At Haynes Acupuncture on the Gold Coast, we offer a range of therapies and treatments to provide alternative and holistic approaches to your health.  Osteoarthritis (OA) is something we commonly see in the clinic. This ailment can degrade cartilage, change bone shape and cause inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.

What is Osteoarthritis

OA is the most common form of arthritis; it happens when the cartilage at the end of the bones wears down. When the joint loses cartilage, the bone grows to try and repair the damage. However, instead of making things better, the bone grows abnormally and makes things worse. Osteoarthritis damages the joints, and although this is not reversible, symptoms can be managed.

Causes

  • Age, OA is more common in people over the age of 50
  • Joint injuries can lead to OA
  • Overuse of the same joints can result in OA
  • Obesity adds stress to joints and creates inflammation contributing to OA
  • Musculoskeletal abnormalities and malalignment of bone or joints structures can contribute to OA
  • Weak muscles can result in poor alignment, which can lead to OA
  • Genetics
  • Women are more likely to develop OA
  • Environmental Factors

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Grating sensation
  • Bone Spurs
  • Loss of flexibility

Self-care

Medication and surgery are used to treat OA. However, there are things you can do to manage the symptoms!

Active seniors in a yoga class

  • Maintain a healthy weight; excess weight exacerbates OA
  • Control blood sugar; high glucose levels can contribute to cartilage breakdown and inflammation
  • Maintain a range of motion; movement is medicine for joints. Make stretching and exercise a part of your everyday life
  • Protect your joints; remember to warm up and cool down. Protect joints by lifting correctly, and don’t overdo it. Listen to your body!
  • Live a healthy life through diet, rest and movement; make your choices intentional

And finally, make an appointment with a registered acupuncturist; scientific evidence suggests acupuncture may offer some symptom relief and improve the quality of life for those with arthritis! A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture is associated with significant reductions in pain intensity, improvement in functional mobility and quality of life for those with OA (Manyanga et al., 2014).

Our practitioners are excited to help you on this recovery journey; we tailor every treatment to suit your needs. Please book your appointment with us here or call (07) 5531 6461, alternatively email us at info@haynesacupuncture.com.au

© Haynes Acupuncture Gold Coast 2022

Manyanga, T., Froese, M., Zarychanski, R., Abou-Setta, A., Friesen, C., Tennenhouse, M., & Shay, B. L. (2014). Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-312