Arthrosis: Doctor Talks Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatments

Arthrosis? name by which Osteoarthritis is better known, according to the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology? It is a disease that affects the joints.

Its causes are still unknown. What is known is that the problem is more common in women, especially from the age of 50, and mainly affects the knees, lumbar and cervical spine, hip and some of the joints of the hands.

In addition, there are some factors that may make some people more likely to develop or even worsen the condition.

Rheumatologist Francisco Airton Castro da Rocha, coordinator of the Osteoarthritis Commission of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, explains in more detail the symptoms and treatments for dealing with osteoarthritis.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Arthrosis

According to the doctor, it is not known specifically why women are more predisposed to have the problem. There is no definite cause. But the overloading of joints by overweight, particularly in load-bearing joints that are very mobile, such as knees and lumbar spine, are predisposing factors ?, explains.

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As already said, the onset of arthrosis usually happens from the age of 50. "Maybe because of the overload over the years," says the doctor. Physical inactivity and obesity can increase the chances of developing arthrosis and also aggravate the disease.

What are the symptoms of arthrosis?

The most frequent symptom is joint pain. There may also be increased joint volume and joint blockage.

Francisco explains that this can make some movements difficult or even incapacitating. He also states that arthrosis is usually progressive.

Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to identify the problem. The rheumatologist is the doctor who best cares for people with osteoarthritis and cares for a long time. But, as the number of orthopedists is much higher, they also serve a large number of patients. General practitioners also help many ?, he says.

How is the diagnosis made?

When the doctor is consulted, the diagnosis can be made at the consultation itself, because it is very simple and it is not usually necessary to do radiography.

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The patient's clinical history, evaluation of some reflexes, ability to move and muscle strength in general are usually sufficient. • This disease is often overlooked and it does not help to regard it as unhealed or degenerative. Strictly speaking, no long-term, chronic disease is curable and Osteoarthritis is one of them. But in most cases, it is always possible to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and eventually prevent or slow their progression, says rheumatologist Francisco.

Possible treatments

Also according to the professional, once the diagnosis is made, it is necessary to start the treatments, which can be divided into two types: pharmacological and non-pharmacological, as he explains below.

Pharmacological

These are medicines, which can be prescribed by doctors to relieve pain. The most common are fast acting ones, such as pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to place prostheses.

Non-Pharmacological

These are the ones that don't involve medicines, but they are just as important. They begin with weight-adequacy guidance, exercise practice, orthosis guidance (walking sticks, shoes, walkers, insoles), use of physical means (cold or warm compresses) for pain relief, muscle strengthening exercises, stretching, exercises in the water, always trying to avoid overloading the affected joint (s) ?, explains.

Tips for Living With Arthrosis

According to the expert, in addition to the treatments already mentioned, there are simple measures that also help. According to him, when seeking to practice physical activity and adjust the weight and, in specific cases, medical advice to relieve pain and avoid activities that generate joint overloads, it is possible to live well with arthrosis, besides promoting an improvement in health as well. one all.

Read also: Sedentary lifestyle: a problem that kills 5 million people a year

Preventive measures

The doctor also states that these same activities that help to treat or better cope with the problem are also measures that can prevent the onset of arthrosis. A Scandinavian research group confirmed that exercising, eating well, and avoiding some physical activity in some groups of people could greatly reduce the incidence of knee osteoarthritis. Is it possible that this can also be done for other joints ?, he says.

Francisco advises that these drugs should be stimulated from childhood. "Just as we brush our teeth daily and get used to it after every meal, or at least we should, it is reasonable that everyone pays more attention to the musculoskeletal system, as this helps us prevent osteoarticular problems," he concludes.

Arthritis and joint pain: symptoms, treatment and prevention (April 2024)