Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the joints wear down. It is the most common form of arthritis and occurs mostly in older people, but it can also occur at a younger age.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is still viewed as a condition in which cartilage in the joints wears away with age. However, recent scientific breakthroughs are changing our view of this condition. We now understand that inflammation plays an important role, both within joints and throughout the body. This inflammation can lead to cartilage damage, pain and ultimately loss of joint function. This new view highlights the complex interaction between genetic factors, metabolism, inflammatory processes and the balance between breakdown and repair of joint tissue.
These new insights also lead to a new perspective on the treatment of osteoarthritis. Traditional treatments focus primarily on symptom relief and pain reduction, without addressing the underlying causes of the disease. The new approach puts the focus on controlling inflammation, addressing the condition at its core. This can slow or even stop the progression of the condition.
We speak of a complex condition that often involves multiple factors. Preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
What symptoms do you experience with osteoarthritis?
People with osteoarthritis often experience pain in the joints as the first symptom. The pain gets worse with movement and decreases during rest. In addition, the joints often feel stiff, especially after a period of rest. The pain and stiffness can cause the joints to move less well. Sometimes this is accompanied by a creaking sound during movement. Inflammation in the joint may also cause swelling.
This innovative form of treatment involves a personalized approach. For each patient, the underlying cause of the condition is identified and treatments are tailored to the patient's inflammatory profiles.
Osteoarthritis can occur in joints throughout the body:
What are possible causes of osteoarthritis?
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome may affect the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by a combination of factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels and abnormal cholesterol levels. These factors are all associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, primarily through their contribution to inflammation, excessive stress on the joints and changes in cartilage composition. Therefore, managing the components of metabolic syndrome, such as weight loss, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, can help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Long-term strain
Prolonged overuse or underuse of joints can contribute to the development or worsening of osteoarthritis. Overuse, such as repeated stress or heavy loading on a joint, can accelerate the wear of cartilage and damage the joint structure. On the other hand, underloading can cause the muscles surrounding the joint to weaken, which can reduce the stability and support of the joint and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Maintaining a balanced, moderate load and regular exercise can help prevent excessive wear and tear and maintain healthy joints.
Overweight
Being overweight can have a significant impact on osteoarthritis. It increases the stress on the joints, leading to accelerated wear of cartilage. This can result in worsening symptoms such as pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. In addition, being overweight can promote inflammation, which can accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis. Therefore, reducing weight can play an important role in managing symptoms and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.
Age
As people age, their joints undergo natural wear and tear and degeneration of cartilage. This can lead to loss of cartilage tissue, resulting in symptoms of osteoarthritis such as pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Older individuals therefore have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially in joints that are subjected to more stress from age-related activities and wear and tear.
Genetic factors
Patients with family members who have osteoarthritis typically have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Gender
Gender may play a role in the risk of developing osteoarthritis. In general, women have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men, especially with osteoarthritis of the hands and knees. Hormonal factors, such as estrogen, may contribute to these gender differences. In addition, differences in physique, muscle strength and activity level between men and women may also affect the risk of this condition and its symptoms.
Previous injuries
Previous injury, such as an injury or fracture, can damage the cartilage in a joint and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Even if the initial injury heals, the injury can cause permanent damage to the joint surface, leading to accelerated wear of the cartilage and eventually osteoarthritis. It is important to adequately treat and rehabilitate injuries to reduce the risk of later osteoarthritis.
Attitude
Improper posture can put excessive pressure and stress on joints and cartilage structures, which can contribute to the development or worsening of osteoarthritis. For example, prolonged sitting or standing with poor posture can cause overuse of certain joints, such as the back, neck, hips and knees, which can lead to accelerated wear of cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis. Maintaining good posture, as well as regular stretching and exercise, can help reduce stress on joints and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Metabolic syndrome as co-cause of osteoarthritis
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a combination of five major features:
- Overweight or obese, especially around the waist.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
- Elevated triglyceride levels and/or low HDL cholesterol.
- Insulin resistance, in which cells do not respond properly to insulin, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
How do we determine if you have metabolic syndrome?
The presence of three or more of the aforementioned characteristics is often considered having metabolic syndrome, although the exact criteria may differ between different health organizations and guidelines. We measure this by looking at:
- BMI
- Increased blood pressure
- Belly circumference
- Possibly additional glucose measurement via urine
Osteoarthritis caused by mild form of metabolic syndrome, we recommend a lifestyle program at GOED Medical Center. For severe metabolic syndrome, you will be referred to your primary care physician for possible further medical treatment.
PRP treatment in osteoarthritis
What is a PRP treatment?
At GOED Medical Center, we specialize in regenerative medicine with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). PRP is also known as ACP (Autologous Conditioned Plasma). This is a treatment in which we inject plasma from the patient's own body with a high dose of platelets into tendons, joints and ligaments. This naturally stimulates the repair of muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments.
Why do we treat with PRP in osteoarthritis?
PRP is used to reduce pain, improve function, and possibly promote the healing process of the affected cartilage. It is especially popular for knee osteoarthritis, but is also used for other joints.
Treatment with PRP has no long-term adverse effects. This is in contrast to treatment with corticosteroids, which can have adverse effects if used repeatedly.
How effective is PRP?
Most studies and the best results have been achieved in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis symptoms. After a course of treatment with ACPmax, an injection of platelets with an increased number of growth factors, 80% of patients are satisfied with the effect. With severe wear and tear, the success rate becomes lower. The patient's general health also contributes to the effectiveness of treatment. This is included in the personalized treatment plan.
Because PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is made from the patient's own blood, it is considered a very safe injection, with little to no side effects and a low risk of infection or immune reactions. The most common side effects are temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site.
Please note that PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment is not covered by your insurance company.
GOED Medical Center
GOED Medical Center Breda
Oude Vest 3B
4811 HR Breda
T. 076 204 32 40
E. info@goedmedischcentrum.nl
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