Osteoarthritis: what happens in your joint?
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition. Here you can read what changes in the joint, which symptoms go with it and what you can do about it yourself and together with your doctor.
More than wear of the cartilage
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in a joint gradually becomes thinner and less smooth. It mainly occurs in the knees, hips, hands and spine.
Osteoarthritis is often called 'wear and tear', but there is more to it. In osteoarthritis, the joint becomes mildly inflamed again and again (synovitis). As a result, the joint fluid becomes poorer in quality: it lubricates and nourishes less well. The cartilage is then less well protected and is damaged more easily.
The result: pain and stiffness increase.
A vicious circle in the joint
Inflammation, poorer joint fluid and friction reinforce each other. A good treatment aims to break this circle at several points.
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Inflammation
The lining of the joint becomes mildly inflamed again and again (synovitis).
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Poorer joint fluid
Because of the inflammation, the joint fluid lubricates and nourishes less well.
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Vulnerable cartilage
The cartilage is less well protected and is damaged more easily.
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More friction
Rougher cartilage causes more friction and irritation, which increases the inflammation again.
Do you recognise these symptoms?
Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually. Common symptoms are:
Pain
especially under load, such as walking, climbing stairs or getting up
Start-up and morning stiffness
difficulty getting going after getting up or after sitting for a long time
Swelling
a swollen or warm joint, often after a busy day
Less mobility
the joint bends or straightens less far than it used to
Cracking or grinding
a grating feeling or sound when moving
Less strength and confidence
the joint feels unstable or you unconsciously spare it
What can you do about osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can often be reduced well. Treatment is usually built up step by step, tailored to your symptoms and wishes.
Your GP, orthopaedic surgeon or sports physician will discuss with you which treatment suits you. Surgery, such as a knee replacement, only comes into the picture when other treatments do not help enough.
Find a Lipotris™ clinic- 1Exercise and lifestyledaily exercise, muscle-strengthening exercises and weight loss if needed
- 2Physiotherapy or exercise therapya personal exercise programme to build strength and stability
- 3Pain relieftemporarily and always in consultation with your GP or pharmacist
- 4Injection treatment, such as Lipotris™a non-surgical treatment that helps the joint move more smoothly and supports it from within. Read how Lipotris™ works
- 5Surgeryfor example a (partial) joint replacement, when other treatments do not give sufficient results
Practical tips for osteoarthritis
Exercise is actually important with osteoarthritis. Choose what suits you and build up gradually. Your doctor or physiotherapist can help you tailor the advice to your situation.
Work on strength and stability
Strong muscles around your knee, hip and trunk support the joint. Climbing stairs, getting up from a chair without using your hands and gently bending your knees are things you can simply do at home. Little and often is better than a lot now and then.
Keep moving every day
Walking, cycling and swimming are often suitable activities. Vary them, so your joint is not always loaded in the same way. Build up gradually from what is achievable for you.
Avoid sitting still for long
Sitting still for a long time makes joints stiff. Stand up about every half hour and walk a short distance. Short moments of movement spread over the day also count.
Dealing with pain: the two-day test
Mild pain during exercise does not automatically mean damage. Are your symptoms as usual the next day? Then the load was fine. More symptoms? Build up a little more gradually next time.
Weight and joint load
When weight loss is appropriate and achievable for you, a lower weight reduces the load on knees and hips. Small changes already help; a dietitian can guide you.
Sleep and relaxation
Enough sleep, moments of rest and less stress help you cope better with pain. Warmth can feel pleasant on a stiff joint, but not on a joint that is swollen and warm.
When should you contact your doctor?
- if pain clearly gets worse or lasts longer than you are used to
- if a joint suddenly becomes swollen, red or warm, especially together with a fever
- if you suddenly can no longer put weight on your leg, or if pain radiates into your leg
Find a Lipotris™ clinic near you
See the overview of all clinics in the Netherlands and Belgium that offer Lipotris™.