OSTEOARTHRITIS

Joints can wear out over the course of a lifetime, either due to years of heavy strain or as a result of an accident. A genetic predisposition is also being discussed.

Why does a problem occur with the cartilage?

Articular cartilage acts as a buffer for our joints and absorbs stress.

Cartilage tissue is subject to constant renewal and remodeling processes, but in some cases the tissue is too weak to withstand the stress and cartilage damage can spread.

An injury to the joint can also cause cartilage damage.

While cartilage damage refers to a localized change in the cartilage, osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the entire joint, including the bone.

Here, changes occur due to adaptive reactions of the bone due to a lack of cartilage tissue. This can lead to the formation of small cysts in the bone or bony protrusions (osteophytes).

In advanced cases, the cartilage is completely worn out and you are, so to speak, riding on the rim.

Arthritis, on the other hand, describes joint inflammation that primarily affects the synovial membrane. Various forms of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) also lead to changes in the cartilage and bone over time, resulting in the appearance of osteoarthritis.

What does osteoarthritis feel like and what can I do about it?

Pain during movement is typical of osteoarthritis. While the shoulder is still completely relaxed at rest, it suddenly flares up when you first turn out of bed in the morning, for example.

After the first few movements, the pain often subsides. In cases of chronic cartilage damage, the mucous membrane of the shoulder joint is often permanently inflamed, feels warm, and the shoulder is swollen.

Restrictions in movement are typical, especially shoulder rotation. Often, the shoulder joint can no longer be rotated outward or the hand cannot be moved backward to put on a belt or fasten a bra.

However, protective postures can worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis over time.

In a later stage, the pain is often permanent, leading to less and less movement, and even everyday movements are difficult or often no longer possible.

Since osteoarthritis is not an acute disease but a gradual process, there is no immediate "cure" but only measures to relieve the pain.

In the short term, painkillers or ointments can reduce symptoms; in most cases, the shoulder is inevitably protected to avoid painful movements.

If osteoarthritis pain persists for several weeks, it is advisable to consult a shoulder specialist.