Ankle Arthritis: Ankle Joint Pain, Swelling, Deformity, & Instability

The ankle is a complex structure that carries the body’s weight. The joint and the ligament connections facilitate movement and are crucial for daily activities like walking, running and jumping. 

Trauma from accidents or sports-related injuries can lead to the development of ankle arthritis. A patient suffering from this condition will experience pain while performing basic movements of the ankle, thus severely restricting mobility.

In most cases of minor injuries, sufficient rest and conservative medical treatment can help heal the ankle.

However, chronic cases of repeated trauma or long term degeneration can lead to severe complications that require non-conservative, i.e. surgical treatment.  

Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

The ligaments in the ankle joint serve as shock absorbers and bear our weight during movement. Unconventional movement or trauma can lead to ankle arthritis. It is a sign of wear and tear that leads to long term degradation and reduction in the joint space. 

Some of the commonly associated symptoms include:

• Pain from stressing the ankle, for example standing up or walking.
• Radiating pain in the foot and lower leg.
• Stinging pain when walking on uneven terrain and when tipping sideways.
• Stiffening in the ankle.

In chronic cases, the cartilage between the upper and lower ankle bones is worn out completely and the buffer between the bones is lost. This causes the bones to rub against each other.

A patient’s joint is severely compromised and lacks stability. The skin in the area turns red and this can be associated with inflammation. In some cases, new bone forms on the edge of the joint which leads to movement restrictions as the disease progresses.

Immediate professional medical attention is highly advised. 

*Note: Ankle Arthrosis is not a sign of aging. It is most commonly a delayed consequence of an injury to the ankle, such as a supination trauma which was not treated properly. In some rare cases, metabolic diseases such as gout or rheumatism can lead to ankle arthrosis. 

Diagnosis of Ankle Arthritis

A complete medical examination by a professional orthopedist is the best course of action in case of ankle arthritis. The physician begins with a complete history of the circumstances of the accident and injury.

Sophisticated imaging technology like X-rays and MRI’s can be used to detect the true extent of injury to the individual parts of the ankle joint and to detect bone extensions.

A quick synovial fluid test can check for the presence of free joint bodies as well as cartilage fragments. 

It is crucial to understand the extent of the trauma and the progression of the degeneration to formulate the most efficient treatment path.

Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Ankle arthritis treatment is mostly conservative i.e. non-surgical in the early stages of the condition. In case of direct trauma to the ankle joint, treatment begins with addressing the primary symptoms of the condition with relieving stress and providing ample rest. 

• Immobilization

Lifting pressure off the injured foot is the best first measure in case of trauma. It prevents excess stress on the injury. Ample rest and suspension of the ankle using a medical ankle is highly recommended and can facilitate a swift recovery. 

• Cooling

Applying a cool surface like an ice pack is highly effective in managing the edema caused by the injury. It soothes the joint and can provide relief to the patient.

• Prescription Painkillers

Patients with ankle arthritis experience pain and discomfort due to the condition. Prescribed painkillers like Ibuprofen can help manage the pain and provide some relief. However, as with many medications, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• Prescribed Physiotherapy

In cases of ankle arthritis, rehabilitation is very important to ensure complete healing and to manage the long term consequences of the condition.

Prescribed physiotherapy, with the use of ankle braces, help strengthen the ligaments in the ankle that have lost stability. The aim is to delay the wear and tear of the joint and potentially repair the damage.

In cases of degeneration of muscle due to long periods of fixation like in a plaster, physiotherapy helps a patient regain mobility.

• Surgical Intervention

In patients with advanced symptoms, cortisone injections alongside surgical intervention sometimes become necessary. The compromised ligaments can no longer act as an efficient buffer between the bones in the ankle and might need surgery to facilitate healing. Surgery might be required if there are bone growths in the joint.  

• Medical Ankle Braces

Ligaments and muscles need several months of ample rest and support to regain strength and stability. During this time, a medical ankle brace supports the ankle.

They are crucial in the immobilization phase of treatment and provide much-needed support to the compromised joint. The brace helps reduce the strain on the ankle as well as reduces the formation of edema.  

ORTHOSIS: Prevention of Ankle Arthritis

Ankle braces are valuable tools in both the complete healing of the ankle joint after injury or trauma, as well as prevention of the progression of long term osteoarthritis.

Braces like the MalleoTrain help secure the ankle and provide much-needed support and stability. The brace encourages good proprioception and helps prevent unnatural stress on the ankle making it crucial in managing the condition.

The MalleoTrain features two pads that massage the ankle and provide relief from pain. The medical-grade compression stimulates blood circulation and reduces the formation of edema. The breathable, hypoallergenic material is flexible, making it comfortable and supportive to wear for extended periods. 

SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS: OMARTHROSIS

The shoulder joint connects our shoulder blade to the upper arm bone, the humerus. Bending and stretching of the joint allows us to move our arms, lift and carry objects alongside other complex movements.

Long term wear and tear of the shoulder joint can result in the degenerative disease known as (shoulder osteoarthritis).

