Joint wear – causes, symptoms & therapy

For many decades, doctors have been dealing with osteoarthritis , which is commonly referred to as joint wear and tear. Joint wear and tear is based on a variety of causes and has almost become a widespread disease.

Only the movable components of the skeletal system are affected by joint wear and tear, which, as joints, assume a very crucial function in the context of motor skills. With joint wear, the complicated joints are subject to painful wear and tear.

causes

Joint wear and tear is a symptom of overloading of the joints, which is triggered by incorrect, insufficient or overuse. Factors in the area of ​​metabolic disorders or physical obesity also come into question as causes of joint wear and tear.The typical causes of joint wear and tear also include joint dysplasia, which is represented by changes in shape. In addition, external influences such as injuries to other areas of the skeletal system and the holding apparatus can be the basis for joint wear and tear. These are summarized under the term post-traumatic (after an accident) arthrosis.

When explaining the causes of joint wear and tear, an existing genetic disposition, inflammatory processes as well as hormonal and neurological aspects are also important.

A large number of medications for various diseases are also subject to the reasonable suspicion of promoting joint wear and tear. These are, for example, specific antibiotic substances ( antibiotics ). Joint wear and tear is also a consequence of the naturally occurring phenomena of advanced age, such as osteoporosis or normal wear and tear.

When to the doctor?

If you have joint pain or unusual noises coming from your joints, you may have osteoarthritis. Ideally, the disease is diagnosed and treated in its early stages – the initial symptoms are morning pain and slight restricted mobility. A doctor should be consulted at the latest when the pain occurs permanently and sensitivity to damp and cold weather is noticed. The symptoms become more and more intense as the disease progresses and quickly indicate a serious illness that needs to be clarified.

If this happens early, the progression of arthrosis can usually be slowed down. Especially people who have often suffered from joint problems should take the warning signs as an opportunity for a thorough medical examination. Seniors over the age of 60 and people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle or are overweight are also particularly at risk. It is recommended to these risk groups that they make an appointment with their family doctor if there are physical warning signs and that they also take advantage of the free check-ups offered by health insurance companies. By taking these steps, joint wear can be detected at an early stage.

symptoms and course

Possible signs of joint wear:

• joint pain

• swelling

• water retention

• joint effusion

• cracking of the joints

Not all patients affected by joint wear and tear show the typical symptoms. To a certain extent, joint wear may be inconspicuous.

In contrast to this, when the joints wear out, more or less severe pain occurs (stress or start-up pain) and increases with exertion (e.g. walking, climbing stairs). Doctors know that pain intensity is not a direct measure of the extent of joint wear and tear.

With advanced joint wear, water accumulation in the joint and an increasing change in shape can be seen. Due to the deformation of the joint, which is a classic form of joint wear and tear, cracking or grinding noises occur in the affected area during movements.

Diagnose

In the case of joint wear and tear, the diagnostic measures are initially based on the description of the symptoms by the person concerned and a corresponding medical history. A physical examination by the doctor follows. In the further course of the diagnosis of joint wear and tear, the shape of the joint is examined and its mobility checked. In most cases, definitive clarification of joint wear and tear is only given when X-ray examinations, magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography are carried out. Ultrasound applications are also used to view effusions in the joint .

If these medical-technical variants do not yet lead to a precise diagnosis of joint wear and tear, a minimally invasive arthroscopy can be scheduled. An assessment of the joint in the case of joint wear from the inner structures always yields a medically supported diagnosis.

complications

When a joint wears out, there is often an overall reduction in your own movements. The same or increased food intake then results in an increase in weight. overweighttriggers further diseases and additional wear and tear on bones and joints. The symptoms can trigger pain that contributes to a reduced quality of life. Mental and psychological illnesses can occur as a result. The body is less resilient, so that everyday tasks can no longer take place as usual. This leads to mood swings, listlessness and apathy. Social withdrawal and isolation from the environment can occur. In some cases, the disability must be certified, which can lead to further dissatisfaction and emotional distress.

In chronic diseases, the symptoms spread steadily and as the process progresses, further symptoms appear. In addition, the damage caused is irreparable. If the disease progresses significantly, the joint is replaced, a surgical procedure that is associated with risks.

When a joint wears out, other regions of the body are subjected to greater stress. Overexertion can damage them. There is a risk of malposition and damage to the skeletal system. Muscles and nerves are put under great strain and trigger tension, irritation and inflammation, which can spread through the body’s fibers.

treatment and therapy

Joint wear and tear is a phenomenon that requires treatment. In this regard, several innovative methods are available. The earlier joint wear and tear is detected, the more successful the treatments are.

The individual therapy concepts initially include several objectives. By administering medication, pain relief and temporarily better mobility can be achieved in the event of joint wear and tear.In addition, there are non-drug methods for treating the symptoms of joint wear and tear. In order to be able to implement a final therapy, surgical interventions are usually carried out to stop joint wear and tear or to eliminate its consequences and to stabilize the course of the disease.

When it comes to surgical techniques, corrective interventions that aim to preserve the joints have proven to be the most effective when it comes to joint wear and tear. Arthroscopy and arthrotomy are preferred in the surgical treatment of joint wear. Transplants of the body’s own cartilage tissue are also used in the treatment of joint wear.

prevention

In order to prevent joint wear and tear, joint-gentle movements and overloading should be avoided. In addition, regular physical activity also helps to implement sensible prophylaxis against joint wear and tear in everyday life. These options represent an excellent balance against one-sided stresses on the joints.