Counteracting joint wear and tear

Many people experience joint wear and tear as they get older. "Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of joint disease in which the cartilage wears away," explains Prof Dr Stephan Gadola, Head of the Rheumatology and Pain Medicine Clinic at Bethesda Hospital. This is particularly common in joints that are subject to high static loads, i.e. knees, hips and spine. Another common form is osteoarthritis of the finger joints, which often occurs in women after the menopause. "The frequency of osteoarthritis, e.g. of the back and hip joints, in old age can also be explained by the decline in musculature, which increases the pressure on the joints."

Wide range of treatments

Osteoarthritis often, but not always, causes pain. "The chronic mechanical overload damages parts of the joint, which always leads to inflammation - with the actual aim of tissue repair. If the overload persists for a long time, the damage to the cartilage increases continuously, so that the cartilage layer is continually worn away and eventually bone rubs against bone," says Dr Gadola. The muscles and ligaments involved in the joint are also often painful. Today, there are good treatment options to alleviate the pain. "For mild to moderate osteoarthritis, we first prescribe physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles and relieve the joint. We support this process with medication that inhibits pain and inflammation." If the osteoarthritis is very advanced and the level of suffering is high, a joint replacement may be considered. "We do this in consultation with our colleagues from the university orthopaedics department at Bethesda Hospital - we have a top team there."

Frequent protein deficiency

To prevent osteoarthritis, Dr Gadola recommends keeping an eye on your weight, exercising and making sure you have strong muscles and good posture. "I often find that older patients don't eat enough protein. Up to the age of 70, they should consume 1 gram of protein per kilo of body weight per day, between 70 and 80 1.5 grams, and from the age of 80 2 grams." Muscles need protein, otherwise they break down even faster with age. The consequences of this are an increase in incorrect loading of the joints, a decrease in mobility and an increased risk of falling.