Gelenk-Klinik

Who is affected by joint pain?

Estimates indicate that around 30% of adults aged eighteen or older suffer from joint pain. A study conducted by researchers at the Ruhr University in Germany indicates that although around 2 of every 5 adults between the ages of 40 and 50 suffer from joint pain, only one of every 3 seeks the advice of a doctor, despite the fact that new forms of treatment have proven to be highly effective, particularly when introduced during the early stages of osteoarthritis.

What are the causes?

The most common causes of joint pain are inflammation and the gradual deterioration of the joint as we age. The typical wear-related damage associated with osteoarthritis usually occurs as a result of the joint's exposure to uneven or excessive stress. In addition to this, inflammation and pain may also be caused by wear-related debris in the joint. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the large weight-bearing joints of the body, such as the hips and knees. Effective treatment for the joints often depends on detecting the signs of wear at an early stage. If the disease is allowed to progress to an advanced stage, joint replacement may be the only alternative. This is naturally associated with considerable limitations, especially for younger and more active individuals. Inflammatory processes may themselves be the source of pain. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, tissue in the joint is perceived by the body as foreign and becomes the target of a very painful autoimmune reaction. This often occurs in the joints of our hands and fingers. The early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is crucial to avoiding serious damage.

When is it essential to consult a doctor?

You should seek help from an orthopaedic specialist within 3 days at the latest if any of the following symptoms persist, worsen, or extend to other joints:

• Immobilizing pain
• Fever
• Redness in the skin around the joint
• Swelling of the joint

Postponing a necessary visit to the doctor can have serious consequences. Make sure to avoid any unnecessary delays!

What can help to alleviate the pain?

Painkillers
Although painkillers can effectively reduce the pain associated with joint disorders, and thereby help to reestablish a degree of normalcy, they do not really help to eliminate the disorders themselves. Conventional painkillers include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen, also referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). COX-2 inhibitors represent a new class of NSAIDs that are gentler on the stomach. Corticosteroids should be used only in exceptional cases.

Special Dietary Supplements

The use of dietary supplements in the treatment of joint pain has increased in recent years. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are used in patients with osteoarthritis. Although they may play a role in preventing the development of joint disorders, we have seen no evidence so far to indicate that such supplements are really effective when it comes to treating existing conditions.

Surgery
Surgery is generally considered only when other measures have proven ineffective or can be ruled out as inadequate. Although it is often seen as a treatment of last resort, surgery at an early stage is sometimes the best means of ensuring long-term treatment success. That being said, not all types of surgery are what we would refer to as major surgery. Purely arthroscopic procedures, which involve the extraction of as little tissue as possible and which therefore permit very short recovery times, can be carried in less severe cases.

Lifestyle Changes
Patients with joint pain are encouraged to find a more sustainable balance between rest and activity. While rest is clearly important whenever the pain crosses a certain threshold, resting too much can have a negative impact because joints rely on movement for proper circulation. Protecting a joint too much can do more harm than good.