“However, we frequently find radiographic signs of the disease in asymptomatic patients”, says rheumatologist Flavia Alexandra Guerrero, from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. “Osteoarthritis occurs due to an imbalance in the process of cartilage degradation and repair, which has mechanical, genetic, hormonal, bone and metabolic factors involved”, explains the doctor.
Generally associated with aging, despite affecting many young people, the disease is more common in joints that bear more weight, such as those in the feet, hips, spine and knees, the main target. Your treatment varies according to the severity of the case.
In mild and moderate cases, the main objective is to control pain and inflammation and improve mobility. In patients with more advanced disease, joint replacement surgery may be indicated. Frames Cortelazodoctor specializing in knee and sports traumatology
He also highlights that the fight against this disease has been evolving through the development of substances that protect joints from friction, such as hyaluronic acid, and customized prosthetics.
Lifestyle changes
It is very important that non-pharmacological interventions are carried out so that the condition does not progress. “They range from patient awareness and education regarding the factors that trigger and aggravate the process, which involves treating obesity, carrying out monitored physical exercises, correcting specific changes, such as tendinopathies (a condition caused by due to degeneration or injury to tendons) and other structural injuries, to joint protection measures and the use of orthoses when necessary”, explains the Einstein rheumatologist.
