“I can walk better now.” These words from a patient inspired this week’s blog. She had come to The Waterside Practice with persistent left knee pain that had returned in June and had not settled. Having already undergone two separate hip replacements over the previous five years, she was familiar with the impact joint problems can have on everyday life. For her, walking more comfortably was a meaningful improvement.
We regularly see people living with osteoarthritis in several joints. Some find stairs difficult, while others struggle to get out of a chair or enjoy their usual walk. Although we cannot reverse arthritis, there are ways to help manage symptoms and support movement and often prolong the need for any surgical intervention.
Understanding osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It involves changes throughout the joint, including damage to the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones and changes in the underlying bone and surrounding tissues. Bony growths may develop, and the joint can become painful, stiff or swollen. These changes often develop gradually, but symptoms can fluctuate, and osteoarthritis does not inevitably get worse.
People often describe it as “wear and tear”, but that phrase does not tell the whole story. Our joints are living tissues that respond to activity and repair themselves. Age, inherited factors, previous injuries and body weight can all influence the development of osteoarthritis. It is not simply a consequence of having used your joints throughout your life.
The demands of certain jobs can also contribute. Tilers and other tradespeople who spend substantial time kneeling or squatting may have an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. This does not mean that everyone in these professions will develop it, or that ordinary movement should be avoided. Appropriate exercise remains one of the most important ways to maintain strength and manage symptoms.
Looking beyond the painful joint
This patient also had a partially fallen arch in the foot on the same side as her painful knee. A fallen arch can develop in adulthood as the structures supporting the foot change, potentially affecting foot and ankle movement. In her assessment, it was relevant to consider whether this was influencing her walking pattern and how weight passed through the knee.
That does not mean the fallen arch caused her knee pain. It does explain why we consider more than the painful area alone. Looking at the foot, ankle and hip, alongside muscle strength, previous surgery and everyday activities, helps us understand the difficulties someone is experiencing and plan their care.
How osteopathy can help
Osteopathic treatment cannot rebuild damaged cartilage or reverse the structural changes of osteoarthritis. Our aim is to help people manage their symptoms, move more comfortably and maintain the activities that matter to them. Depending on the assessment, treatment may include gentle joint articulation, where we move a joint through a comfortable range, and soft tissue techniques for the surrounding muscles.
Hands on treatment should form part of a wider plan. NICE guidance advises that manual therapy for hip or knee osteoarthritis should only be considered alongside therapeutic exercise, as there is insufficient evidence to support its use alone. We therefore place importance on movement and strengthening advice that patients can continue between appointments.
Supporting your joints at home
Exercises should suit your symptoms, current ability and daily routine. For someone with knee pain, this might involve gradually strengthening the thigh and hip muscles alongside manageable activities such as walking, cycling or swimming. Some discomfort can occur when starting exercise, so the programme should be tailored and adjusted according to your response. Regular practice is more useful than occasional bursts of activity that are difficult to sustain.
For sore and swollen joints, a cold pack may provide some temporary relief. Wrap it in a towel to protect your skin and apply it for around 15 to 20 minutes. Speak to a healthcare professional before using cold packs if you have reduced sensation or circulation problems. A balanced diet and support with weight management, where appropriate, can also form part of looking after your joint health.
Medication and natural remedies
Many patients prefer to begin with approaches that do not involve medication. Exercise, practical advice and suitable hands on care can form part of that approach, but medication may still have a useful role in helping someone manage pain and remain active. Anti inflammatory gels are one option for some people, while tablets require consideration of medical history, other medicines and possible side effects. A pharmacist or GP can advise on what is suitable.
We work alongside your GP’s advice and encourage you to discuss any changes to prescribed medication with your prescriber. The same care applies to supplements marketed as natural anti inflammatories. Natural does not automatically mean safe or effective, and some supplements interact with medicines, so check with your pharmacist or GP before starting anything new.
Focusing on what matters to you
We cannot promise that osteopathic treatment will prevent or delay a joint replacement. If symptoms continue to significantly affect everyday life despite appropriate care, discussing further options with your GP is a positive step. Joint replacement can be an effective treatment when it is needed.
For the patient who inspired this blog, the important change was being able to walk more easily. Every person’s experience is different, but her words reflect why practical goals matter. At The Waterside Practice in Warboys, we start by understanding what joint pain is stopping you from doing, then work with you towards improving comfort, movement and confidence in everyday life.
If joint pain is affecting your everyday life and you would like to discuss whether osteopathy could help, book a free consultation with The Waterside Practice using the link below. We can talk through your symptoms, answer your questions and help you decide on your next steps.