Body Awareness

by Paula Allia PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis associated with the breakdown of the cartilage at the ends of the bones where joints are formed. It is associated with the bony joints in the body getting inflamed and stiff. Some people are not even aware that they have osteoarthritis, until the pain sets in.

Abnormal wear and tear can occur in the body at the joints. Normally, there is a layer of cartilage, called hyaline cartilage, that gives the ends of bone its shiny appearance. These naturally aligned joints, surrounded by joint fluid (synovium) function by the bones gliding, rolling and or sliding along each other to create a purposeful movement that one requires to participate in everyday activities and highly specific sport training.

So what causes these joints to break down and develop the beginnings of osteoarthritis? How can one help prevent this from occurring? Does the breakdown in joints only happen to older people?

First, understand that if joint alignment of bones are good and the integrity of the ligaments and cartilage are properly doing their jobs that is ideal. If ligament or cartilage damage occurs, or a joint is notaligned right in the first place, this is a red flag for how to maximize the joint’s ability while in a compromising situation. Keep this in mind.

Everybody develops patterns in life. These patterns can be as simple as sitting for long periods of time either on a computer or at a job. Postural conditions enter into a routine occurrence.Subsequently, some muscles tend to tighten up from a prolonged shortened position while others are lengthened on the opposite side of the joint. Some muscles then get inhibited and, over time, this inhibition will cause weakness.

The knee joint has the highest prevalence for osteoarthritis followed by the hip joint. The numbers have been not only climbing but itis recognized that the younger population is developing OA much earlier than in the past. This may be due to the fact that there is arising amount of obesity, particularly in the United States. On the other hand, there are growing numbers of people who are getting more involved in a more active lifestyle. Both of these can cause problems if the joints are not aligned properly.

From infancy, the body goes through developmental milestones where the neuromuscular system (the interaction of the nervous system and muscles) develops and acts on the body to strengthen the body, overcome reflexes, and develop the body to function in all sorts of interactions, movements, and ultimately sporting activities. The body was not meant to be sedentary.

Utilizing muscles on both sides of the joints are key to developing a more fluid and biomechanically correct body in regard to motion. Children should be encouraged to participate in activities on all terrains. This helps the muscles of the foot develop its arch. This is pertinent for a stable base for the rest of the leg muscles to strengthen, have flexibility, but at the same time provide structures and support the joints.

If this was not done or an injury was sustained when younger, the motions of the body may not be ideal. Supporting a joint that is not structured properly can cause many problems. Providing some structure such as an orthotic may help to align the leg from the ground up. This does not replace muscle activity, however.

Take a look in the mirror. Are the legs similar in alignment at the hip, knee, and foot? Is one leg shorter than the other? Be proactive and address any concerns you may have to help your body balance and last longer!

Here’s to Your Health!