Conditions
A disease in which joint cartilage thins gradually, showing as pain on movement, morning stiffness and a narrowing range of motion.
Osteoarthritis is a disease of wear rather than inflammation: cartilage thins and the joint surfaces rub against one another more. The knee, the hip and the small joints of the hand are affected most often. It becomes more common with age, though excess weight and overloading play their part.
What resort treatment aims at
Cartilage cannot be restored; the aim is less pain, a wider range of movement and better muscular support. The naftalan bath, physiotherapy and therapeutic movement usually work together.
When to wait
If a joint is acutely swollen and hot, that is a flare and heat procedures are postponed. The flare has to settle first.