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Joint Pain and Arthritis
Joint pain and arthritis are common medical problems seen by sports medicine specialists. The medical term “arthritis” is used to describe joint pain or inflammation and is not in itself a diagnosis but rather a description of the joint. In arthritis, the joint inflammation may present as any combination of swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness or warmth. In a sports injury clinic, the most commonly seen types of arthritis tend to be either traumatic arthritis or those due to overuse. Such overuse arthritis occurs when a joint and surrounding tendon have been used excessively with a particular activity or due to change in a technique that has ‘stressed’ a joint.
There are several different types of arthritis but broadly speaking they can be split into two broad categories; osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies.
Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage that lines the joints becomes damaged and the joint space becomes narrow. Extra bone can also form which can affect the mechanics of the joint. This type of arthritis can develop if there has been abnormal stress through the joint or significant or recurrent injuries to a particular joint. However, it can also occur without an obvious reason. It tends to affect the weight bearing joints – hips and knees and can also affect the hands.
Inflammatory arthropathy is a generic name to cover a few different types of arthritis e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and gout. With an inflammatory arthritis the synovium or joint lining becomes inflamed and this can ultimately damage the joint. It is common to have several joints that are affected with an inflammatory arthropathy.
Diagnosis is made through a collection of signs and symptoms, and in some cases an x-ray and/or blood test. Not all joint pain means you have arthritis and even if you do have arthritis there are a lot of things that you can do to help yourself. With both forms of arthritis the treatment aim is to protect the joints. This can be done by keeping the joints mobile and strong. When people have pain, their muscles weaken because of inhibition and lack of use, and this in turn will ultimately make the pain worse. Consequently, it is important to have a collection of specific exercises that will help you to protect your joints.
Sports Doctors and Physiotherapists work together to devise an appropriate plan to treat, manage and prevent pain associated with the conditions above. Depending upon the nature and extent of the condition, a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be required in tandem with physiotherapy treatment to reduce joint inflammation and improve joint mobility. A program of exercises will also be prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the joint, provide more stability, and prevent further relapses. Ultimately, we aim to educate the patient to a level of understanding such that they feel comfortable and confident to self-manage their condition.