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Expert Assessment and Treatment for Elbow Pain

Expert Assessment and Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and develops when the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually changes over time. It can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement, making everyday activities more difficult.

Whether you're experiencing symptoms in your knees, hips, shoulders or hands, early assessment and appropriate treatment can help you stay active and manage your symptoms effectively.

At Wellthy Clinic, we provide personalised care to help reduce pain, improve mobility and support your long-term joint health.

Understanding Osteoarthritis and Signs to Watch For

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly develops in the knees, hips, shoulders and hands. Symptoms usually develop gradually and may fluctuate depending on your activity levels.

A thorough assessment can help identify the affected joint, understand how it's impacting your movement and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Common symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis include:

  • Joint pain during or after activity

  • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after resting

  • Reduced range of movement

  • Swelling around the joint

  • Tenderness when moving or pressing the joint

  • Clicking, grinding or crackling sensations

  • Weakness around the affected joint

  • Difficulty with everyday activities

How We Assess and Treat Osteoarthritis

At Wellthy Clinic, we begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your symptoms, joint function, movement patterns and lifestyle. This helps us identify how osteoarthritis is affecting you and develop an individual treatment plan.

Treatment may include osteopathy, musculoskeletal care, Pilates, manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises to help improve mobility, reduce pain and support long-term joint function.

Treatment Options We May Recommend at Wellthy Clinic for Osteoarthritis

Osteopathy for Back Pain

Types of Osteoarthritis & When to Seek Help

Several joints can be affected by osteoarthritis:

→ Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA) - One of the most common forms of osteoarthritis, knee OA can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods.

→ Hip Osteoarthritis (Hip OA) - Hip OA often causes pain in the groin, buttock or thigh alongside stiffness that can make walking, getting in and out of a car or putting on shoes more difficult.

→ Shoulder Osteoarthritis (Shoulder OA) - Shoulder OA can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement, making it harder to reach overhead, lift objects or sleep comfortably on the affected side.

→ Thumb Osteoarthritis (Thumb OA) - Thumb OA commonly affects the joint at the base of the thumb, causing pain during gripping, pinching, opening jars or turning keys.

→ Wrist Osteoarthritis (Wrist OA) - Although less common, wrist OA can develop following previous injury or age-related joint changes, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced hand function.

Common Questions About Osteoarthritis

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage within a joint gradually changes over time. Age, previous injuries, repetitive joint loading, genetics and excess body weight can all contribute.

Can osteoarthritis be cured?

Osteoarthritis cannot currently be reversed, but appropriate treatment and exercise can help manage symptoms, improve movement and maintain joint function.

Can osteopathy help osteoarthritis?

Osteopathy may help reduce pain, improve joint mobility and address muscle tension and movement patterns that place additional strain on affected joints.

Is exercise good for osteoarthritis?

Yes. Staying active and performing appropriate strengthening and mobility exercises is one of the most effective ways to help manage osteoarthritis symptoms.

When should I seek treatment?

If joint pain or stiffness is affecting your daily activities, limiting your mobility or becoming more persistent, it's worth seeking professional assessment.

Will I need a scan?

Not always. Osteoarthritis can often be identified through a detailed clinical assessment. If imaging is appropriate, we'll discuss the most suitable option.

Our Osteopaths are qualified and registered with the General Osteopathic Council. We are fully insured and recognised with AVIVA, Healix, Vitality, Cigna, Simply Health, Healthshield & WPA health insurance companies.

Private Medical Insurance