Arthrosis

INDEX:

1. What is osteoarthritis?
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnostic tests
4. What are its causes?
5. Prevention of osteoarthritis
6. How is it treated?
7. Who treats osteoarthritis?

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints and cartilage. It occurs when the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.

Osteoarthritis causes some disability, but it is unlikely to cause disability. As the disease progresses, the cartilage disappears and intense pain occurs. Then, the bone reacts by growing on the sides and producing a deformity.

This disease particularly affects women over 55 years of age.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are as follows:

• Joint pain
• Difficulty in mobility
• Crunching in the joints
• Joint effusion
• Stiffness
• Joint deformity

These symptoms vary according to the patient, and intensify progressively. Joint pain, which is the most common symptom, appears at first with movement and ceases with rest, but worsening osteoarthritis will cause the pain to remain at rest.

Medical tests for osteoarthritis

To diagnose this disease, a physical examination should be performed to check different aspects of the affected joint such as: tenderness, swelling, flexibility and redness.

On the other hand, a series of imaging tests should be performed, such as the following:

• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging

Laboratory tests may also be performed, such as blood tests to rule out other causes of joint pain, or synovial fluid analysis to detect and determine if the pain is caused by gout or infection rather than osteoarthritis.

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?

The exact causes of osteoarthritis are not currently known, but there are a number of risk factors associated with it:

• Genetics: in more than 60% of cases, genetic inheritance influences the onset of osteoarthritis.
• Physical activity: athletes and people who maintain a high level of physical activity have a greater risk of suffering from osteoarthritis.
• Working day: workers who repeat joint movements during their working day can develop long-term joint wear and tear and joint overload, which can lead to osteoarthritis.
• Menopause: osteoarthritis affects more women who have reached menopause, and this situation is due to the decrease in estrogen that occurs at this stage.
• Injuries: fractures and trauma to the joints can play a role in triggering osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: although it does not directly interfere in the onset of osteoarthritis, obesity influences joint wear and tear and therefore the progression of the disease.

Can it be prevented?

To avoid risk factors and, therefore, prevent osteoarthritis, it is very important to follow a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, and to exercise regularly, but moderately, avoiding wear and tear on the joints. Avoiding obesity is key, as well as not carrying too much weight.

Treatments for osteoarthritis

The objective in the treatment is to avoid or reduce pain and improve mobility. In this sense, there are different treatment options:

• Physiotherapy: To treat osteoarthritis, the medical specialist will recommend to the patient a series of exercises to be performed, adapted to his or her situation and capabilities, with the help of a physiotherapist.
• Pharmacological treatment: in most cases anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs are prescribed to reduce swelling and therefore pain. Chondroprotective drugs may also be prescribed, which may slow down the progression of the disease.
• Surgical treatment: osteoarthritis in very advanced stages may require prosthetic surgery.

Which specialist treats it?

The expert in charge of the treatment of osteoarthritis is the doctor specialized in Traumatology, Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, mainly. However, different medical experts may be involved in the treatment of this condition.