Do you suffer from pain and stiffness in your knee when you first get out of bed in morning? Perhaps you get it trying to get up out of a chair after sitting for longer periods of time? Or maybe you get it walking or climbing stairs? Unfortunately these are all common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Before you jump in and say, “It’s just part of getting old!”, as Physio’s treating people suffering arthritis every day, we’re frequently amazed at the results some of our clients see when they tackle the problem head on.
Recent studies looking into the best treatment for Knee OA, found that specific neuromuscular exercise, education and weight loss can significantly reduce pain and improve movement. Which, for someone like you suffering from knee pain, can help you get back to doing the things you love.
So what can you do to help?
Recommended treatment for knee pain caused by OA includes –
1) Education – know what risk factors you can change.
Avoid repetitious, heavy activities that overload your joint.
Do something to try and control your weight better, today.
Do some light physical exercise to prevent muscle weakness and create a healthy joint.
2) Neuromuscular exercises –
Ongoing daily physical activity is important for everyone.
See your local Physiotherapist about starting you on a simple exercises program, or join an exercise class with exercises specific to correct movement patterns and allow greater movement.
3) Be patient and persistent –
Osteoarthritis develops and becomes painful over 2-3 decades. So be patient when it comes to treatment.
Pain and joint stiffness can temporarily reduce relatively quickly, however, the pathway to a longer-lasting improvement may take anywhere from 3 – 6 months.
We’re a proud provider of the international Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark, GLA:D®, program. The GLA:D® exercise and education program includes a 2-3-times weekly exercise group, as well as education seminars to help you live better with hip and knee arthritis. Read More about GLA:D
You can Book an Initial Assessment ONLINE with our Physiotherapists today, or Call us on (03) 9752 2368 to find out more.