Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. According to the World Health Organization, more than 50% of the population over 60 years of age suffer from this disease. This form of arthritis can damage any joint, however it is most common in the knees, hips, spine and hands. This time, Dr. Óscar Chigne, rheumatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the subject.

Risk factors

Among the factors that increase the risk of suffering from osteoarthritis are:

• Age
• Sex (more common in women)
• Overweight
• Genetic
• Excessive or inadequate physical performance of certain activities linked to joint overload that ultimately damage the cartilage

On the other hand, in some cases it is directly associated with previous trauma or infection, which triggers a condition of secondary osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Rigidity
• Functional limitation and deformity

In certain joints such as the knees, the pain and stiffness initially disappear with the first steps, and may reappear after walking a certain distance.

Prevention

It is possible to consider two important elements to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis: good eating habits and regular physical activity.

Treatment

Depending on the case, there are therapeutic alternatives, such as: aerobic activity, active and passive physiotherapy, as well as orthopedic support, among others; and on the other hand, there is the use of drugs such as: analgesics, anti-inflammatories, slow-acting drugs, also called chondroprotectors, and restorative surgical management. Although the treatment is not curative, it allows to improve pain, delay the evolution of the disease and improve functional quality and life.

Dr. Óscar Chigne
Rheumatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma