Joint pains

Joint Pains

Joint pain is a common issue that can arise from various causes. It may be due to overuse injuries, such as repetitive strain from work or exercise, or from sprains and strains affecting the muscles and ligaments around a joint. Some joint pain is linked to inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, while infections can also cause temporary swelling and discomfort. However, one of the most frequent types of joint pain we see, aside from injuries, is osteoarthritis (OA).

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Osteoarthritis: More Than Just “Wear and Tear”

Osteoarthritis is often described as "wear and tear," but this is misleading. A more accurate way to think of it is "wear and repair", as the body is always working to maintain and heal cartilage.

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OA can lead to changes in the joints, such as narrowing of joint space, extra bony growth, hardening of bone surfaces, and thickening of ligaments. However, these changes are also common in people with no pain at all. It is normal to see increasing signs of OA on X-rays with age, much like wrinkles or grey hairs. These changes are not necessarily a problem on their own.

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Managing Osteoarthritis

A common misconception is that exercise is harmful to arthritic joints. In reality, the right type and amount of movement can be protective. Doing too much or too little can contribute to symptoms, as can factors like excess weight, smoking, or poor overall health. OA does not always cause pain, but it can lead to flare-ups when the cartilage becomes irritated and inflamed.

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Our role is to help manage these flare-ups, reduce pain, restore mobility, and guide you towards the right kind of exercise to support your joints. Many people worry that movement will make things worse, but when done correctly, it actually strengthens and protects the joints.

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A Proactive Approach

There is often a lot that can be done for osteoarthritis without surgery. Through a combination of hands-on treatment, tailored exercise programmes, and lifestyle advice, we aim to help you stay active and comfortable. If joint replacement surgery has been discussed with your GP, we can work with you to prolong the need for surgery where possible, or help you prepare for a smoother recovery. Going into surgery stronger often leads to much better outcomes.

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If joint pain is affecting your daily life, we can help you move more comfortably and confidently.