Tag: physio

Physio

Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. This can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Fortunately, physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive treatments to alleviate these symptoms and restore hand function. 

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. When the median nerve passing through this tunnel is compressed, it can lead to;

  • Pain: Especially in the wrist and palm.
  • Tingling or Numbness: Often in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
  • Weakness: Making it difficult to grip objects.

Common causes include repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, or conditions like arthritis and diabetes.

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Physiotherapy is a highly effective, drug free option for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. Here’s how it works;

1. Nerve Gliding Exercises

These gentle exercises help improve the mobility of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, reducing pressure and alleviating symptoms.

2. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Stretching the wrist and forearm muscles can relieve tension, while strengthening exercises can improve grip strength and overall hand function.

3. Manual Therapy

Techniques like soft tissue massage and joint mobilization can reduce inflammation and improve wrist mobility.

4. Ultrasound Therapy

This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation in the wrist.

5. Ergonomic Advice

A physiotherapist can provide guidance on proper posture, wrist positioning, and workstation setup to prevent further strain.

6. Wrist Splinting

Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, helps keep the wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Non-Invasive Treatment: Avoid surgery and medication with a natural approach.
  • Pain Relief: Target the root cause of discomfort.
  • Improved Mobility: Regain full use of your hand and wrist.
  • Prevent Recurrence: Learn techniques to prevent future flare ups.

When to See a Physiotherapist

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as persistent hand pain or tingling, it’s time to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and potentially avoid the need for surgical treatment.

Visit Our Physiotherapy Clinic for Carpal Tunnel Treatment

At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, our experienced physiotherapists specialize in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you achieve pain relief and restore hand function.

Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome hold you back. Contact us and start your road to recovery today!

Injury, Physio

The Importance of Post Surgery Shoulder Rehab: Tips for Recovery

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Undergoing shoulder surgery is often a necessary step to restore mobility and reduce pain caused by injuries or chronic conditions. However, the journey doesn’t end in the operating room. Post surgery shoulder rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery, ensuring that you regain strength, flexibility, and function. At Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic, we specialize in tailored rehab programs to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why is Post Surgery Shoulder Rehab Important?

  1. Regain Mobility: After shoulder surgery, stiffness is common. Targeted physiotherapy helps restore range of motion safely.
  2. Prevent Complications: Structured rehab minimizes the risk of scar tissue formation and reinjury.
  3. Build Strength: Immobilizing the shoulder after surgery often weakens the surrounding muscles. Rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding strength and stability.
  4. Restore Function: The ultimate goal of rehab is to return to daily activities, work, or sports without pain or limitations.

What to Expect During Shoulder Rehab

At Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic, we follow a step by step approach to shoulder rehabilitation:

  1. Initial Assessment: We evaluate your condition, surgical details, and recovery goals.
  2. Early Recovery Phase: This phase focuses on pain management, reducing swelling, and gentle range of motion exercises.
  3. Strengthening Phase: Gradual strengthening exercises target the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to improve stability.
  4. Functional Training: Tailored exercises mimic daily or sport specific activities to ensure a smooth transition back to your routine.
  5. Ongoing Maintenance: Preventative care and maintenance exercises help sustain progress and reduce the risk of future issues.

Tips for a Successful Recovery

  1. Follow Your Physiotherapist’s and Surgeon’s Plan: Adhering to your personalized program often set by your surgeon ensures steady progress and minimizes setbacks.
  2. Practice Patience: Recovery takes time. Avoid rushing into activities before your shoulder is ready.
  3. Stay Consistent: Regular physiotherapy sessions and home exercises are essential for optimal results.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep promote healing.
  5. Communicate Openly: Let your physiotherapist know about any pain or concerns during your rehab.

Why Choose Us for Shoulder Rehab in Durham?

Our clinic is dedicated to providing evidence based physiotherapy tailored to your unique needs. Here’s why patients trust us:

  • Experienced Team: Our physiotherapists specialize in post surgical rehabilitation, ensuring expert care.
  • Individualized Programs: We design customized plans that are in alignment with  your surgeon’s post operative  protocol to match your recovery goals and pace.
  • Supportive Environment: We’re committed to helping you feel confident and supported throughout your recovery journey.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you’ve recently undergone shoulder surgery, don’t wait to start your rehabilitation. The sooner you begin, the better your chances of a full and speedy recovery Contact Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic today to book your initial assessment and start your road to recovery today 

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Relieving Stiff Joints: The Role of Massage in Winter Wellness

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As winter sets in, many people notice a familiar discomfort, stiff joints and sore muscles. The cold weather often exacerbates joint pain and muscle tightness, especially for those dealing with arthritis, sports injuries, or a sedentary lifestyle. At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, we understand how these seasonal challenges can impact your daily life. Massage therapy is a powerful tool to help you combat winter stiffness and keep your body feeling its best. 

Why Do Joints Feel Stiff in the Winter?

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to muscles and joints. This can lead to;

  • Increased muscle tension
  • Reduced flexibility
  • Heightened sensitivity to pain

For individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis or previous injuries, this can make winter particularly challenging. The good news? Massage therapy can provide much-needed relief.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Winter Stiffness

  1. Improved Circulation Massage promotes better blood flow, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and joints. Enhanced circulation helps to reduce inflammation and stiffness, making movement easier and more comfortable.
  2. Muscle Relaxation Tight muscles can pull on joints, exacerbating stiffness. Massage helps relax these muscles, relieving tension and reducing the strain on your joints.
  3. Pain Relief By stimulating the production of endorphins, massage therapy naturally alleviates pain. This is particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic joint discomfort or injury recovery.
  4. Improved Range of Motion Massage techniques such as stretching and myofascial release can enhance joint mobility. Regular sessions can help maintain or even improve flexibility, making winter activities more enjoyable.

Tailoring Massage Therapy to Your Needs

At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, our licensed massage therapists customize treatments to address your specific concerns. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or someone looking to manage arthritis symptoms.

Tips for Maximizing Massage Benefits This Winter

  1. Stay Hydrated Cold weather can make you less likely to drink water, but hydration is key to keeping your muscles and joints healthy. Massage therapy works best when your tissues are well-hydrated.
  2. Warm Up Before Your Session A light warm-up or gentle stretching before your massage can help prepare your muscles for the treatment.
  3. Maintaining a Regular Schedule Consistency is key. Regular massage sessions can help prevent stiffness and keep your body in optimal condition throughout the winter months.

Take the First Step Toward Winter Wellness

Don’t let winter stiffness hold you back. At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, we’re here to support your health and wellness journey. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you stay active and pain-free all year round.

Contact the professionals and Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic to book your winter massage today!

Man holding his knee
Uncategorized

Understanding Knee Bursitis

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Knee bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursae—small fluid-filled sacs that cushions the knee joint. These sacs reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles, allowing smooth movement. When the bursae become irritated or inflamed, it can result in knee pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Causes and Symptoms

Knee bursitis can be caused by repetitive motion, prolonged kneeling, a direct blow to the knee, or infection. Athletes, particularly runners and those involved in sports requiring a lot of jumping or kneeling, are especially susceptible. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain: Often sharp or aching, especially when moving the knee.
  • Swelling: Visible swelling around the knee.
  • Tenderness: The area may be tender to the touch.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in fully bending or straightening the knee.

Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Knee Bursitis

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating knee bursitis. The primary goals of physiotherapy are to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, restore normal function, and prevent recurrence.

1. Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

A thorough assessment by a physiotherapist is essential to confirm the diagnosis and identify the underlying cause. This may involve a physical examination, reviewing medical history, and, if necessary, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI.

2. Pain Management

Rest and Ice: Initially, resting the knee and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and pain. Ice should be applied in 20-minute intervals several times a day.

