Arthritis: causes, symptoms and treatments

Artrose is een degeneratieve gewrichtsaandoening die het kraakbeen, het weefsel dat de uiteinden van de botten in een gewricht bedekt, aantast. Het kraakbeen wordt ruw en broos en kan uiteindelijk helemaal verdwijnen, waardoor bot op bot wrijft. Dit kan leiden tot pijn, stijfheid en zwelling van het gewricht. Artrose kan in elk gewricht voorkomen, maar komt het meest voor in de handen, knieën, heupen en wervelkolom.

Osteoarthritis, often referred to as joint wear and tear, is a common orthopaedic condition that particularly affects older adults. It is a chronic condition in which the cartilage in the joints wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but is most commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage gradually wears away. Normally, cartilage acts as a sort of shock absorber and ensures smooth movement of the joints. The loss of cartilage makes the joints painful and less mobile. In more severe cases, the cartilage can disappear completely, leading to bone-on-bone friction and severe pain.

The causes of osteoarthritis

The precise cause of osteoarthritis is not always known, but there are several factors that increase the risk of developing the condition:

1. Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases as we get older. Almost half of people over the age of 60 show signs of osteoarthritis.
2. Genetics Heredity plays a role. If osteoarthritis runs in the family, the risk of developing the condition is greater.
3. Joint overload People who frequently engage in strenuous physical activities or perform repetitive movements over long periods, such as athletes or those who do physically demanding work, may be at increased risk of osteoarthritis.
4. Obesity: Excess weight puts extra pressure on joints, particularly the knees and hips. This increases the chance of osteoarthritis.
5. Joint injury: An injury to a joint, such as a fracture or strain, can lead to the development of osteoarthritis in the long term.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but the most common symptoms are:

1. Joint pain: The pain is often worst after an activity or at the end of the day. This can gradually get worse.
2. Stiffness Joints can feel stiff, particularly in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
3. Limited mobility Pain and stiffness can make it more difficult to move, bend or twist normally.
4. Swelling and inflammation: In some cases, the joint may become swollen or inflamed, which makes the pain even worse.
5. Groans or creaking noises: Joints can make a cracking sound during movement, which can be an indication of cartilage wear.

Making the diagnosis

To diagnose osteoarthritis, an orthopaedic surgeon will take the patient’s medical history into account, carry out a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. X-rays can help to reveal cartilage wear and determine the severity of osteoarthritis.

The treatment of osteoarthritis

Although osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, there are various treatment options that can help to relieve the symptoms and maintain joint function:

1. Conservative Treatment
   • Painkillers and anti-inflammatories Medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This should always be done in consultation with a doctor.
   • Physiotherapy: Exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles around the joint can reduce the load on the joint and improve mobility.
   • Weight loss If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce the strain on your joints, particularly your knees and hips.
   • Resources: Using aids such as a knee brace or orthotics can help to relieve pressure on the joints and reduce pain.
2. Surgical Treatment
   • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure in which small incisions are made to remove damaged cartilage or clean the joint.
   • Joint replacement In severe cases, when other treatments are not effective, joint replacement may be necessary (such as a knee or hip prosthesis). This involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint.
3. Alternative Therapies
   • Acupuncture and massage: Some patients find that their symptoms are relieved by alternative therapies such as acupuncture or therapeutic massage.
   • Dietary supplements: Research is being carried out to determine whether certain supplements, such as glucosamine or chondroitin, can help promote cartilage health. However, the scientific evidence on this is mixed.

The prevention of osteoarthritis

There are several ways to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis or slow its progression:

1. Maintain a healthy weight This reduces the strain on joints, particularly the knees and hips.
2. Exercise: Regular moderate exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints, which reduces the strain.
3. Avoid overloading joints Ensure that your joints are not unduly strained, for example, by intensive sport without the correct technique or protection.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can significantly impact quality of life. It is important to take both preventative and curative action through appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes. Despite osteoarthritis being a chronic condition, the right measures can significantly improve patients' lives. Our orthopaedics team is always ready to guide you in this.