Osteoarthritis (OA) often known as the ‘wear and tear’ arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and often occurs in people over the age of 50. In fact, over one-third of seniors aged 75 or over experience this condition.

In simple terms, osteoarthritis ensues when the cartilage inside your joints starts to break down. It is a condition that can affect any joint in a person’s body, but is most often found in knees, hips, fingers, and toes.

Common symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Stiffness in your joints
• Swelling or inflammation in your joints
• Joint pain
• Weakness of your muscles.

While there is no definitive cure or method of prevention to avoid osteoarthritis, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help prolong and manage the symptoms of OA.

Preventative measures for Osteoarthritis

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do not put too much stress on your joints, such as overuse.
• Respect pain.
• Regular exercise, that does not put too much strain on your joins. Try our indoor exercises for seniors to get you started.
• Avoid staying in one position for too long.
• Adjust your home, if necessary.

For more information, Arthritis Australia has a vast number of resources available online for managing and living with osteoarthritis and other arthritis conditions. If you think you may have osteoarthritis, it is important to speak with your GP or a healthcare professional.