Osteoarthritis, the leading cause of disability in older people

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic articular pathology and the leading cause of disability in elderly. In Spain, the symptomatic prevalence in the general adult population is located around 10 % in knee ( 6 % in males and 14 % females), 6% by hand ( 2 % in men and 9 % in women) and 5% by hip in both sexes.

The main etiological factors that affect the risk of developing osteoarthritis include older age, female sex, obesity, genetic predisposition, poor alignment and joint injuries. Today, osteoarthritis is considered as the result of a set of mechanical and biological disorders ends up causing joint dysfunction

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

joint pain of arthritic pace is a mechanical type pain that starts with movement, improves with activity and worsens with prolonged effort. The pain is usually defined as a deep, penetrating, not well located and slow development. The morning stiffness and rigidity that manifests itself after inactivity, are typically of short duration.

Travel Limitation progressive articular:caused by the formation of osteophytes and stiffness of articular support structures that cause a loss of function of the joint

crepitus articular mobilization:related to the loss of cartilage and the appearance of friction between the facets. It is usually very frequent reason for consultation.

articular deformity:due to the process of remodeling of subchondral bone conditions a joint instability and a lack of resistance of the joint

Treatment of osteoarthritis

The joint pain relief and maintenance of functional capacity of the patient are the objectives to pursue your doctor. Based on the current scientific evidence is available various alternatives providing individualized for each patient, including:the physical treatments, exercise, fight obesity, the analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids infiltrations or hyaluronic acid and Acupuncture. Should always be individualized for each patient treatment.