In very few cases, age is just a number. Often, conditions that appear with time force us to give up daily activities. Simple actions, such as everyday shopping, walks in the park, or playing with children, may seem impossible when the joints no longer keep up with the joy of life.

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint condition. It is a degenerative condition that manifests mainly in the elderly, but it can also appear as a result of a joint injury or infection.

Osteoarthritis (also called arthritis) can affect any joint. However, the most commonly affected areas of the body are the joints that support more weight, such as the joints of the knee, hip, and spine, but also the hands (finger joints).

The impairment of joint cartilage mainly characterizes this condition. The cartilage is a firm, elastic, and resistant material that covers the ends of the bones in normal joints, to protect them and take up the shocks. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes stiff and loses its elasticity, so that the joint becomes more susceptible to damage. In time, the cartilage can wear out in certain areas to its complete disappearance, so its ability to act as a buffer is greatly diminished or even lost.

As the cartilage wears out, the tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. If the condition worsens, the bones may rub against each other, causing even more pain, limiting movement. Osteoarthritis can also cause the inflammation of the inner membrane of the joint capsule (synovial membrane). Thus, the entire joint suffers.

Unlike other diseases in which arthritis occurs, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus, osteoarthritis does not affect other organs of the body besides the joints.

Causes of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis manifests by the degradation of the cartilage and damage to the entire joint. The causes of this damage are not understood entirely. It is mainly considered a disease of joint wear and tear, and it is often associated with old age. Other risk factors include obesity, trauma, repetitive overstraining on the joints, genetic predisposition, and female gender.

Joint injuries

Previous injuries of the affected joints, injuries that may be due to sports or accidents, such as severe cartilage damage, dislocation of the joints, or ligament injuries, are among the causes of osteoarthritis. These injuries may also occur as a result of joint malformations, obesity, or improper posture. 

For example, athletes with the trauma of the knee have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee. In the case of persons who have suffered severe back damage, they may be prone to developing osteoarthritis of the spine. The persons who have suffered a bone break very close to a joint are likely to develop arthritis in that joint.

Hereditary factors

Certain factors, such as heredity, increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Some people may inherit defects in one of the genes responsible for cartilage formation. This may lead to the development of cartilage that does not have all the necessary properties, which leads to faster damage to the joints.

People born with joint abnormalities have more chances to develop osteoarthritis, and those born with an abnormality of the spine, such as scoliosis, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the spine.

Occupational diseases

Also, the excessive use of certain joints increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. For example, people with jobs that require repeated knee bending or repeated bending are at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

Excess weight

Obesity is another factor that may increase the chances of osteoarthritis occurrence. Maintaining an ideal weight or losing excess weight can help prevent osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, and spine. Weight loss may also slow down the worsening of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often a slow-developing disease that can be difficult to diagnose until it begins to show painful manifestations. Its symptoms can range from very mild to very severe, from patient to patient.

In some cases, symptoms can almost entirely reduce patients’ ability to move. On the other hand, some cases have very few symptoms, despite the dramatic degeneration of the joints. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can sometimes have an intermittent mood. Patients with osteoarthritis of the hands or knees can enjoy more extended periods without pain between episodes.

As osteoarthritis advances, the associated pain intensifies. Over time, the joint and the area around it may swell. Therefore, recognizing the early symptoms of osteoarthritis can help us manage the condition better.

Joint pain

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is a pain in the affected joints, especially after long periods of inactivity. Joint pain is usually more acute in the second half of the day. Affected joints may swell, and there may be a feeling of warmth in the painful area.

Joint stiffness

Joint pain and stiffness can occur after long periods of inactivity. In the case of severe osteoarthritis, complete loss of cartilage causes friction between the bones, which causes the affected person to be in pain at rest or when performing limited movements.

Inflammation of the joints

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include discomfort upon palpation of the affected area. People suffering from this condition may also experience stiffness in movement or inflammation of the joint.

Methods for the prevention of osteoarthritis

There are several risk factors for osteoarthritis that we cannot control, such as heredity, age, and sex. But other risk factors may be controlled, and managing these factors may contribute to the significant decrease of osteoarthritis risk.

To achieve the risk factors under our control, it is essential to pay more attention to our lifestyle and body.

Joint support

In the case of an athlete or a trainer passionate about movement, make sure that you take care of your body. It is recommended to use sports supports for the joint area and shoes that reduce the impact of movements on the knees. Also, make sure that all the muscles of the body are used, not just one group of muscles constantly.

Body mass index and diet 

It is recommended to keep your body mass index in the appropriate range for your height and gender. And to have a healthy diet. Eat a variety of healthy foods with a focus on fresh vegetables and fruits.

Rest period

Rest is another extremely important factor. It is necessary to provide the body with opportunities for rest and restful sleep.

In the case of osteoarthritis, dietary supplements are recommended to support the regeneration and hydration of cartilage. Glucosamine, along with chondroitin, helps relieve joint pain.

ProHumano+ ArtroDinamic supports cartilage metabolism and stimulates its regeneration by providing the necessary components - collagen, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid.

Methods of managing osteoarthritis

Effective management of long-term osteoarthritis aims to relieve symptoms and slow down cartilage degradation. Depending on the situation, the most effective type of treatment is largely determined by the severity of the symptoms and their location. Often, lifestyle improvements, medication, and home remedies are sufficient to provide relief from pain, stiffness of affected joints, and reduction of swelling.

Physical exercises

Home treatments include exercise. Physical activity strengthens the muscles around the joints and can help to ease stiffness. It takes at least 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. Simple, low-impact activities such as walking or swimming are recommended. Yoga exercises can also improve joint flexibility and help manage pain.

Weight loss

Weight loss is a necessary measure if you suffer from osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts pressure on the joints and causes pain. A healthy weight can also reduce the risk of other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Rest

Resting the joint can reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid excessive effort as well as standing for a long time. Proper rest and restful sleep also help to manage pain more effectively.

Thermal therapy

Thermal therapy is recommended to relieve pain and muscle stiffness. Apply a cold or hot compress on the painful joints for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

Food supplements

In the case of osteoarthritis, food supplements are recommended with the effect of relieving joint pain or slowing down the process of cartilage damage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of the cartilage. Both are produced naturally in the body and aim to stimulate the production of collagen and proteoglycans.

Glucosamine is needed for the health and maintenance of the cartilage and other joint structures. The beneficial effects of glucosamine include reducing joint pain and stiffness.