15 May 2023 BY Katrina Tarrant POSTED IN Exercise, Physiotherapy Lubricate to show your love... For your joints, that is! Synovial cells play a crucial role in joint lubrication. Found in the synovial membrane deep around your joints, these cells secrete a fluid called synovial fluid, which serves as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint space. Synovial fluid has a viscous consistency and contains substances like hyaluronic acid and lubricin. They: provide both lubrication and nourishment to the articular cartilage reduce friction between the joint surfaces during movement. minimize wear and tear on the joint remove waste products from the joint provide nutrients to the surrounding structures deep within the joint ensure optimal joint function. Did you know? Your synovial cells become stimulated primarily via mechanical stress or movement of the joint. When the joint is actively used, the synovial cells respond to the mechanical forces exerted on them, triggering increased production and secretion of synovial fluid. Physical activity and exercise, therefore, play a crucial role in stimulating synovial cells and promoting joint lubrication. If suffering from joint stiffness, or osteoarthritis, movement is critical to slow the progress of the degenerative process. Finding the right balance between movement, strength and minimal joint aggravation (pain and swelling) is the focus here, and your physio will know the best. You know what we always say? Motion is the lotion baby!
For your joints, that is! Synovial cells play a crucial role in joint lubrication. Found in the synovial membrane deep around your joints, these cells secrete a fluid called synovial fluid, which serves as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint space. Synovial fluid has a viscous consistency and contains substances like hyaluronic acid and lubricin. They: provide both lubrication and nourishment to the articular cartilage reduce friction between the joint surfaces during movement. minimize wear and tear on the joint remove waste products from the joint provide nutrients to the surrounding structures deep within the joint ensure optimal joint function. Did you know? Your synovial cells become stimulated primarily via mechanical stress or movement of the joint. When the joint is actively used, the synovial cells respond to the mechanical forces exerted on them, triggering increased production and secretion of synovial fluid. Physical activity and exercise, therefore, play a crucial role in stimulating synovial cells and promoting joint lubrication. If suffering from joint stiffness, or osteoarthritis, movement is critical to slow the progress of the degenerative process. Finding the right balance between movement, strength and minimal joint aggravation (pain and swelling) is the focus here, and your physio will know the best. You know what we always say? Motion is the lotion baby!
05 May 2023 BY Katrina Tarrant POSTED IN Exercise, Physiotherapy Osteoarthritis : Aging joints on film You say arthrosis, I say arthritis. X-ray and scan reports can be filled with some scary looking words to those not medically trained. Within these report notes, you may find complex, unfamiliar medical terms or phrases that make it difficult to decipher your results. Let's break a few common ones down and demonstrate that they are not as nasty as you may first think. Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, a protective tissue between bones. It is the most common form of arthritis. Arthrosis occurs when the cartilage gradually wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joint. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, joint overuse, and previous joint injuries. While any joint can be affected, arthrosis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are bony outgrowths that can develop in response to arthrosis or other conditions that cause joint damage. They often form at the edges of affected joints where cartilage has deteriorated. Osteophytes are the body's attempt to stabilize the joint and compensate for the lost cartilage. However, they can also contribute to pain and further joint damage by interfering with joint movement or compressing nearby structures. Cortical thickening refers to an increase in the thickness of the outer layer of bone, known as the cortical bone. It can occur as a response to various factors, including repetitive stress, inflammation, and certain medical conditions. Cortical thickening is often observed in conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, where the bone undergoes remodeling. This thickening can provide added strength and support to the affected bone, but in some cases, excessive cortical thickening can lead to structural abnormalities and compromise bone health. Exit foraminal narrowing refers to the narrowing of the exit space through which nerves exit the spinal column. It is commonly associated with degenerative changes in the spine, such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs. When the exit foramina narrow, it can compress the spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the corresponding area of the body. Bony oedema, refers to the accumulation of excess fluid within the bone marrow. It is often associated with various conditions, such as trauma, infection, or inflammation, including conditions like osteoarthritis or stress fractures. Bony edema can be seen on imaging studies and may indicate an underlying pathology. It is typically accompanied by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. These are but a few of the big scary words that are often just there to explain the natural process of joint aging in us all. My advice when it comes to these reports? Don't be afraid to ask your friendly GP or physio to sit and take the time to explain your results better. After all, it is your joint they are busy peering at!
