Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. It is a chronic disease, quite common in older people, in which the joint tissues progressively deteriorate. Given its importance, it is useful for you to know it a little better, so don’t miss this article!

What is osteoarthritis?

It is a degenerative and irreversible pathology, also known as osteoarthritis. According to data provided by the World Health Organization, the aging of the population and the increase in obesity will increase its incidence. More than 70% of people with this ailment are over 55 years of age, although it is not an inevitable consequence of age.

What are the causes?

With the passage of time and the use of the joint, the cartilage that covers the friction surfaces of the bones begins to deteriorate. It softens and loses its elasticity, gradually wearing away.

At the beginning, when the problem is still potentially reversible, there is no pain, since this tissue does not generate it. Later, as the disease progresses, it becomes irreversible because the cartilage disappears completely and the bones come into direct contact.

When this happens, the bone surfaces erode and remodeling occurs with lateral growths, called osteophytes, which deform the joint. Simultaneously, the synovial membrane produces a less viscous fluid, which does not lubricate sufficiently.

This joint degeneration is characteristic of osteoarthrosis and differentiates it from the different types of arthritis, in which the abnormal mechanism is inflammation. These factors, in turn, accelerate the process:

• Excessive use, with repetitive movements or mechanical overload.
• Obesity and overweight.
• History of joint injuries.
• Female sex, as it affects women more frequently.
• Joints that have not developed correctly.
• Family history.

Common symptoms

Although any joint can be injured, it most commonly occurs in those joints that are subject to a lot of movement or those that bear the most weight. These include the base of the thumb, ankles, hips, knees and lumbar spine. Joint pain that appears with activity and ceases at rest is the main symptom. In addition, you may feel the following:

• Brief joint stiffness, lasting less than 30 minutes, after a period of rest or upon arising in the morning.
• Nocturnal pain in advanced stages.
• Swelling in the area, particularly if there has been a lot of activity.
• Limitation of range of motion.
• Sensation of instability or crackles.
• Hypersensitivity when touching the joint.
• Presence of hard lumps near the joint, which are osteophytes.

The evolution is different in each patient, depending on their particular circumstances. In some cases the impact on quality of life is low, while others may experience varying degrees of disability. As symptoms worsen, activities of daily living may become more costly to complete.

How is the diagnosis reached?

During the examination, the orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your joint to determine the degree of inflammation, pain and range of motion. In addition, it is necessary to do some studies and analysis.

Imaging

X-rays are not useful to directly evaluate the cartilage, but they show a narrowing in the space between the bones when it is deteriorated. They are also useful for identifying osteophytes. Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of the soft tissues and bones, which corroborate the diagnosis.

Laboratory analysis

There is no blood test to diagnose osteoarthritis. However, they can be done to rule out other joint diseases, such as those of autoimmune origin or gout.

Treatments available

As it is an irreversible disease, treatment focuses on relieving pain and preserving joint function. The application of alternating cold and heat helps to reduce inflammation and mitigate pain, as well as the use of oral anti-inflammatory drugs.

Therapies

Physiotherapy can be very useful to relax and strengthen the muscles in the area, recovering some of the mobility. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking, can also help. Occupational therapy can help you do everyday tasks in a way that reduces the pain and effort required to perform them.

Surgical procedures

Injections of hyaluronic acid into the joint decrease friction and relieve symptoms for a prolonged period of time. Surgery can provide marked improvement in symptoms and function. The most commonly used techniques are bone realignment and joint replacement with metallic elements.

Food supplements for osteoarthritis: the case of OLIMINAFlex

In the management of osteoarthritis, dietary supplements can play an important role in supporting conventional treatment. OLIMINAFlex, developed by Phytogen Medical Foods, is a supplement designed to relieve joint pain and improve mobility. Its formula combines ingredients such as omega-3, curcumin, hydroxytyrosol, collagen, manganese and vitamin D, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for joint health. A clinical study conducted on 100 patients with osteoarthritis supports its positive effect on pain relief, and highlights that OLIMINAFlex has no side effects. This supplement is presented as a safe and effective option for those seeking to improve their quality of life in the face of osteoarthritis symptoms.

As you can see, joint pain associated with osteoarthritis is very common, especially in the elderly. If you suffer from symptoms like the ones we have described, consult your orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation. On the Phytogen Medical Foods website you will find more articles related to these topics, don’t miss them!