Osteoarthritis: symptoms, treatments and prevention

Within the classification of rheumatic diseases that affect the patient's musculoskeletal system, we can highlight osteoarthritis as one of the most common.

In this article we will explain everything about this disease that affects many people. Find the information you need here or contact our hand and wrist traumatologists in Madrid who will be able to advise you in a private consultation.

What is osteoarthritis

The bones of our body are joined at their ends by a joint capsule that contains synovial fluid. This cartilaginous capsule that surrounds the joint allows the union and movement of the bones.

Osteoarthritis is a rheumatic disease that affects the cartilage that surrounds the joints, causing pain and stiffness.

Most common types of osteoarthritis

We can point out different types of Osteoarthritis depending on the area that is affected by this pathology.

Hand osteoarthritis

Is he most common type of osteoarthritis: It generally has an important genetic factor and affects the female sex more. It begins to develop through a joint until it reaches the entire hand. The pain it produces is more intense at the beginning and decreases as the hand becomes deformed and develops nodules. However, the aesthetic consequences are not serious compared to the barrier that this type of Osteoarthritis represents for carrying out daily activities, such as writing.

Knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is, along with hand osteoarthritis, one of the most common pathologies in patients suffering from rheumatic diseases.

It is usually produced by joint aging although it can also be seen to develop from injuries or excessive wear and tear of the joint, as happens in people who practice certain sports or people who are overweight.

Hip arthrosis

It develops with age and causes discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time. The pain is generally reflected in the groin, knees, buttocks and thigh. It can also cause certain difficulties in daily activities such as bending down to tie your shoelaces.

Lumbar osteoarthritis

This type of osteoarthritis affects the vertebrae of the lumbar region of the spine (L1 – L5) which are located in the lower back area. The pain is generally felt in the lower back, although it can extend to areas radiated by the nerves that run through that part of the spine, such as the buttock and leg.

Cervical osteoarthritis

Cervical osteoarthritis or cervicoarthrosis affects the vertebrae located in the cervical region of the spine (C1 – C7) located at the base of the skull. These are responsible for giving flexibility and movement to the neck, so its symptoms can easily be confused with neck pain.

Facet osteoarthritis

This injury occurs due to wear and tear of cartilage in the facet joint. The most common symptom of facet osteoarthritis is chronic low back pain and spinal canal entenosis. In the most serious cases the patient will undergo a minimally invasive lumbar facet osteoarthritis surgery called rhizolysis.

Causes and risk factors of Osteoarthritis

The Causes that determine how Osteoarthritis begins They are not defined, but we find certain risk factors that are associated with their appearance:

• Age: Osteoarthritis occurs after the age of 50, so we can determine that aging is clearly a determining factor in this disease.
• Sex: In both osteoarthritis and some other rheumatic diseases, women are more affected by its development, especially after menopause.
• Genetics: It is the third most important factor. Osteoarthritis frequently appears in people who have a family history.
• Lifestyle: Finally, the activities that a person performs can contribute to the appearance of rheumatic diseases: excessive sports, a sedentary lifestyle, and excess weight can influence the appearance of osteoarthritis.

Main symptoms presented by a patient with Osteoarthritis

There are symptoms that develop specifically depending on the type of osteoarthritis, although in general terms there are certain symptoms common to all types and that are repeated in the different areas affected by the disease.

In an initial stage it can be perceived joint pain and cracking when making movements in the affected area (hands, knee, hip, etc.). This pain usually decreases with rest.

When the disease progresses, the pain is chronic (with periods of inactivity) and does not stop with rest.

How to tell the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis? Key differences

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are conditions that are often confused, although they are not the same. In osteoarthritis, the pain originates from mechanical factors, appearing or worsening with use of the joint. Actions such as walking, writing, or climbing stairs can aggravate the pain, which may improve with rest. At the beginning of movement, stiffness and some limitation may be felt, sometimes accompanied by creaking or grinding sounds.

