Osteoarthritis – Joint Pain

Increased life expectancy and higher stress on the joints caused by various popular sports, means that the number of patients suffering from osteoarthritis patients has risen sharply.

In addition, being overweight and the consequences of misaligned joints and accidents can lead to increased and premature wear and tear of the joints. When, and for whatever reason, joints have degenerated it may lead to pain (pain on initial movement and nocturnal rest pain) and lead to a reduction in quality of life.

Osteoarthritis

As patients increasingly expect nowadays to be able to enjoy pain-free and extensive use of their bodies into old age, yet almost 2/3 of all people aged over 65 years old suffer from osteoarthritis, a contradictory situation has arisen which the worlds of medicine and industry are inspiring to solve. Which they have, to a certain extent – with great success. Today, not only can causes of premature damage such as misalignments, bow-legs or knock knees be surgically corrected; worn joints can also be replaced with artificial ones with very satisfying results.

The results of knee and hip replacements are particularly convincing. After receiving an artificial knee or hip replacement, it is possible for the patient to continue to participate in many sports and most things associated with everyday life. Joints, of course, must not always be replaced. Physiotherapy, medication, injection programmes … can be successful methods of treatment in some cases.

The choice of procedure and whether or not surgery is appropriate (also depending on the patient’s general state of health and potential diseases of the heart or lung…) must always be decided by your doctor after thorough consultations and examinations (using x-ray, CT or MRT).