, can speed up the arrival of OA, sometimes faster than if you hadn’t been injured at all.

If your job or hobby has you using the same joints repetitively, that might lead to OA down the line. Carrying extra weight?

That puts more strain on your joints and can stir up inflammation, thanks to fat cells. If your bones or joints are a bit off in their alignment, that could also make OA show up sooner. Weak muscles don’t support your joints as well as they should, potentially leading to poor alignment and, eventually, OA.

Genetics play a role, too—if OA runs in your family, your chances of getting it are higher. Interestingly, women are more prone to OA than men. And, your environment, including your job, how active you are, and even your diet, can affect your risk.

OA doesn’t just show up out of nowhere; its symptoms creep up over time. You might notice pain or aching in a joint during or after use, or stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting still for a while. Your joints might not move as freely as they used to, or they might make a clicking sound when you bend them.

Swelling around a joint is common, as is muscle weakness nearby, which can lead to the joint feeling unstable.

OA can hit different body parts in unique ways. Hip OA might give you pain in the groin or buttocks; knee OA might make your knee feel like its grating when you move it. OA in the fingers can make them swollen, tender, and red, with bony growths at the joints. And if it’s in your feet, the big toe or your ankles might hurt and swell.

The discomfort and reduced mobility from OA can lead to more than just joint issues. For instance, if OA makes it tough to move around, staying active—which is crucial for managing OA and preventing weight gain—gets harder. And with extra weight comes a higher risk of cholesterol issues, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

People with OA also tend to fall more, raising their risk of fractures. Research varies, but some studies suggest they’re up to 30% more likely to fall and have a 20% higher risk of breaking a bone. OA can weaken muscles, throw off your balance, and make falls more likely, especially if your knees or hips are affected. Even the side effects of pain meds, like dizziness, can increase the risk of a tumble.

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness, we get how osteoarthritis can really throw a wrench into your daily routine. That’s exactly why we’re dedicated to offering a comprehensive and holistic approach to manage and ease the discomforts of osteoarthritis. Our team has handpicked a wide array of treatments focused on addressing the underlying causes of osteoarthritis, with the goal of providing you both immediate relief and lasting results. Here’s how we can help:

• Chiropractic Care: Tailored adjustments to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• Registered Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage techniques to alleviate muscle tension and enhance joint mobility.
• Physiotherapy: Customized exercises and treatments to strengthen the body and improve movement.
• Kinesiology/Active Rehab: Personalized exercise programs designed to restore physical function and support joint health.
• Manual Osteopathy: Hands-on techniques to balance the body’s systems and relieve pain.
• Acupuncture:: Traditional Chinese medicine practices aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.

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