Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a joint disease that develops gradually and mainly affects cartilage – the tissue that covers the ends of bones in the joints.
The main causes of arthrosis and possible solutions are described below:
The main causes of arthrosis:
- Age – during the natural aging process, joint cartilage wears down.
- Excessive strain – prolonged heavy physical exertion or repetitive movements (e.g. in sports or work). Protect joints with orthoses
- Injuries – joint injuries, sprains, and fractures can accelerate the development of osteoarthritis.
- Excess weight – extra weight puts more pressure on joints, especially the knees and hips.
- Genetics – heredity can influence the predisposition to osteoarthritis.
- Inflammatory diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis – can damage cartilage and joint structure.
Solutions and recommendations:
1. Lifestyle change:
- Weight loss – reduces pressure on joints.
- Physical activity – regular, moderate exercise (e.g. swimming, Nordic walking, cycling) improves joint flexibility and reduces pain.
- Balanced diet – rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium and antioxidants.
2. Physiotherapy and orthoses:
- Exercises guided by a physiotherapist help strengthen the muscles around the joints.
- Orthoses and knee/arm supports (e.g. Bauerfeind) reduce the load on the joint and relieve pain during movement. View Bauerfeind orthoses
3. Medical treatment:
- Painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Chondroprotectors (glucosamine, chondroitin) – help maintain cartilage health.
4. Injections and procedures:
- Hyaluronic acid injections into joints improve “lubrication.”
- Corticosteroid injections – reduce inflammation.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) – promotes tissue regeneration.
5. Surgical treatment (in severe cases):
- Partial or complete joint replacement (e.g. knee or hip)
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing severe or persistent knee pain , swelling, redness , or limited mobility, you should definitely consult a doctor or orthopedist . Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.
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