Osteoarthritis, by Marguerite Pepper / MP

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are both conditions that can affect bones, but they do so in different ways. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoporosis, on the other hand, is a condition where bones become weak and brittle due to a loss of bone mass, increasing the risk of fractures.

Osteoarthritis is prevalent in our community so don’t feel alone! From our mid 40’s to 50’s around 16% have this condition. As we progress into our 70’s and 80’s, it’s one in two people with arthritis. It affects the entire joint, including the tissues around it and is most common in the knees, hips, spine and hands.

How does this affect me? Many of you will know I have patella femoral arthritis in both knees. Reflecting on my history I understand now that rising on toes in pointe shoes with a very heavy costume created what I thought was “water on the knees” in my late teens, dancing in a travelling show. You will have similar stories from contact sports, golf, tennis, pickle ball and netball to name a few.

I have always maintained a fitness program from yoga, to teaching aerobics, stretching and now Pilates and I am very sure this protected me, strengthened my quads, VMO and surrounding knee muscles but despite all this the condition manifested itself several years ago.

My knees finally told me through massive inflammation and chronic pain that these poor little guys had had enough! I consulted physios and wrapped my knees in cabbage leaves to reduce the inflammation but nothing worked. My journey finally was to consult an acupuncturist who also offered a Chinese herbal therapy option. She is my saviour combined with Tahmour’s careful and considered rehab through those difficult months. 

I now have full flexion. I don’t like when my knees are compressed with load, but probably neither do you!