Arthrosis is the most common joint disease: among the causes also predisposing factors, such as diabetes and overweight.
‘ Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease: among the causes also predisposing factors such as diabetes and overweight.
The first signs of advancing age usually appear after the age of 50: a few white hairs, the hated “crow’s feet”, and occasionally a discomfort in the joints. The fault in the latter case is the thinning cartilage, causing the typical disorders of osteoarthritis.
How to recognize it
The pain characteristic of osteoarthritis increases in intensity while using the joint, or immediately thereafter. It can be accompanied by difficulty moving, joint stiffness (especially on morning awakening) and swelling. Joint noises or crackles may also be heard during movement.
In the initial phase of this pathology the symptoms can be occasional and not particularly intense, which is why they are often underestimated. But it is precisely in these moments that a series of behaviors should be adopted that can slow down (but not block) its evolution.
Here are the “joint-saving” strategies
Osteoarthritis is due to the physiological aging of the joint tissues: the cartilage, over the years, becomes less and less elastic and decreases in thickness, causing greater friction (and therefore greater wear) of the joint bones.
It is a chronic degenerative phenomenon: once started it cannot be stopped. However, something can be done: first of all it is important to eliminate possible risk factors. Being overweight, for example, is particularly bad for the hips, knees and all other joints that bear the weight of the body.
Preventing, or controlling, osteoarthritis also means keeping under control those pathologies that predispose to the onset of this disease, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis .
Pain away
Once the first symptoms appear, physiotherapy, physical activity, and heat therapy are useful to allow movement of the joint and reduce pain. However, if it is particularly intense, it may be appropriate to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), such as naproxen, as needed . You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the most appropriate dosage.
When these remedies no longer have any effect, it is legitimate to consider more invasive approaches: in the first instance, intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or lubricating agents such as hyaluronic acid can be used. The last resort is represented by surgery to replace the joint.
Moving or not?
While it is true that one should not strain the painful joint too much, on the other hand, immobility is certainly not a cure-all. Resting for a long time can promote joint stiffening and loss of function. Contacting a physiotherapist can be useful to understand how much and how to move, so as not to tire the joint too much and avoid incorrect movements.
For those suffering from osteoarthritis, the most suitable motor activities are certainly the “low impact” ones, which keep the joint active without overloading it, and strengthen the muscles that must support it: yes, therefore, swimming, pilates and cycling; instead, running or tennis should be avoided.
