Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by degeneration and weakness of the joint, which produces symptoms such as inflammation, joint pain and stiffness and difficulty moving.
It is a chronic degenerative disease, which has no cure but can be treated with the use of medicines that relieve pain and inflammation, as well as with the realization of daily stimulation and physiotherapy exercises that eventually control and delayed development.
- The main symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain in the affected joint; difficulty performing movements and inflammation and stiffness of the joint.
In addition, as the disease progresses, certain deformities may occur in the affected joints.
Osteoarthritis can have several causes, including
In addition, it is also important to consider the family history of osteoarthritis, since the disease has a genetic origin, so forgetting that this problem is common at all ages, arises more easily from the age of 50 due to the natural aging of the body.
Osteoarthritis is a disease that can develop in any joint, however, it is more common in some joints that include:
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made by the orthopedist or rheumatologist by analyzing and observing symptoms of pain, inflammation, stiffness and difficulty moving the joint.
It is based on these symptoms that your doctor may evict osteoarthritis, for example, you might order tests such as X-rays or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis is an incurable disease, its treatment is based on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics to reduce joint pain and inflammation, as well as on the conduct of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions.
Physical therapy and exercises should be performed daily so that joint movement can be maintained, strengthened and improved, in addition, electrostimulation and ultrasound devices can be used during physiotherapy sessions to stimulate the joint, reduce inflammation, facilitate healing and control pain.
In cases where osteoarthritis is related to excess weight, patients should also follow a nutritionist to start a weight-loss diet, when a postural bag exists, the physical therapist should perform comprehensive postural rehabilitation to reduce the compensates formed and the pain caused by the posture bag.
Generally these treatments are not sufficient for the control of osteoarthritis, however in the most severe cases where there is no more and when the pain persists the installation of a joint prosthesis may be indicated.
One of the main forms of treatment is the prevention of this pathology and for this purpose certain precautions should be taken including:
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease for which there is no good diagnosis and treatment to relieve pain and inflammation, slow disease progression, improve mobility and quality of life.