You say arthrosis, I say arthritis. X-ray and scan reports can be filled with some scary looking words to those not medically trained. Within these report notes, you may find complex, unfamiliar medical terms or phrases that make it difficult to decipher your results. Let's break a few common ones down and demonstrate that they are not as nasty as you may first think. Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, a protective tissue between bones. It is the most common form of arthritis. Arthrosis occurs when the cartilage gradually wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joint. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, joint overuse, and previous joint injuries. While any joint can be affected, arthrosis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are bony outgrowths that can develop in response to arthrosis or other conditions that cause joint damage. They often form at the edges of affected joints where cartilage has deteriorated. Osteophytes are the body's attempt to stabilize the joint and compensate for the lost cartilage. However, they can also contribute to pain and further joint damage by interfering with joint movement or compressing nearby structures. Cortical thickening refers to an increase in the thickness of the outer layer of bone, known as the cortical bone. It can occur as a response to various factors, including repetitive stress, inflammation, and certain medical conditions. Cortical thickening is often observed in conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, where the bone undergoes remodeling. This thickening can provide added strength and support to the affected bone, but in some cases, excessive cortical thickening can lead to structural abnormalities and compromise bone health. Exit foraminal narrowing refers to the narrowing of the exit space through which nerves exit the spinal column. It is commonly associated with degenerative changes in the spine, such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs. When the exit foramina narrow, it can compress the spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the corresponding area of the body. Bony oedema, refers to the accumulation of excess fluid within the bone marrow. It is often associated with various conditions, such as trauma, infection, or inflammation, including conditions like osteoarthritis or stress fractures. Bony edema can be seen on imaging studies and may indicate an underlying pathology. It is typically accompanied by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. These are but a few of the big scary words that are often just there to explain the natural process of joint aging in us all. My advice when it comes to these reports? Don't be afraid to ask your friendly GP or physio to sit and take the time to explain your results better. After all, it is your joint they are busy peering at!
28 Apr 2023 BY Katrina Tarrant POSTED IN Exercise, Physiotherapy, Pilates, Sydney CBD Osteoarthritis : a normal process of aging Osteoarthritis is commonly considered a normal part of the aging process due to several reasons. Why? And why are some of us more prone to this process? Firstly, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age. As we grow older, the wear and tear on our joints accumulate over time, leading to the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This gradual breakdown is a natural consequence of the stresses and strains our bodies experience throughout a lifetime of movement. Put simply, the thinning and wearing of the cartilage is a sign of a well used joint, and not much else. (Like my big toe joint from flexing to it get to the ground to correct my Pilates students!) Secondly, the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in osteoarthritis development align with the aging process. The ability of cartilage to repair itself diminishes with age, as the production of new cartilage cells slows down, and the existing cells become less efficient at maintaining the structural integrity of the joint. Other factors such as genetics, obesity, joint injuries, and certain occupations can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These factors tend to accumulate over time, making the likelihood of osteoarthritis higher as individuals age. If osteoarthritis is a normal part of aging, why are we all affected differently? While osteoarthritis is considered a normal part of aging, it does not mean that everyone will experience it or that its impact cannot be managed. It comes down to our lifestyles and our genes. Lifestyle modifications, exercise, weight management, and appropriate medical interventions can help alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Osteoarthritis is commonly considered a normal part of the aging process due to several reasons. Why? And why are some of us more prone to this process? Firstly, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age. As we grow older, the wear and tear on our joints accumulate over time, leading to the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This gradual breakdown is a natural consequence of the stresses and strains our bodies experience throughout a lifetime of movement. Put simply, the thinning and wearing of the cartilage is a sign of a well used joint, and not much else. (Like my big toe joint from flexing to it get to the ground to correct my Pilates students!) Secondly, the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in osteoarthritis development align with the aging process. The ability of cartilage to repair itself diminishes with age, as the production of new cartilage cells slows down, and the existing cells become less efficient at maintaining the structural integrity of the joint. Other factors such as genetics, obesity, joint injuries, and certain occupations can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These factors tend to accumulate over time, making the likelihood of osteoarthritis higher as individuals age. If osteoarthritis is a normal part of aging, why are we all affected differently? While osteoarthritis is considered a normal part of aging, it does not mean that everyone will experience it or that its impact cannot be managed. It comes down to our lifestyles and our genes. Lifestyle modifications, exercise, weight management, and appropriate medical interventions can help alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
