A Quick Explanation
Osteoarthritis isn't just a sign of aging. Physical strain, weight, injuries, misalignments, and a lack of exercise can also play a role.
Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and What Can Help
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder. It causes changes in the joint cartilage, which normally acts as a protective, slippery layer between the joint surfaces. If this cartilage becomes thinner or damaged, the joint may become painful and stiff, and movement may be restricted.
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly. At first, symptoms often occur only during physical activity. Later, pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion may increase. The knees, hips, hands, fingers, toes, and small vertebral joints in the back are particularly commonly affected.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis refers to wear-and-tear-related changes in a joint. The cartilage gradually loses its smooth, elastic structure. As a result, the joint may be subjected to greater stress, become inflamed, and cause pain.
Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. However, its progression and symptoms can often be managed. Exercise, muscle strengthening, weight management, nutrition, and appropriate supportive measures play an important role in this.
Typical Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms may vary depending on the joint and the stage of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Pain During Movement
- Pain upon starting to move after resting
- Morning stiffness
- Feeling of stiffness
- limited mobility
- A crunching or grinding sensation in the joint
- Pain during strenuous activity
- Swelling
- Feeling of warmth
- Increasing uncertainty when moving
A typical symptom is what is known as "start-up pain": The first movements after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long time are painful, but the pain often subsides after a few minutes of movement.
Which joints are commonly affected?
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. The following joints are particularly commonly affected:
- Knee
- Hip
- Finger
- Hands
- Toes
- Spine
- Shoulder
- Ankle joint
Symptoms depend on which joint is affected and how advanced the condition is.
Osteoarthritis or Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis and arthritis are often confused. Osteoarthritis primarily refers to joint changes caused by wear and tear. Arthritis refers to joint inflammation. However, when osteoarthritis is active, inflammatory symptoms may also occur, such as swelling, redness, or a sensation of warmth.
How Does Osteoarthritis Develop?
Osteoarthritis develops when the stress placed on a joint and the joint’s ability to withstand that stress are out of balance over an extended period of time. The cartilage is then subjected to more stress than it can compensate for.
Possible influencing factors include:
- advancing age
- previous injuries
- Malocclusions
- Overweight
- excessive or one-sided strain
- Lack of exercise
- genetic predisposition
- certain metabolic or inflammatory processes
Avoiding movement out of fear of pain can also be counterproductive. If a joint is barely moved because of fear of pain, the muscles weaken, and joint function can deteriorate further.
Why Exercise Is Important
With osteoarthritis, appropriate exercise is particularly important. Joint cartilage is not supplied with blood directly, but rather through synovial fluid. Exercise helps support this supply.
Suitable forms of exercise include:
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Aqua-Fit
- Walking
- Walks
- Gentle strength training
- Mobility Exercises
- Physical Therapy
The key is finding the right balance: too little exercise can be harmful, as can overexertion. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to seek professional guidance.
Nutrition for Osteoarthritis
A balanced, plant-based diet can support the body and help maintain a healthy body weight. Making conscious food choices can be particularly beneficial when dealing with inflammatory conditions.
The following are helpful:
- lots of vegetables
- fruit on a regular basis
- Whole-grain products
- Legumes
- Nuts and Seeds
- high-quality vegetable oils
- enough protein
- enough fluids
- less processed foods
- less sugar and alcohol
If you are overweight, even moderate weight loss can relieve pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and ankles.
Heat or Cold for Osteoarthritis?
Heat can be soothing for chronic stiffness or muscle tension. Cold can be soothing for acute swelling, redness, or overheating.
Important: If a joint is hot, swollen, or red, you should see a doctor to determine the cause.
Devil's Claw for Osteoarthritis
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is the most important medicinal plant featured on this page. The plant's storage roots are used. They contain bitter compounds, including harpagoside.
In the context of A.Vogel, devil's claw is particularly effective for pain caused by degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoarthritis.
Devil's Claw
Devil's Claw is native to southern Africa. The storage roots are used in herbal preparations. It is particularly associated with degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system affecting the joints, muscles, and bones.
Matching Product
A.Vogel Atrosan can be used as an adjunctive treatment for pain associated with degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoarthritis. This is an approved medication. Read the package insert.
Additional Support Measures
In addition to exercise and nutrition, other measures may be helpful depending on your symptoms:
- Physical Therapy
- Targeted muscle building
- ergonomic everyday aids
- appropriate footwear
- Weight Management
- Heating or cooling applications
- Breaks During One-Sided Strain
- Balancing Sports and Everyday Life
When should you see a doctor?
A medical evaluation is recommended in the following cases:
- newly occurring joint pain
- Swelling, redness, or warmth
- severe pain
- Pain After an Accident or Fall
- Fever
- significant limitation of movement
- nighttime pain
- persistent symptoms
- Uncertainty as to whether it is osteoarthritis