Arthrosis: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 1, 2023

Arthrosis is one of the best known diseases of the musculoskeletal system and one of the most widespread: arthrosis is a chronic disease that affects a large percentage of the population and is characterised by the degeneration of joint cartilage

Typically, arthrosis affects people in their late teens or elderly, involving more females than males.

The development of arthrosis is more frequent in severely overweight individuals.

But let’s take a step-by-step approach: let’s see how to recognise arthrosis, what the symptoms are, what therapies to adopt, and all the medical-scientific news about this widespread disease.

What are the causes of arthrosis

There are no precisely recognisable triggering causes; in fact, its origin is still unknown today.

Medical reading indicates that this chronic degenerative disease may be due to age (increased incidence in the elderly), factors related to joint balance, heredity, repeated trauma, a chronic inflammatory condition, endocrine system disease or conditions such as obesity.

It is not clear why the disease develops in certain individuals and this makes it more difficult to implement proper prevention.

What happens when you have arthrosis

The patient begins to perceive the first symptoms of arthrosis, usually by complaining of joint pain.

Frequently, there is a history of trauma in that area, but joints can also wear out as a result of vascular damage, endocrine causes, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of the disease

The patient with arthrosis begins to complain of dull, chronic joint pain, which he sometimes cannot use as much as before, experiencing functional limitations.

The pain is initially given no weight because it only occurs when one is ‘in action’ and not at rest.

This pain diminishes during the night, only to reappear during the day when one is performing mechanical actions or when standing. Some patients complain of stiffness, which resolves within a few minutes.

Arthrosis is a degenerative and irreversible disease, and can lead to permanent joint deformities.

The various types of arthrosis

The degenerative disease of arthrosis can be concentrated in different areas and, in some, occurs more frequently.

Let’s look at this list with an explanation of the salient features of the disease depending on the area affected:

Arthrosis of the knee. Walking, going up and down stairs, kneeling: when arthrosis affects this area, the pain can be very intense. It is not uncommon for the patient to feel a kind of ‘creaking’ when kneeling, due to degeneration of the joint. Arthrosis can result in the appearance of valgism and varus and partial locking of the kneecap.
Osteoarthrosis of the hand. Usually involves the phalanges and interphalangeal joints, and may also involve the wrist function.
Osteoarthrosis of the spine. In most cases it affects the cervical and lumbar regions. It can lead to pain in the scapula, scoliosis, intervertebral disc protrusion, sciatica and leg pain.
Osteoarthrosis of the hip. It involves very severe pain when standing or when overstretching this area. It is not uncommon for hip osteoarthritis sufferers to limp or tend to sit a lot.

Bone nodules

Sometimes arthrosis of the hands can be recognised by very noticeable bony protrusions, which make the patient uneasy and are a clear symptom of the pathology.

Such nodules, when localised at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint, are called Heberden nodules and lead to joint deformity and a change in the appearance of the fingers of the hand.

Nodules affecting the proximal interphalangeal joint are called Bouchard’s nodules.

Such deformities cannot benefit from drug therapy, and can only be treated to reduce pain.

It is important to practise exercise and physiotherapy in order not to lose elasticity and mobility in the hands.

If the situation becomes unbearable for the patient, who is limited in his or her daily actions, surgical treatment can be opted for.

In this case, the surgeon may opt for a reconstruction of the joint, removal of bone tissue or fusion of the interphalangeal bone portions (arthrodesis).

Cervical Arthrosis

Cervical arthrosis is widespread, disabling and annoying.

It can develop due to a genetic predisposition or as a result of events such as car accidents, excessively sedentary work or activities that affect the normal functioning of the spine.

When diagnosing cervical arthrosis, the doctor focuses on the first seven vertebrae and their wear and tear, as well as the bony surfaces of the intervertebral discs.

These become increasingly thinner as the disease progresses and erode, leading to a possible herniated disc.

The main symptoms of cervical arthrosis are:

headaches, severe headaches;
unexplained tiredness;
fever;
feeling of malaise;
intense nausea;
tingling;
lack of strength in arms, legs, hands and feet;
slurred speech;
irritability.

How arthrosis is diagnosed

If there is any doubt about arthrosis, the treating doctor will prescribe X-ray tests to highlight any deformities or bone cysts.

Once the presence of the pathology has been determined, the specialist will prescribe the best therapy for your specific needs, which may include gymnastics, taking anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain, and more.

The role of physical activity in arthrosis

We have illustrated how arthrosis can be hereditary in origin or result from trauma and bad habits over a long period of time.

For this reason, it is essential to prevent it, and exercise is an essential activity to counteract its onset.

If one does a repetitive, very sedentary job or, on the contrary, forces many hours on one’s feet, it is important to identify the best type of exercise for one’s needs.

However, arthrosis does not spare even sports people in whom microtrauma, repeated over time, can lead to joint degeneration.

The role of diet in arthrosis

Not only physical activity, but also a balanced and controlled diet is crucial in preventing the disease.

Joint mobility must be accompanied by a proper diet, which includes large amounts of antioxidants, omega-3, minerals, water, the right portion of dried fruit consumed daily, and – if necessary – also supplements, avoiding immoderate intake of alcohols.

Which supplements should be included in a diet to prevent arthrosis?

In order to prevent and counteract joint disorders, your specialist may advise you to take the following dietary supplements

vitamin c;
vitamin d;
curcumin;
collagen;
hyaluronic acid;
glucosamine sulphate;
chondroitin sulphate;

The importance of weight control

A proper diet is essential not only for the proper supply of necessary nutrients, but also in terms of controlling body weight.

Severe overweight or obesity leads to the joints being overstressed by excessive and constant loading, with the inevitable consequence of premature degeneration of the joints.