Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis: Cartilage-Protective Agents (Chondroprotectants)

Chondroprotectants inhibit cartilage-degrading substances and thus reduce further loss of protective cartilage. At the same time, they promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Furthermore, they are said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. As a result, there is a reduction in pain, swelling and improved joint mobility. The greatest success is achieved by injecting chondroprotectants directly … Osteoarthritis: Cartilage-Protective Agents (Chondroprotectants)

Osteoarthritis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait (fluid, limping). Body or joint posture (upright, bent, gentle posture). Malpositions (deformities, contractures, shortenings). Muscle atrophies (side … Osteoarthritis: Examination

Osteoarthritis: Lab Test

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) [osteoarthritis: normal; reactive osteoarthritis: + /-] Uric acid Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Examination of the joint punctate … Osteoarthritis: Lab Test

Osteoarthritis: Drug Therapy

Therapy goals Pain relief Improvement of mobility Improvement of walking performance* Improvement in the quality of life Delay the progression of osteoarthritis * For gonarthrosis (knee joint osteoarthritis) or coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis). Therapy recommendations Depending on the severity of the disease and individual problems, the following medications can be used: Analgesics (painkillers) Non-acid analgesics Nonsteroidal … Osteoarthritis: Drug Therapy

Osteoarthritis: Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics Radiographs of the affected joint [radiographic signs of arthritic joint remodeling: osteophytes (gonarthrosis: initially at the eminentia intercondylica), narrowed joint space, increased subchondral sclerosis and deformity; see below. Kellgren and Lawrence score]Note: Radiological changes rarely correlate with subjective complaints (here: hip pain): with a sensitivity of 36.7% and a specificity of … Osteoarthritis: Diagnostic Tests

Osteoarthritis: Micronutrient Therapy

Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for supportive therapy: Chondroitin sulfate Glucosamine sulfate The above vital substance recommendations (micronutrients) were created with the help of medical experts. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels of evidence. For a therapy recommendation, only clinical studies … Osteoarthritis: Micronutrient Therapy

Osteoarthritis: Surgical Therapy

There are numerous surgical options to alleviate the symptoms and consequences of osteoarthritis and thus significantly improve the quality of life. The following therapy options exemplify the possibilities for knee joint arthrosis (gonarthrosis): Symptomatic surgical methods for joint preservation: Lavage* (irrigation of the knee joint). Shaving (technique to obtain replacement tissue). Debridement* (rehabilitation of the … Osteoarthritis: Surgical Therapy

Osteoarthritis: Phytotherapeutics

Herbal antirheumatic drugs Herbal preparations can be used for supportive, analgesic (pain-relieving) therapy. Application is mainly: Nettle herb – analgesic and anti-rheumatic effects; dosage: 50-100 g nettle porridge per day. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – e.g. borage oil, evening primrose oil; gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effects via prostaglandin metabolism; … Osteoarthritis: Phytotherapeutics

Osteoarthritis: Prevention

To prevent osteoarthritis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Alcohol – ≥ 20 glasses of beer/week lead to a significant increase in coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) and gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis); individuals who drank 4 to 6 glasses of wine per week had a lower risk of gonarthrosis … Osteoarthritis: Prevention

Osteoarthritis: Classification

Native radiological classification of osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren and Lawrence score. Osteophytes (new bone formations) Joint space Sclerosis Deformation Points none or questionable none or questionable narrowed none none 0 unique unique light light 1 large advanced light with cysts distinctly 2 cancelled strong with cyst formation 3 Interpretation According to the Kellgren-Lawrence score, … Osteoarthritis: Classification

Osteoarthritis: Analgesics-Anti-Inflammatories

Therapeutic target Relief of symptoms Therapy recommendations For non-active osteoarthritis: analgesic/pain reliever paracetamol (best tolerated) Caution! No effect of paracetamol in patients with gonarthrosis (knee joint osteoarthritis). According to a meta-analysis, paracetamol is hardly effective in coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis. In activated osteoarthritis (abraded cartilage or bone material inflamed): non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac … Osteoarthritis: Analgesics-Anti-Inflammatories

Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Typical of osteoarthritis is the usually slowly increasing onset of joint pain. The following symptoms and complaints may indicate osteoarthritis: Feeling of tension in the joints Swelling of the joints* Initial pain (start-up and run-in pain common in osteoarthritis of the knee) [typical of osteoarthritis is: no discomfort at rest]. Joint stiffness Pain on exertion … Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs