Info / FAQ / What is arthritis?

Arthritis, commonly referred to as rheumatism, is a type of degenerative joint disease. It is the most common joint condition. It affects a gradually growing number of people in younger age groups and its occurrence has been on the rise recently. Arthritis may first occur at the age of 30 and the disease becomes more common with age. 60% of people aged 40 to 65 have shown arthritis. There are 70% of people aged 65 and more with a type of arthritics. Arthritis mostly affects hip and knee. However, it affects other joints too-spine, shoulder, elbow, ankle, finger joints etc. In advanced arthritis, symptoms may include pain during physical activity, stiffness, swelling and difficulty moving the affected limbs.

Unlike infection arthritis, arthritis is not caused by an inflammation. It involves damaged joint cartilage and bones due to natural wear and tear.  Arthritis is acquired from daily wear and tear of joints as we lead normal lives and engage in daily activities. Our body constantly regenerates the cartilage. Yet, regeneration capability goes down with age, with onset at the age of 40. The cartilage gets thinner and thinner, resulting in friction between the bones. Moving the bones and joints results in pain and range of motion becomes more and more limited. Tissue adjacent to joints and bones-muscles and ligaments-is affected too as those get weaker. This results in deteriorating of the condition and patients are caught in a vicious circle. Bone growths begin to occur, and the joints becomes gradually deformed.

Faster wear and tear of cartilage is mainly caused by excessive load of our joints and may result in arthritis. Major risk factors include:

• overweight, obesity (body mass index over 127)
• lack of physical activity
• excess joint load at work or in sports activities
• wearing wrong footwear
• incorrect body posture
• inborn defects leading to joint misalignment
• injuries, inflammation and metabolism disorders (diabetes, gout)
• untreated injuries
• family history
• stress disorders: insomnia, anxiety, nervousness

First, thorough examination and evaluation are carried out. We look at the symptoms and assess the range of motion of joints and symptoms that the patients show when engaging in physical activity. X-ray imaging reveals positioning of bones, condition of joints, changes in bone structure and occurrence of bone spurs. X- ray, however, is unable to assess the damage of cartilage. The physician can only look at the gap between the joints to get a rough estimate of the damage. This is when other imaging methods such as CT (computed tomography scan) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will help.

Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure is in order when the physicians need to examine the inside of the joint. The arthroscope-a thin probe with a camera-allows for real images to be obtained. Photos can be taken, or a video may be made, both of which will be saved in the patient’s electronic file. Any damage in the joint can be treated with other specially designed tools and some arthroscopic washing and cleaning may be done as preparation for further treatment. For more accurate diagnosis, blood or synovial samples may be taken to the lab for testing.

Currently, medicine has no final cure for arthritis. Nevertheless, it can be stopped from developing and substantial pan relief can be provided. Physicians can alleviate the symptoms and prevent joints from losing their function and reduce change to joint structures.

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication is the first step for all patients. Localized corticosteroids are often prescribed too to help treat arthritis. However, long periods of doses of corticosteroids may lead to serious side effects (stomach ulcers, liver, kidney, intestinal damage, worsened bone marrow function). To help repair cartilage, class of drugs called chondroprotectors are often prescribed. Even long-term usage of such drugs does not guarantee that the arthritis goes away.
• Next, there are physical treatment procedures. They include physiotherapy, rehabilitation, thermal therapy, electrotherapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound, laser therapy and water therapy. These procedures will certainly help in arthritis treatment.
• Another option is ACP, which stands for autologous conditioned plasma treatment. Drawing on latest advances in molecular science and orthopedics, ACP is a new era in arthritis treatment. Click here for more info on ACP treatment

ACP is a very efficient and successful method that utilizes natural properties of thrombocytes (a type of blood cells sometimes called platelets). When the platelets leave your bloodstream, the get activated and begin to release growth and anti-inflammatory protein factors. These factors support healing, regeneration and repair processes in musculoskeletal tissue. The factors can be concentrated and directly injected into the damaged tissue, various processes and mechanisms are promoted and accelerated: anti-inflammatory processes, healing, regeneration and repair of damaged tissue. Chronic stage of the disease is never reached. This method is truly revolutionary and has no side effects.

Advanced arthritis requires a surgical intervention. Total joint replacement with an orthopedic prosthesis is necessary. There is a wide range of joint replacement materials that differ in sizes, properties and durability to suit the needs of any patient. The replacements have a limited lifetime, though. Total replacement surgery should be thoroughly considered and consulted with your orthopedist.

A good starting point to treat arthritis is a gradual weight loss and it is a good idea to take up regular physical activity. Riding a bike, swimming and cross-country skiing are the new hobbies you should think about. Other sports and activities are highly recommended too. However, do not engage in playing or doing any sports that cause too much load of your joints like football at any level, ice hockey, handball and running on a track. If you reduce your weight, you will reduce the pressure on your joints and cartilage. Controlled physical activity will make your muscles stronger and your joints will be more stabilized. You should also follow a healthy diet containing vitamins and minerals. You might want to add supplements with C, D, E vitamins and collagen.