In arthritis, on the other hand, the joint may be more swollen, warm, or tender, and morning stiffness often lasts longer. It's possible to experience flare-ups, discomfort at night, or multiple joints affected simultaneously. If the pain is accompanied by all these symptoms and even worsens with rest, it's advisable to consult a specialist for evaluation and guidance on diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis and treatments to relieve osteoarthritis

How do I know if I have Osteoarthritis? In order to find a diagnosis and answer this question, it is important to have a specialist who analyzes the medical history and performs the corresponding physical examinations. This will be in charge of detecting what pathology exists and its severity.

Once the physical examinations have been carried out and the patient's history established, the doctor may request an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the progress and possible treatments.

What tests are used to diagnose osteoarthritis and what does each one show?

To diagnose osteoarthritis, assessments of symptoms and history are performed, functional limitations are reviewed, and then a physical examination is conducted to determine which tests to perform.

X-rays are the primary test because they allow you to see typical signs that determine osteoarthritis, such as narrowing of the joint space or the presence of osteophytes.

In some cases, ultrasound is the ideal test as it helps assess soft tissues, effusions, or associated signs of inflammation. On the other hand, MRI is reserved for situations where there are doubts or when it is necessary to study complex structures such as menisci, ligaments, or associated injuries.

When is osteoarthritis severe? Warning signs and indications for injections or surgery

When pain ceases to be occasional and begins to negatively impact a patient's daily life, osteoarthritis can be considered severe. It is considered disabling when pain persists despite conservative measures, accompanied by a significant loss of mobility or difficulty performing basic activities of daily living. In such cases, it is advisable to review the treatment and consider alternatives.

Injections, such as hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma, may be considered in mild or moderate osteoarthritis when the pain does not improve sufficiently with exercise, physiotherapy and load control.

Surgery is considered when there is advanced deterioration and pain significantly limits the patient's life, despite treatments. The goal in all cases is to restore as much functionality as possible and improve quality of life, preventing the patient from suffering permanent pain.

Existing treatments for Osteoarthritis

Currently There is still no treatment to cure this disease., but what is treated is the pain that osteoarthritis produces. Thus, we can point out 4 types of treatments for pain caused by osteoarthritis:

• Fast-acting anti-inflammatories and analgesics to reduce pain and swelling
• Stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis, since this method is of great help for autoimmune diseases
• Long-term drug treatment to improve the composition of the cartilage, slowing the progression of the disease.
• Surgery to improve or replace the joint with a prosthesis.

Apart from the treatments to alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis, he early diagnosis and prevention They are essential to improve the patient's quality of life.

Exercises and habits that work best to slow down symptoms

In osteoarthritis, complete rest often worsens the problem in the medium term, as it generates even greater stiffness. The best approach is a series of well-structured movements, as this will improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and help the joint gain better support from the muscles. The goal is not to force anything, but to regain function safely and consistently.

It is recommended to combine strengthening exercises with joint mobility and low-impact activities such as walking, gentle cycling, or water exercises. It also helps to manage daily workload by avoiding peak exertion, alternating activity with rest, and maintaining habits that protect the joint, such as controlling weight loads if overloaded.

It is important that the plan is realistic and sustainable, making short, frequent routines adjusted to symptoms, which will give better results generating constant progress.

How to prevent osteoarthritis: tips for your daily life

It is essential to start take care of joint health as early as possible. Especially if one or more risk factors for osteoarthritis are present.

The best thing to prevent this and other bone and joint diseases is to follow a healthy life style emphasizing the following tips:

• Maintain a healthy diet that provides the necessary vitamins and nutrients: such as calcium and vitamin D.
• Do not force the joints.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and perform stretching and aerobic exercise routines that strengthen the musculoskeletal system.

It is important to start as soon as possible with the preventive measuresTherefore, we recommend having a specialist who can accompany the patient from an early stage, since this will be what makes the difference in the evolution of the disease.

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