Do you recognize these symptoms?
Do you suffer from stiff or painful joints? Do you notice that moving is more difficult than before or that you need to “get going” after a period of rest? Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that can affect your freedom of movement and daily functioning.
People with osteoarthritis often recognize one or more of the following complaints:
- Pain in a joint during or after movement
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
- Reduced freedom of movement
- A cracking or grinding sensation in the joint
- Reduced strength around the joint
- Becoming fatigued more quickly during activities
- Complaints that gradually increase
Osteoarthritis often occurs in the knee, hip, hands, neck, or back, but can also develop in other joints. You may notice that daily activities such as walking, grocery shopping, or household chores require more effort. Or perhaps you have become more cautious about moving because you are afraid that symptoms will worsen. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to remain active and function independently.
What do these symptoms mean in daily life?
Osteoarthritis can affect many aspects of daily life.
At work, you may notice that:
- Prolonged standing or walking becomes more difficult
- Climbing stairs requires more energy
- Lifting or bending is more challenging
- You become fatigued more quickly
In daily life, symptoms can affect:
- Walking or cycling
- Household chores
- Gardening
- Sports
- Travel or outings
Additionally, many people experience:
- Less confidence in movement
- Fear of increasing symptoms
- Reduced fitness due to decreased activity
- Frustration regarding physical limitations
When movement becomes more difficult, there is a risk that activities will be avoided. As a result, strength, fitness, and mobility may further decline.
Possible causes
Osteoarthritis usually does not arise from a single cause. Various factors can influence the onset and development of symptoms.
Possible factors include:
- Aging of joints
- Hereditary predisposition
- Previous injuries
- Prolonged or heavy strain on joints
- Overweight
- Reduced muscle strength
- Lack of movement
- Work- or sports-related strain
Not everyone with osteoarthritis experiences the same symptoms. The severity of the complaints and the impact on daily life can vary greatly per person. For many people, multiple factors play a role simultaneously.
What can I do myself?
There are several ways to actively manage osteoarthritis symptoms:
- Continue to move regularly within your capabilities.
- Alternate between exertion and rest.
- Build up activities gradually.
- Work on muscle strength and fitness.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity.
- Listen to your body’s signals.
- Ensure sufficient recovery and relaxation.
Many people find that regular movement actually helps them to continue functioning smoothly.
How can Leonardus provide support?
At Energetisch Centrum Leonardus, we look beyond just the joint where the symptoms are present. We investigate which factors influence your freedom of movement, load-bearing capacity, and daily functioning.
Depending on your situation, support may consist of:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be focused on:
- Improving mobility
- Building muscle strength
- Increasing stability
- Support with daily activities
- Advice on movement and load
- Guidance in maintaining fitness
Energy Therapy
Long-term physical complaints can affect energy, relaxation, and well-being. Energetic therapy can offer support for relaxation, body awareness, and finding more balance.
Combination of both
For some people, a combination of physiotherapy and energetic therapy may be appropriate. This approach considers both physical and mental factors that can influence daily functioning.
The guidance is tailored to your personal situation, capabilities, and goals.
Why do people choose Leonardus?
People choose Leonardus because we:
- Prioritize personal attention
- Look at the big picture
- Work with a customized approach
- Pay attention to both physical and mental load
- Can combine different forms of treatment
- Are focused on supporting independence and quality of life
We believe that every situation is unique and therefore deserves a personal approach.
What does a treatment process look like?
Introduction and intake
We will discuss your symptoms, daily activities, health history, and expectations.
Discussion of symptoms and goals
Together, we will identify what is hindering you and the goals you wish to achieve.
Investigation of potential causes
We examine factors such as movement, physical load, lifestyle, recovery, and potential sources of tension.
Personalized treatment plan
Based on the intake, we will create a treatment plan that aligns with your specific situation.
Progress evaluation
We will regularly review your progress together and determine if any adjustments are required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which changes occur in the cartilage and the structures surrounding the joint. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced freedom of movement. Osteoarthritis is common and can occur in various joints, such as the knee, hip, hands, and spine.
Many people initially notice stiffness, especially after rest or upon waking up. In addition, pain during movement, reduced flexibility, and difficulty with daily activities may occur. The symptoms often develop gradually and vary per person.
Yes, regular exercise is often seen as an important part of managing osteoarthritis. Movement can contribute to maintaining muscle strength, mobility, and fitness. It is important to tailor activities to your capabilities and load-bearing capacity.
Osteoarthritis most commonly occurs in the knees, hips, hands, neck, and lower back. However, other joints can also be involved. The symptoms an individual experiences depend on the location of the osteoarthritis and personal factors.
Osteoarthritis is often described as wear and tear, but that term does not provide the full picture. Nowadays, osteoarthritis is seen as a process involving various changes in the joint. Factors such as the value of movement, muscle strength, lifestyle, and general health can influence how symptoms are experienced.
Physiotherapy can provide support in improving mobility, strength, stability, and load-bearing capacity. Additionally, guidance can help build confidence in movement and better perform daily activities. The appropriate approach varies per person.
Many people with osteoarthritis experience more stiffness after a period of rest, such as sleeping or prolonged sitting. When the body starts moving again, this stiffness often gradually decreases. How long this takes varies per person.
When symptoms affect your daily functioning, work, hobbies, or independence, guidance can be valuable. Also, if you start moving less out of fear of pain or notice that your fitness is declining, it can be useful to seek support.
Experiences of others
“Due to my osteoarthritis, I became increasingly cautious about moving. At Leonardus, I gained insight into what I could still do. That gave me more confidence to remain active.”