Therapeutic Modalities: Physiotherapists may use modalities like ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy to reduce pain and promote healing.

Pain Relief Exercises: Gentle range-of-motion exercises are introduced to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.

3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Stretching: As the pain subsides, gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate tension around the knee.

Strengthening: Strengthening the muscles around the knee and the hips, is vital. Strong muscles help support the knee joint, reducing stress on the bursae.

These exercises should be performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist to ensure proper technique and avoid aggravating the condition.

4. Improving Flexibility and Mobility

Manual Therapy: Physiotherapists may use manual techniques like joint mobilization or soft tissue massage to improve knee joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

Range of Motion Exercises: As recovery progresses, more dynamic exercises are introduced to restore full knee movement. This includes activities like stationary cycling or swimming, which are low-impact and gentle on the joints.

5. Education and Prevention

Posture and Body Mechanics: Educating patients on proper posture and body mechanics during activities can prevent undue stress on the knee. This includes guidance on correct squatting techniques or how to modify activities to reduce knee strain.

Footwear: Wearing supportive footwear can also make a significant difference, especially in individuals with abnormal foot mechanics, which can contribute to knee bursitis.

Activity Modification: Identifying and modifying activities that exacerbate symptoms is key to preventing recurrence. For athletes, this may involve altering training routines or incorporating cross-training to reduce repetitive strain.

Knee bursitis, while painful, is a condition that responds well to physiotherapy. Through a combination of pain management, targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education, physiotherapy helps alleviate symptoms and restore knee function. Early intervention and adherence to a personalized rehabilitation program are essential for a full recovery and prevention of future episodes.

If you are experiencing knee pain and are looking start physiotherapy. Contact the professionals and The Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic and start your road to recovery today!

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Physiotherapy for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the joints and muscles that control jaw movement, leading to pain and dysfunction. These disorders can be debilitating, impacting daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even sleeping. Physiotherapy offers effective treatment options to manage and alleviate TMJ symptoms.

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

What are TMJ Disorders? The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull and are responsible for the movement needed for chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders encompass a range of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in these joints and the surrounding muscles.

Causes of TMJ Disorders TMJ disorders can result from various factors, including:

  • Injury or trauma to the jaw or head.
  • Arthritis affecting the TMJ.
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).
  • Misalignment of the teeth or jaw.
  • Stress, which can lead to muscle tension and jaw clenching.
  • Poor posture, especially in the neck and upper back.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders Common symptoms include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness.
  • Pain in or around the ear.
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing.
  • Locking of the jaw joint.
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
  • Headaches or neck pain.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of TMJ disorders. Here are some ways physiotherapy can provide relief:

Pain Relief Techniques

Manual Therapy Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension. Techniques such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage can help alleviate pain and improve function.

Heat and Cold Therapy Applying heat can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb pain. Physiotherapists often incorporate these treatments as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

Electrotherapy Modalities like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can be used to provide pain relief by sending electrical impulses to the affected area.

Improving Jaw Mobility and Function

Exercises for Jaw Movement Physiotherapists design specific exercises to improve jaw mobility and strengthen the muscles around the TMJ. These exercises can help restore normal function and reduce stiffness.

Postural Correction Poor posture can contribute to TMJ disorders. Physiotherapists provide guidance on improving posture, particularly focusing on the neck and upper back, to reduce strain on the jaw.

Stretching and Relaxation Techniques Stretching exercises and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce muscle tension and improve jaw function.

Addressing Contributing Factors

Education and Lifestyle Modifications Physiotherapists educate patients about the factors that contribute to TMJ disorders and provide strategies to manage them. This may include advice on avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing good posture, and managing stress.

Ergonomic Assessments Assessing and modifying the patient’s work or home environment to promote better posture and reduce strain on the TMJ can be beneficial.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

Custom Treatment Plans Physiotherapists develop individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s specific needs and the underlying causes of their TMJ disorder. This personalized approach ensures effective and sustainable relief.

