Osteoarthritis - targeted treatment of joint wear and tear

Osteoarthritis triggers different types of pain

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are varied: at the beginning, pain occurs due to the wear and tear on the joints as a result of movement and stress, which intensifies over the course of the day. Typical of osteoarthritis is the initial pain, which occurs in the morning or after a period of rest. It disappears with regular movement, but if the load increases, it intensifies as fatigue pain, e.g. after prolonged standing. Pain at rest and at night can also impair quality of life.

In people who have been suffering from osteoarthritis for a long time, irritation with swelling and overheating can occur even with minor strain. If the osteoarthritis is in weight-bearing joints, i.e. knee, hip and ankle joints, sufferers also feel unsteady when walking.

Pain is one thing, feelings of stiffness and restricted movement are another. Osteoarthritis in the fingers often impairs fine motor skills and leads to a loss of strength in the hands.

Do you have osteoarthritis?

Normally, a detailed discussion about the symptoms (anamnesis) and a physical examination are sufficient to make a diagnosis. The affected joint often appears coarsened and movement is limited and painful. This is particularly the case in advanced stages.

In cases of irritation, the joint may be swollen and overheated. To be sure that osteoarthritis is present, an X-ray is taken. This shows the extent of the arthrotic changes. A magnetic resonance examination (MRI) is rarely necessary to confirm the diagnosis. However, it can be useful to differentiate it from other clinical pictures (e.g. meniscus lesions in the knee), as well as in younger, athletic patients for whom joint-preserving surgery is being discussed (e.g. cartilage plastic surgery).

What can be done against osteoarthritis?

Relieving pain with conservative methods

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but patients can greatly minimise their symptoms with the right treatment. The most important thing in the treatment of osteoarthritis is regular exercise: Exercise supplies the joints with nutrients, allows the synovial fluid to circulate and maintains and improves muscle strength, stability and mobility. In the case of restrictions, physiotherapy helps to break the vicious circle of pain - rest - stiffness - muscle weakness. Targeted mobilisation and the use of heat, cold, electricity and shock waves alleviate pain and relieve muscle tension.

There are also other aids that make everyday life and mobility easier. If knees and feet are affected, corrective shoe soles and insoles also provide relief. Your doctor will also recommend that you change your lifestyle: Lose weight, stop smoking or eat a more balanced diet.

Drug treatment for osteoarthritis

If physiotherapeutic measures do not help with the pain, you can resort to medication. For example, paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. Cortisone can be injected directly into the joint to relieve the symptoms over a certain period of time. However, this is only recommended if the osteoarthritic joint is very irritated and swollen.

Other treatment methods include hyaluronic acid, artificial "synovial fluid", which can relieve pain over several months, or injections with autologous blood preparations. Preparations that supply the cartilage with the protective substances chondroitin or glucosamine, known as chondroprotectants, are very well tolerated. Your doctor will be happy to advise you in detail on all possible treatment methods at Bethesda Hospital.

Your advantage at Bethesda Hospital: once all conservative therapies have been exhausted, you can be assessed and, if necessary, operated on by our surgical colleagues - all under one roof.

25% have complaints in old age

The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. Women aged 50 and over are affected somewhat earlier, and the gender difference becomes smaller in old age. By the age of 80, all people have osteoarthritic changes, but only a quarter suffer from symptoms.

In younger people, (degenerative) joint changes caused by wear and tear or overloading can also occur as a result of sports injuries or heavy physical exertion.