Understanding osteoarthritis and its early signs
L'osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that mainly affects the knees and hips, but it can affect other joints such as the hands or the spine. It is characterized by a progressive wear of cartilage, this tissue that acts as a cushion between the bones and allows the joint to move without pain.
As osteoarthritis progresses, bone surfaces eventually come into contact with each other, causing inflammation, stiffness, and chronic pain. But long before this advanced stage, early signs of osteoarthritis can alert and allow for preventive management. Recognizing these signals is essential to preserve mobility and delay the progression of the disease.
What are the first signs to watch for?
The onset of osteoarthritis is often subtle and gradual. Many patients ignore or trivialize their symptoms, thinking they are simply pain related to age or fatigue. However, some signs of osteoarthritismust alert:
- Morning stiffness : temporary discomfort or blockage upon waking, which eases after a few movements.
- Mechanical pain : they appear during exertion, during prolonged walking, climbing stairs or in a squatting position, then disappear at rest.
- Loss of mobility : difficulty bending the knee completely, putting on socks or crossing the legs.
- Joint cracking : noises or sensations of rubbing, without necessarily being painful, indicating wear of the cartilage.
- Sensations of blocking or slipping, sometimes accompanied by moderate swelling of the joint.
These symptoms should not be ignored. Even if moderate, they can indicate early osteoarthritis and warrant treatment. orthopedic assessment to make a clear diagnosis.
The importance of early diagnosis
Identifying osteoarthritis at an early stage is crucial to slowing its progression. The earlier the disease is treated, the more likely it is to preserve the joint and prevent rapid deterioration.
During the consultation, Dr. Coulin performs a complete clinical examination, looking for signs of stiffness, loss of range of motion or localized pain. Depending on the case, he may prescribe:
- A X-ray, which highlights cartilage wear and bone remodeling.
- A MRI, useful for exploring early damage invisible on X-rays.
These tests help confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, specify the stage of the disease and adapt the treatment strategy.
What to do in case of early osteoarthritis?
Contrary to popular belief, surgical treatment is not systematic. When detected early, osteoarthritis can often be stabilized through a conservative approach:
- Adapted physical activity, to maintain mobility without overloading the joint.
- Targeted physiotherapy, in order to strengthen the muscles and protect the joint.
- Weight loss, if necessary, to reduce pressure on the knee or hip.
- Joint supplements, sometimes useful to support joint function.
- Targeted injections (hyaluronic acid, PRP), to relieve pain and slow down wear and tear.
Dr. Coulin develops a personalized strategy with each patient, taking into account age, lifestyle, and expectations. The goal is to avoid or delay surgery as much as possible, while maintaining a optimal quality of life.
Why not wait until the pain sets in?
Ignore the early signs of osteoarthritis exposes itself to progressive worsening. The pain then becomes chronic, mobility is reduced and everyday activities become restrictive. In some cases, this leads to a loss of autonomy and earlier surgery than necessary.
Conversely, consulting at the first sign of symptoms allows for effective measures to be put in place to preserve the joint. Prevention is the key to living a long life with healthy joints.
Are you experiencing joint discomfort?
Stiffness upon waking, cracking, pain upon exertion... These signs may reveal a early osteoarthritis.
Dr. Coulin will see you in Geneva to make a precise diagnosis, analyze your tests, and implement appropriate care. Early intervention often means avoiding surgery and maintaining long-term mobility.