Regular Follow-Ups Ongoing follow-up appointments help monitor progress, make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and ensure the patient continues to improve and prevent recurrence.

Temporomandibular joint disorders can significantly impact daily life, but physiotherapy offers a range of effective treatments to manage and alleviate symptoms. Through pain relief techniques, exercises to improve jaw mobility, postural correction, and addressing contributing factors, physiotherapists can help patients achieve lasting relief and better jaw function.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorders, contact a physiotherapist at the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic at 905-428-7800, to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. With the right approach, you can find relief from jaw pain and improve your quality of life.

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Recognizing the Signs of Overuse Injuries and How to Address Them

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Overuse injuries are common among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals who engage in repetitive movements in their daily activities. Unlike acute injuries that result from sudden trauma, overuse injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress on the same muscles, joints, or tendons. Recognizing the signs of overuse injuries is crucial for early intervention and prevention of further damage.

Signs of Overuse Injuries:

Persistent Pain

One of the primary indicators of an overuse injury is persistent pain that develops gradually and worsens over time. This pain is often described as dull or achy and may be localized to a specific area such as the knee, shoulder, or wrist. Ignoring this pain can lead to further damage and prolonged recovery.

Swelling and Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, and overuse injuries can cause localized swelling in the affected area. Swelling may be accompanied by warmth, redness, and tenderness. If you notice swelling that persists despite rest and icing, it could be a sign of an overuse injury.

Decreased Range of Motion

Overuse injuries can also lead to a decreased range of motion in the affected joint or muscle. You may notice stiffness, tightness, or difficulty moving the affected area through its full range of motion. This can impact your performance in physical activities and may indicate underlying tissue damage.

Changes in Movement Patterns

As overuse injuries progress, they can alter your movement patterns and biomechanics. You may compensate for pain or weakness by modifying your gait, posture, or technique, which can place additional stress on other parts of the body. These compensatory movements can contribute to further injury and should be addressed promptly.

Addressing Overuse Injuries

Rest and Recovery

The first step in addressing an overuse injury is to rest and allow the affected tissues to heal. This may involve temporarily avoiding activities that exacerbate pain and inflammation. Incorporating rest days into your exercise routine and prioritizing adequate sleep can facilitate the healing process.

Ice and Compression

Applying ice packs and using compression bandages can help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with overuse injuries. Cold therapy constricts blood vessels and numbs the affected area, providing pain relief and promoting recovery. Be sure to wrap ice packs in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin and limit icing sessions to 15-20 minutes at a time.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a valuable resource for addressing overuse injuries and restoring mobility, strength, and flexibility. A skilled physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, incorporating exercises, stretches, manual therapy techniques, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Modification of Activities

In some cases, modifying or temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate the overuse injury may be necessary to prevent further damage. This may involve cross-training with low-impact exercises, modifying technique or equipment, or adjusting training intensity and frequency. A gradual return to activity should be guided by symptom resolution and progression of rehabilitation exercises.

Recognizing the signs of overuse injuries and taking proactive steps to address them is essential for preventing further damage and facilitating recovery. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, or changes in movement patterns, seek evaluation and treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. By prioritizing rest, implementing appropriate interventions, and modifying activities as needed, you can effectively manage overuse injuries and return to pain-free movement and performance.

Contact the professionals at the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic if you think you might be experiencing an overuse injury at 905-428-7800.

Man drinknig bottle of water
Uncategorized

Summer Exercise Tips

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With the first day of summer finally here, it’s no surprise that after a long winter, people want to get outside and be active. Everyone knows that there are great psychological and physical health benefits to exercising, but exercising in the heat can be dangerous if you are not taking the necessary precautions. Here are some exercise tips to survive the summer heat. 

