Destructive processes in the cartilage tissue affect different joints of the human body. This applies to those who have the greatest load while walking or working. According to Doherty et al. (2016), “OA is recognized as an important cause of disability and participation restriction in middle-aged and older adults” (p. 3). The problem cannot be ignored since the disease leads to impaired motor function. Now, doctors have modern methods of diagnosing and treating this disease in their arsenal. To prevent osteoarthritis, simple rules should be followed. People should monitor their body weight, get rid of excess weight, avoid injuries, engage in physical activity, and adhere to a healthy lifestyle (Parker, 2016). Thus, the joints will be in a stable condition and not be overloaded. This will allow them to stay healthy and strong for longer, preventing the development of the disease.
If osteoarthritis does affect the patient’s joints, various treatments should be considered. In particular, special gymnastics plays an essential role in the treatment of this disease. It helps improve blood flow by providing nourishment to damaged cartilage and surrounding tissues, restoring elasticity to ligaments and tone muscles, speeding up the healing process, and reducing pain. Exercises depend on which parts of the motor system are affected. For different osteoarthritis locations, exercises targeting different parts of the body and muscle groups will be helpful (Medina, 2016). Before working out, patients should be sure to grind the joints until heat appears in them. During exercises, severe pain should not be allowed; this type of ailment jumps and lifting weights are contraindicated. Undoubtedly, each situation is individual; however, in most cases, an exercise in combination with medical treatment improves the condition of patients.
References
Doherty, M., Bijlsma, H., Arden, N., Dalbeth, N, & Hunter, D. (2016). Oxford textbook of osteoarthritis and crystal arthropathy, 3rd ed. Oxford University Press.
Medina, S. (2016). Knee osteoarthritis: Diagnoses, management and health effects. Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated.
Parker, D. (2016). Management of knee osteoarthritis in the younger, active patient: An evidence-based practical guide for clinicians. Springer.