Arthrosis: how to behave

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: some white hair, the hated “crow’s feet”, and occasionally a discomfort in the joints. Blame in the latter case of the cartilage that thins, causing the typical disorders of osteoarthritis.

How to recognize it

The pain characteristic of osteoarthritis increases in intensity while using the joint, or immediately after. It may be accompanied by difficulty moving, stiffness of the joint (especially when waking up in the morning) and swelling. During movement it is also possible to hear joint noises or crackles.

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 joint tissues: the cartilage, over the years, becomes less and less elastic and decreases in thickness, causing greater rubbing (and therefore greater wear) of the joint bones.

It is a chronic degenerative phenomenon: once started it is not possible to stop it. But something can be done: first of all, it is important to eliminate possible risk factors. Being overweight, for example, is particularly detrimental to the hips, knees and all other joints that weigh heavily on the body.

Preventing, or controlling, osteoarthritis also means controlling those diseases that predispose to the onset of this disease, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Away with the pain

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, if necessary, it may be appropriate to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as naproxen. 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 you can resort to intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or lubricating agents such as hyaluronic acid. The last resort is represented by surgery to replace the joint.

To move or not?

If it is true that we must not strain the painful joint too much, on the other hand even immobility is certainly not a cure-all. Staying at rest for a long time can promote joint stiffening and loss of functionality. Contacting a physiotherapist can be useful to understand how much and how to move, so as not to strain the joint too much and avoid incorrect movements.

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, the most suitable motor activities are certainly those “low impact”, which keep the joint active without overloading it, and strengthen the muscles that must support it: yes then swimming, pilates and cycling; Avoid running or tennis.