Hydrate

Water is important for our bodies. Drinking 8 ounces of water before exercising in the heat is a great way to make sure your body does not get dehydrated during exercise. It is recommended you drink another 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes of finishing your exercise. If you are doing an activity which requires you to be outside for a prolonged period of time, keep water with you and take frequent water breaks.Eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes is what is recommended. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already well behind in your fluid replacement. Dehydration is a primary contributor to heat exhaustion.

Sunscreen 

Sunburns are not fun to deal with on the best days, trying to workout or exercise with a sunburn can be even worse. Remember to always wear waterproof sunscreen when doing an outdoor activity or exercise.

Avoid the hottest part of the day 

The hottest time of the day is typically between 10am and 3pm. Planning an early morning or evening exercise is a good way to ensure your body does not overheat, while still keeping up with your daily exercise routines. An ideal way to exercise in the heat is to go for a swim. 

Swimming is great way to; 

  • Keep your heart rate up
  • Provides a full body work out 
  • Keep your heart and lungs healthy 
  • Great way to build muscle 

Take it Easy 

On extremely hot and humid days, look for lighter ways to exercise. A brisk walk over a jog is one way to make sure you are not pushing yourself too hard in the heat. Over exercising  in the extreme heat can cause a heat stroke. When this happens the body can no longer control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises quickly because you stop sweating. This results in the body being unable to cool itself down. Signs of heatstroke include shortness of breath, fast breathing, confusion and can progress to seizures and loss of consciousness.

If you have been injured or are trying to recover from an injury, call Durham Orthopedic Sports & Injury Clinic to start your treatment and get on the road to recovery today!

Uncategorized

Tips for Back pain

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back pain

One of the most common injuries seen in our physiotherapy clinic is low back strain.

Low back pain from an injury can be totally debilitating. Fortunately in most cases, the degree of intense pain often does not correlate with the severity of the problem causing the pain. An example of this is a simple muscle spasm in your low back region can be completely disabling and can put you out of commission for several days.

Often the cause can remain a mystery for the victim of low back pain. Some of the common causes seen at our clinic for that mysterious onset of low back pain are:

  • poor posture
  • poor work ergonomics
  • sudden awkward movements  as seen in various sports 
  • participating in an activity you are not use to, for example, the first big snow shovel in the winter season or hours of gardening at the beginning of spring
  • herniated or ruptured discs( often due to prolonged sitting or bending forward for hours)

There are many different treatments for low back pain but the treatment must address the specific cause of your low back pain. There is not one treatment or set of exercises that treats all back pain. Using ice may help when the injury is acute, in the first 48-72hours. After 72 hours, heat can be used to help decrease the muscle spasm.

Anti-inflammatory medications have also proven helpful to help reduce the inflammation in the acute stage of the injury.

Complete bed rest is no longer indicated for low back pain.  Gentle stretches and easy movements such as walking help speed up the recovery.

Of course, seeing a physiotherapist will help you learn which movements and exercises are best for your specific injury and the hands-on work the physiotherapist can provide will help speed up the recovery.

Have you injured your back and need help to get your day to day life back to normal? Call the professionals at Durham Orthopedic Sports & Injury clinic to get onto your road to recovery today!

Health, Health Tips, Osteoporosis

OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

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Despite the fact that osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis) are completely different conditions, they are frequently confused, in particular osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, because both names start with “osteo.”

A FEW BASIC FACTS:

  • Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the amount and quality of the bone is reduced, leading to fractures (broken bones). Osteoporosis produces no pain or other symptoms unless a fracture has occurred.
  • Arthritis (arth = joint; itis = inflammation) is a disease of the joints and surrounding tissue. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis.
  • A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact and allows for movement of the bones.
  • A person can have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis at the same time.
  • Both diseases may cause pain and limit mobility, but the cause of this pain and the way it is treated are quite different.
  • An accurate diagnosis of your pain is very important. With an accurate diagnosis, you will be better able to develop a pain management program that works for you.
  • The prefix “osteo” (which means “bone”) is the only thing that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis have in common.
OsteoporosisOsteoarthritis
DefinitionOsteoporosis is a bone disease. The word “osteoporosis” literally means porous bones. It is a bone disorder characterized by decreased bone strength as a result of reduced bone quantity and quality. A person with osteoporosis has an increased risk of breaking a bone (fracturing) easily.Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease that involves thinning or destruction of the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones, as well as changes to the bone underlying the joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis produces pain, stiffness and reduced movement of the affected joint, which ultimately affects ones ability to do physical activities, reducing quality of life.
SymptomsOsteoporosis is called “the silent thief” because it can progress without symptoms until a broken bone occurs. When bones become severely weakened by osteoporosis, simple movements – such as bending over to pick up a heavy bag of groceries or sneezing forcefully – can lead to broken bones. Hip, spine and wrist fractures are the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis.Osteoarthritis most often affects the hips, knees, fingers (i.e., base of the thumb, tips and middle joints of the fingers), feet or spine. It affects each joint differently, and symptoms are easy to overlook. It can be painful – the pain may result from overuse of a joint, prolonged immobility or painful bony growth in finger joints.
DiagnosisOsteoporosis is diagnosed through a bone mineral density test, a simple, painless test that measures the amount of bone in the spine and hip.Osteoarthritis is diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination and x-rays of the affected joints. activities, reducing quality of life.
Risk FactorsThe risk of osteoporosis may be reduced by becoming aware of these risk factors and taking action to slow down bone loss. Low bone mineral density is a major risk factor for fracture, the main consequence of osteoporosis. Other key risk factors include older age, prior low-trauma fracture, a history of falls and use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids (for example, prednisone). Family history of a fragility fracture is often a contributing factor.Learn more about risk factors for osteoporosis. >>Some factors that can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis include family history, physical inactivity, excess weight and overuse or injury of joints.
TreatmentOsteoporosis can be treated with lifestyle changes and, often, the use of prescription medication. Paying attention to diet (adequate calcium and vitamin D intake) and getting regular physical activity are important lifestyle changes. Weight-bearing and strength training exercises can help to manage pain and improve the strength of bones and muscles, which helps to prevent falls. Broken hips caused by osteoporosis usually need to be repaired surgically. This can include the use of specialized “pins and plates,” but can also involve hip replacement surgery. This is determined by the surgeon based on the exact type of hip fracture that has occurred. If you have osteoporosis, there are effective medications that can reduce your risk of fracture.Osteoarthritis can be managed with the use of joint protection (decreasing the amount of work the joint has to do), exercise, pain relief medication, heat and cold treatments, and weight control. Severe arthritis may be treated with an operation, where damaged joints are replaced with an artificial implant. Knee and hip joint replacements are commonly performed.

IF YOU HAVE BOTH DISEASES

Individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis should seek help planning a program to manage both conditions and pay special attention to advice about exercise.

Regular weight-bearing exercise is usually recommended for individuals with osteoporosis, but may be difficult to follow in the presence of significant hip or knee arthritis. Keeping joints mobile requires a special approach to exercise and movement. A specially trained physiotherapist can help ensure exercises are safe and beneficial for both conditions.

WHERE TO GET HELP

ARTHRITIS

The Arthritis Society (TAS) is the leading source of information on arthritis, including osteoarthritis. For more information about arthritis, contact:

The Arthritis Society
1-800-321-1433
www.arthritis.ca.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis Canada (OC) is the leading source of information on osteoporosis in Canada. OC provides individuals concerned about their risk of developing this disease and those who have been diagnosed with up-to-date information on all aspects of bone health. Our information counsellors on our toll-free line (1-800-463-6842) can also help you to connect with Chapters of Osteoporosis Canada in your area.

Originally Posted By : https://osteoporosis.ca/about-the-disease/what-is-osteoporosis/osteoporosis-and-osteoarthritis/