Diseases of the musculoskeletal system that are commonly referred to collectively as "rheumatism" are very common. Osteoarthritis is not a classic rheumatic disease in the sense of inflammation, but rather a result of wear and tear on the joints. What happens in the joints of osteoarthritis sufferers, and how can the condition be treated?
You may feel it when you sit for a long time and then get up, as you are walking or even while you are resting – osteoarthritis is a constant and painful companion for those affected. And it is also very common. In Switzerland, 13.5% of the population suffers from osteoarthritis or arthritis, as evidenced by the Swiss addiction and non-communicable disease monitoring system (MonAM), a cooperative project between the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan).
What is osteoarthritis?
Joints connect bones and, in some cases, enable the body to move. Between two bones, there is a layer of cartilage that acts as a kind of buffer in a healthy joint and ensures that there is no friction between the bones.
In cases of osteoarthritis, this articular cartilage gradually wears down, causing the bones to rub directly against each other in the affected area. Not only can this friction be extremely painful, but it also limits mobility. Any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but it is most common in the knees, hips and fingers.
If the inner lining of the joint (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed, this is known as a "flare-up" of osteoarthritis. The degradation of the cartilage is accelerated, and the surrounding tissue can also be damaged.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis initially manifests itself as dull or stabbing pain when you are moving and putting strain on the affected joint. Pain after periods of inactivity is typical and will subside as you move around. Pain may become permanent in the later stages of the disease and remain noticeable even when resting. The joints are often stiff, especially after sitting for long periods of time, but this improves with movement.
Osteoarthritis also restricts sufferers' mobility. Walking, sitting, or simple activities such as putting on shoes can be difficult. In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, crunching sounds may also be heard in the joint.
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How osteoarthritis is treated
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several treatments available. A combination of different measures can significantly relieve pain and help maintain mobility in the affected joints over the long term. The aim of this kind of treatment is to preserve joint mobility, relieve pain and improve quality of life.
- Exercise: Regular exercise that is gentle on the joints is the most important component of any osteoarthritis treatment. With physiotherapeutic support, patients can learn exercises that are suitable for them and thus strengthen the muscles and tendons around the joints. This improves stability and reduces pain. Suitable activities include cycling, swimming, aqua fitness and Nordic walking.
- Medication: Medicine can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but it will not cure osteoarthritis. In addition to painkillers that are taken as tablets, pain relief gels that are applied to the affected joints can also help with pain – especially if the knees or hands are affected.
- Injections: Cortisone injected into the affected joint may help in the short term for cases of acute inflammation (flare-ups), but should not be used regularly. Hyaluronic acid injections can relieve symptoms in some people, but their effectiveness has not been clearly proven. Products containing chondroitin or glucosamine have not been shown to have a proven effect in studies, and are therefore not generally recommended.
- Herbal remedies: Arnica is known for its pain-relieving properties, and devil’s claw is another plant that is a proven herbal painkiller. The effect varies from person to person, but has only partly been scientifically proven. Herbal remedies can be used as a supplementary measure, but should be discussed with your treating physician.
- Surgery: If conservative treatments are no longer sufficient and your quality of life is severely limited, surgery may be a good option. A fundamental distinction is made between joint-preserving and joint replacement operations. Whether it makes sense to operate, and what operation to undergo, must be discussed individually with a specialist.
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Exercise is good for the joints and helps keep them flexible. Losing weight will noticeably relieve the strain on your joints. You should only take medication after consulting a doctor.
Do not hesitate when it comes to seeking medical help. Early treatment can significantly improve your pathway with the disease. You should arrange a medical examination if the affected joint swells up, turns red or overheats.
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