With this video we begin to get to know more closely a problem that, unfortunately, at a certain age, hardly spares anyone. I am referring to "arthrosis, one of the most widespread rheumatic diseases in the world.
Arthrosis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. The degenerative adjective reminds us how arthrosis tends to progressively worsen over time. In fact, osteoarthritis does not appear suddenly, but creates problems only with the passing of the years. The degenerative process always starts from the articular cartilages, and then gradually extends to the entire joint. In addition to being degenerative, osteoarthritis is also considered a usury disease. The damage to the joints is in fact in some way linked to their excessive use. Not surprisingly, it is often a consequence of aging, although it can be favored by trauma or postural anomalies. To understand osteoarthritis, it is first of all necessary to have a clear understanding of some simple concepts on the anatomy and physiology of the joints. Briefly, I remind you that joints are structures that connect bones together. Precisely to prevent the bones from wearing out by rubbing each other in the movements, their extremities involved in the joints are covered with cartilage. It is a smooth, soft and elastic fabric that allows the joint heads to slide without friction during movements. In this sense, the presence of a liquid, called synovial fluid, which wets the joint, reducing friction and nourishing the cartilage, is also very important. In the presence of arthrosis, the cartilage is consumed and friction inside the joint increases. consequently, in addition to causing chronic pain, osteoarthritis can limit the movement of the affected joints.
The bone heads, in fact, are no longer protected by the cartilage and can friction each other causing, at this point, the first pains and increasing difficulties in movement. If the condition worsens, swelling, stiffness, and even bone deformities arise. Any joint can be affected by arthrosis, but some are more frequently "targeted" than others. Above all, the joints most stressed by body weight and daily activities are affected, i.e. knees, hips, shoulders, hands and spine. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is irreversible, since the damaged cartilage is unable to regenerate spontaneously. However, a series of pharmacological and surgical treatments can relieve pain and improve the functions of the affected joint.
Arthrosis can be favored by various factors. First of all, it should be noted that unlike arthritis, with which it is often confused, arthrosis is not an inflammatory disease, but a chronic degenerative disease caused by wear. In fact, we have already observed how it is almost inevitable with aging. However, it should be noted that even young people, under the age of 40, can suffer from osteoarthritis. The degeneration of the cartilage can in fact be caused by traumas, such as those due to work or sporting activities that require excessive and repeated loads, forced positions or the continuous use of certain joints. For example, osteoarthritis of the shoulder is common in those who use sledgehammers or jackhammers, while osteoarthritis of the spine often affects who works as a driver, therefore stays in a sitting position for many hours a day undergoing the vibrations transmitted by the guide. Overweight and obesity also subject the joints to excessive stress. Osteoarthritis can also represent the consequence of fractures, malformations in the affected sites or other diseases, for example diabetes, gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Hormonal implications, on the other hand, can explain why osteoarthritis usually occurs in women after menopause. However, as with all diseases, susceptibility to osteoarthritis is individual, in the sense that there are various local and systemic factors that can predispose to the disease.
The characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness and limited movement of the joint. Sometimes, numbness and loss of muscle strength occur, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Noises may also be present. , called joint "showers", and swelling, therefore swelling of the joint. In the initial stages, moments of crisis alternate with periods in which pain is practically absent. This does not mean that the damage caused by arthrosis disappears. Indeed, over the years, they tend to worsen, so if initially the pain is intensified by efforts and relieved by rest, in the more advanced stages it can also be present at rest and even hinder night rest.
The diagnosis of arthrosis is established through a medical examination supported by radiological investigations. The doctor, first of all, investigates the patient's age, body weight, any associated pathologies and previous traumas. In addition, it assesses the location and characteristics of pain, as well as testing the mobility of the affected joint. Structural changes in the joints are highlighted with X-rays. In the initial stages of osteoarthritis, observing radiographs, a reduction is appreciated. of the joint space, due to the disappearance of cartilage tissue; in addition, there are bone changes underneath the worn or suffering cartilage. In the late stages, bone growths called osteophytes may also appear along the edges of the joint.
Although numerous advances have been made in the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years, there is still no truly decisive therapy. Generally, treatment consists of relieving pain, preventing acute episodes and avoiding further worsening, or at least slowing them down.The therapy of acute attacks is pharmacological and involves the administration of analgesics and anti-inflammatories to limit pain and allow joint movement. In special cases, it is possible to resort to infiltrations with hyaluronic acid, while the use of corticosteroids should be limited to cases of acute inflammation. In the most serious and disabling cases, surgery can be used to replace the affected joint with an artificial prosthesis. The placement of a joint prosthesis allows you to correct or restore the compromised joint, with good results. Finally, in young patients, innovative treatments, such as chondrocyte or stem cell transplantation, can be considered in order to rebuild damaged cartilage.
One of the main causes of osteoarthritis is excessive wear on the joints due to overload. It is therefore essential to reduce body weight, where this is in excess. Repeated trauma and all those incorrect postures that predispose to the disease should also be avoided. In any case, immobility is also harmful, so much so that "physical exercise" must be encouraged. Taking care to avoid high-impact sports prone to trauma, a healthy sporting activity can in fact help strengthen muscles, control body weight and maintain joint function.
