Part of the normal process of aging includes gradual articular cartilage deterioration. Cartilage matrix weakens, develops cracks and fissures, and in some cases, will flake off, leaving bone exposed. In some people, this gradual process can lead to inflammation, joint instability, and subsequent further degeneration. People tell me every day “don’t get old”, but with […]
Osteoarthritis and the Weather
“Blame it on the rain” -Milli Vanilli, 1989 Is all this rain getting to you? I suspect it is getting to some more than others. Many physiotherapy patients are certain of the link between joint pain and the weather and some have even stated that not only can they predict the weather based on their […]
Surgery vs Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis and Meniscal Tear
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for visits to the physiotherapist by individuals over the age of 50. Meniscal tears are also very common among this age group and can occur in people that don’t complain of knee pain. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine challenges the thought that […]
Running and osteoarthritis of the hip/knee
Patients often ask if there is a relationship between running and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee due to the high impact involved; yet, running is an activity that benefits cardiovascular fitness, mood, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight loss, bone density, etc. Prior studies have linked running to the development of hip and knee arthritis […]