Information on your Injury

Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe various specific conditions that cause inflammation of one or multiple joints of the body. Arthritis typically involves the cartilage that lines the joint surface, and the amount of cartilage damage varies depending on the specific type of arthritis occurring within the joint.

Types of arthritis: Whilst there are hundreds of forms of arthritis, the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Is the most common and generally referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis. The cartilage that lines the joint and provides a frictionless surface for joint movement gradually over time begins to break down. As the protection the cartilage provides the joint is diminished the articulating surfaces of the joint rub on each other.

Particularly common sites effected by osteoarthritis are the weight bearing joints (in particular the knees and hips) but also joints that have experienced excessive use over many years (such as the spine or hands).

The onset of osteoarthritis can be gradual and often as a result of many years of ongoing use, or it can be the results of a specific trauma such as a car accident or a fall.

Management of osteoarthritis typically includes gentle passive movements, electrotherapy, heat, muscle stimulation, anti-inflammatory medications, gentle exercise (often hydrotherapy) and advice to minimize further damage. In advanced osteoarthritis joint replacement may be considered.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Is an auto-immune disease which occurs in the joints. The immune system attacks the synovial fluid (the lubricant inside a joint) of otherwise healthy joints and causes an inflammatory condition which is painful and often debilitating. Women are more prone to this condition than men, and affected joints are often symmetrical.

Management of this condition is often a combination of medications, gentle exercise. In severely debilitated joints a replacement is considered.

Ankle Sprain

The ankle comprises four bones which are made more stable with ligaments than run on both sides of the joint. Ankle sprains typically occur when the ligaments on the outside or inside of the ankle are overstretched. It is more common to overstretch the ligaments on the outside of the ankle and it is usually described as "rolling the ankle". The symptoms that occur with this injury are pain, swelling and difficulty taking full weight on the affected foot.

Initial management includes rest, ice, compression, elevation and pain relief if required. It is important to reduce further damage to the tissues around the ankle. This involves avoiding the use of heat and massage in initial management. Additionally, it is important to avoid excessive activity such a running. Consumption of alcohol slows the rate of healing of any acute injury and should be avoided.

Physiotherapy can significantly reduce pain and swelling, and improve the rate of healing in the ligaments. Physiotherapy treatments initially include the use of electrotherapy techniques to promote healing, mobilisation to restore full movement of the ankle and rehabilitation exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Return to activity and sport should be supervised by a physiotherapist to minimise the risk of reinjury and ensure that full movement and function is restored.

Neck Pain

The neck comprises seven vertebrae and is separated by discs, which act as shock absorbers. The neck must support the proportionately large weight of the head, and therefore is heavily reliant on both ligaments and muscles to provide the required stability.

Neck injury can cause significant pain and limitation to movement, which affects everyday activities such as turning the head. Arthritis can also affect the joints of the neck and cause pain. The other predominant cause of neck pain is poor posture. It particularly affects individuals working in administration roles.

If you experience significant neck pain it is recommended that you consult a physiotherapist to identify and treat the specific causes of the pain. Physiotherapy treatments usually include techniques to reduce muscle spasm, mobilisation, perhaps manipulation, postural retraining, education regarding prevention of neck pain, and a home exercise program designed to increase function through stretching and movement.