Arthrosis  Network

The Plexus Amsterdam practice is a member of the Arthrosis Network West Nederland.

Arthrosis is occurring more and more often in our society, and unfortunately it cannot be cured. There is no medication that can halt or slow down the process of arthrosis. However, it is possible to cope with it well, as long as you know what you are doing. There are many things you can do to reduce pain and improve functionality. Plexus Amsterdam has wide experience in dealing with arthrosis and will keep you up-to-date on all the latest findings.

Information and lifestyle advice

It is important to get the right information. If you are well informed about arthrosis, it will help you understand why you are given particular advice and treatment. And that will make it easier to persevere. Your Plexus Amsterdam physiotherapist will give you lifestyle advice, which includes tips for reducing the pain yourself, with regard to movement and weight, for example, and for possible lifestyle aids and adjustments.

Movement & sport

You will have been using the joint less because of the pain, which will have led to loss of strength. This puts additional pressure on the joint, making it even more painful. You can regain strength in your muscles through moving enough and doing specific exercises. As an arthrosis sufferer, you may tend to try and relieve the pain in your joints by avoiding movement. But you do not need to be afraid of making the arthrosis worse, as movement actually helps to keep your cartilage in good condition. It is useful if you are well informed about what to do and what not to do. Plexus Amsterdam can help you with this.

Moving with medication

One of the main reasons for prescribing painkillers is to keep you mobile. Movement ensures that the muscles around the joint become/remain strong, in order to support the joint better. This helps to reduce the pain. So moving with painkillers is better than not moving without them!
But you need to be careful which pills you take. Often they do not help and they can be bad for your health. Your Plexus Amsterdam physiotherapist will discuss the best choices with you and your doctor.

Other disciplines you will probably encounter if you suffer from arthrosis in one or more joints:

Your doctor

Your doctor can explain arthrosis to you and how to cope with it. If necessary, you will be given a prescription for painkillers. Through regular contact with your doctor, he or she will remain informed of the progress of the arthrosis, and the treatment can be adjusted if necessary. If your complaint worsens, you may be referred to a specialist. Your Plexus Amsterdam physiotherapist will help you think about which hospital or orthopaedic specialist is most suited to you and your complaint.

A rheumatologist

A rheumatologist is a medical specialist with specific knowledge about rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists are excellently equipped for treating rheumatic diseases, including arthrosis. If necessary, the rheumatologist will involve other specialists and care providers.

An orthopaedic surgeon

An orthopaedic surgeon specialises in the treatment of abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system, which comprises the bones, muscles, tendons and joints. This treatment may consist of advice on medicine, an osteotomy (surgical correction of the joint), a joint replacement operation, or a combination of these procedures. You will only encounter an orthopaedic surgeon at a later stage of your arthrosis treatment, when other treatments are no longer effective. If it should reach that stage, then Plexus Amsterdam will help you with the pre-operative preparation and the rehabilitation afterwards.

In recent years, many new insights have arisen about arthrosis. They lead to patient satisfaction during the process of treating ‘worn-out joints’ and to successful operations with little discomfort and/or pain and improved functionality that eventually allows you to do all sorts of things again.