The Physio Diary

Introduction Last week, a woman walked into the clinic and said, “Doctor, every day, I need about 10 minutes before my knees remember to move.” We both laughed. But she's not alone. Many people wake up feeling stiff, slow, uncomfortable – especially in their knees, hips and hands.  If that's you, keep reading.  Because sometimes, it’s not just “old age” or “sleeping wrong”. One common reason behind this kind of morning stiffness is a condition called Osteoarthritis (OA). Let’s talk about it. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions in the world. Your joints have a smooth covering that helps your bones move easily when you bend, walk, climb stairs, or pick things up. Over time, this covering can wear down; and when this happens, the joint doesn't move as smoothly as it should. This could lead to:  Stiffness Pain Swelling; and the knees, hips, hands, and lower back are some of the areas most commonly affected.  Expla...