Osteoarthritis (or arthrosis) is a degenerative disease of the joints associated with the progressive deterioration and wearing away of the cartilage and disorders in the nearby structures, especially the bone.

There are 240 million people suffering from systematic Osteoarthritis. In the UK there are over 10 million people suffering from arthritis. This number is likely to increase due to progressively aging of the population. Moreover, it can also be caused by frequent stimulation and mechanical strain on the joints, thus affecting even athletic or highly active individuals.

Osteoarthritis can develop in any number of joints, but most commonly affects the knees, hands, and hips.

Two types of risk factors are generally distinguished during the development of osteoarthritis: [1]. Modifiable risk factors which are preventable and related to lifestyle including: Excess weight and Obesity Trauma and joint injuries Occupation related activities [2]. Non-modifiable risk factors including: Genetic predisposition Female gender Advancing age

The basic clinical signs of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness and progressive functional limitation, which may be associated with varying degrees of deformity.

It is important to seek advice from a Healthcare Professional as soon as the initial symptoms appear. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on determination of the patient’s clinical history and assessment of the symptoms (anamnesis), accompanied by an appropriate objective examination (the actual consultation). This then requires an X-ray examination. The X-ray image will show the main signs of osteoarthritis: the presence of osteophytes, i.e. the growth of bone tissue localised on the bone surface, and a reduction in the joint space.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease with painful exacerbations. Treatment must therefore simultaneously control the pain and slow down the process of joint degeneration. Today, new treatments are available that can counteract cartilage deficits, enhance the spontaneous repair processes and effectively control pain. Depending on the extent and location of the disease, your Healthcare Professional will suggest the best course of treatment and make some suggestions as to how to improve your “lifestyle”, such as losing weight if necessary, and doing light aerobic exercise (swimming, aqua aerobics, cycling), which does not involve strain on the painful joint.