Arthritis is a general term for over 100 different joint diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. The most common type is osteoarthritis (OA), a progressive condition that affects joint health and mobility. Today, we’ll focus on osteoarthritis, covering its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that leads to:
- Joint degeneration over time
- Pain and stiffness that affect mobility
- Changes in joint structure
Who Is Affected?
- 44.6% of Canadians aged 65+ experience osteoarthritis, many of them in Ontario
- 43 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed.
- It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.
Why Osteoarthritis Is More Than “Wear and Tear”
Many people believe OA is just a result of aging, but it’s more complex. Research shows:
- Some people with severe OA on X-rays have no pain.
- OA involves inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and changes to bone and joint fluid.
- It can also impact muscle and ligament
How Do You Know If You Have Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed in three ways:
- Radiological OA – X-rays show joint damage.
- Symptomatic OA – X-rays + symptoms (pain, stiffness, swelling).
- Clinical OA – Physical signs like joint deformities or reduced movement.
Visit the Arthritis Foundation for more information
Important: Just because your X-ray shows OA doesn’t mean it’s causing your pain! Physiotherapists treat people, not X-rays, focusing on what will help you move and feel better.
Are You at Risk?
Here are the key risk factors—some you can control, some you can’t.
Risk Factors You CAN’T Control:
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Gender: OA is more common in women.
- Genetics: Family history plays a role.
- Bone Abnormalities: Some people are born with joint misalignment.
Risk Factors You CAN Control:
- Obesity: Extra weight increases joint stress.
- Nutrition: A lack of Vitamin D, E, K, calcium, and zinc may contribute.
- Past Injuries: ACL and meniscus injuries increase OA risk.
- Muscle Weakness: Weak muscles lead to joint instability.
- Repetitive Movements: High-impact work or activities may speed up joint damage.
- Misalignment: Poor joint positioning (like knee varus) can lead to faster deterioration.
Tip: If you’re experiencing joint pain, consulting an online physiotherapist in Ontario can help address risk factors and provide personalized care.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms?
- Pain: Can affect function, mood, and sleep.
- Stiffness: Often worse in the morning or after rest.
- Tenderness: Point pain when pressing on the area.
- Clicking or Grinding: Noises when moving the joint.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness around the joint.
- Buckling: Joints may feel unstable.
- Deformities: Swelling or changes in joint shape (e.g., knuckle nodes, bunions).
- Reduced Function: Difficulty with daily activities like walking, dressing, and working.
How Can You Manage Osteoarthritis?
Although OA is not curable, there are effective treatment options that can reduce symptoms and improve function.
1. Physiotherapy & Exercise
A physiotherapist (in-person or virtual in Ontario) can guide you through:
✅ Targeted Exercises – Improve strength and mobility without worsening symptoms.
✅ Education – Learn about OA, pain management, and movement strategies.
✅ Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and pain, which can be done thought virtual manual therapy
✅ Hydrotherapy – Water-based exercises for reduced joint stress.
✅ TENS Therapy – Electrical stimulation for pain relief.
✅ Heat & Cold Therapy – Helps reduce pain and stiffness.
✅ Bracing & Supports – May improve joint stability.
Online physiotherapy in Ontario is a great option for OA management, especially for those in remote areas.
2. Lifestyle Changes & Nutrition
- Weight Management – Even small weight loss can reduce joint stress.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Includes omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Supplements – Vitamin D, E, and K may help (consult your doctor).
3. Medications & Pain Management
- NSAIDs & COX-2 Inhibitors – Reduce pain and inflammation.
- Topical Pain Relievers – May provide local relief.
- Injections – Options like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
4. Surgery (As a Last Resort)
- Joint Replacement Surgery may be an option for severe OA, but rehabilitation is essential for recovery.
- Physiotherapy before & after surgery improves outcomes.
We Treat Many Types of Arthritis at Virtualis Physio
At Virtualis Physio, we provide online physiotherapy across Ontario for various types of arthritis, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – The most common type, affecting joints like knees and hips.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – Often associated with psoriasis, affecting joints and skin.
- Gout – A form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, leading to joint pain.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – A type of arthritis affecting the spine.
No matter what type of arthritis you have, our team can help you manage pain, improve mobility, and maintain your quality of life.
Our Location
We provide virtual physiotherapy in Ontario, making expert care accessible from anywhere. All you need is a camera and an internet connection. Visit our “How to Prepare for Your First Session” page to learn more!