A patient suffering from this condition usually experiences pain in the shoulder under any stress and feels stiffness, leading to restricted mobility. 

Conservative therapy is usually sufficient to manage the mild cases of shoulder osteoarthritis, however, in chronic cases, more direct surgical measures may be necessary. 

CAUSES OF SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease. The damage is irreversible and generally progresses with time and age. Based on the root of the disease there are two distinct types: Primary (Internal) and Secondary (External). 

PRIMARY SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Primary OA is rather mysterious. The true root of the disease is unknown; however, scientists suspect that pre-existing conditions and a hereditary disposition could be the trigger. Not all carriers of the gene manifest symptoms.  

SECONDARY SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Secondary OA is easier to diagnose and has a clear origin. Risk factors for developing secondary OA include:

• Sporting accidents or physical trauma to the shoulder.
• High-intensity physical activity like manual labor.
• Disease of the cartilage (Chondromatosis)
• History of a fractured or dislocated shoulder.
• Physical deformations that lead to the inherent instability of the joint.
• Long term wears and tears due to natural ageing. 

SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis depend on the stage of the disease. As the disease progresses, the symptoms tend to get more severe. Some of the most commonly known symptoms include:

• Pain in the shoulder after long periods of inactivity, for example after a night’s sleep.
• Pain and increased discomfort when moving the shoulder sideways and rotating the arm. In mild cases, the pain subsides and is temporary, however, the underlying condition remains untreated.
• Long term neglect can lead to a noticeable loss in strength of the arm. The shoulder joint becomes stiff and a patient’s mobility is restricted. 
• Crunching or cracking sounds on movement can be heard.

In chronic cases:

• The ligament between the shoulder blade and the humerus can be worn out completely, causing the bones to rub against each other.
• There are significant pain and discomfort in the shoulder. The skin around the area turns red and feels heated.
• In the worst-case scenario, bone growths (Osteophytes) can appear between the bones and can change the structure of the joint, further stiffening it.

Shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease and cannot be cured completely. A timely diagnosis can lead to an effective treatment path to slow the progression of the disease. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis!

*Note: Primary omarthrosis (shoulder osteoarthritis) often remains undetected in the initial stage. The pain doesn’t significantly impact the quality of life and typically results in a late diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS OF SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

A professional orthopedist is the best person to determine an effective treatment path. Diagnosis begins with complete patient history and physical examination.

SHOULDER ARTHRITIS X-RAY

The physician checks the mobility of the joint and uses sophisticated imaging technology, like X-Rays and MRI’s, to get a clear idea of the progression of the disease. 

X-rays and MRI’s are highly effective in detecting the presence of osteophytes and damage to the cartilage in the joint space.

TREATMENT OF SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Treatment of the condition is mostly conservative. Only in chronic cases does surgery become a viable option. The best treatment course involves managing the progression of the disease and effective pain management. A good guideline to follow is:

• LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes in the early stages of the condition can help slow the progression. Avoiding stressful activities, like intensive manual work and lifting heavy loads, is a proven effective measure a patient can take in their daily life.

• REHABILITATION AND PHYSIOTHERAPY

Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path. The exercises can help promote the reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease.

Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the muscles helps prevent long term degeneration and can slow the progression of shoulder osteoarthritis.

• PRESCRIBED PAINKILLERS

Medication, such as Ibuprofen or Panadol, can be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. Importantly, painkillers only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• MEDICAL SHOULDER BRACES

It is highly recommended that ample support to the shoulder is provided by using a medical shoulder brace. The targeted compression that braces provide helps boost circulation and reduce the possibility of effusions and edema. 

Wearing a Bauerfeind shoulder brace, like the OmoTrain, can minimize your chances of injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. This is not found in simple neoprene sleeves and braces and can be instrumental in managing shoulder arthritis pain. 

• SURGICAL INTERVENTION

Operative surgery is considered only in more severe cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted. In chronic conditions of bone growth, surgery might be needed to restore mobility.

A surgeon typically performs an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), which is proven effective in alleviating symptoms. The surgery is minimally invasive and allows the surgeon to smoothen the cartilage and is proven to improve joint mobility. 

In the worst-case scenario, a shoulder replacement (endoprosthesis) could be the final resort if all other measures fail to provide relief. A patient should make an informed decision after discussing with a physician and weighing up the costs and benefits of surgery. 

HOW CAN A SHOULDER BRACE HELP WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN?

Medical shoulder braces can be instrumental in managing the progression of shoulder arthritis. 

Bauerfeind’s OmoTrain Shoulder Brace helps relieve stress and stabilize the shoulder joint. A special belt system is featured, which is strapped around the back and across the lower chest region, to take the load off the shoulder joint and center the upper arm. Additionally, the special belt system helps keep the brace in place particularly with the shoulders relatively flexible range of movement.

The OmoTrain shoulder brace also includes a massaging gel pad, with frictional nubs, which massages the tendons and soft tissue around the shoulder joint region during movement.

This pad helps to improve joint proprioception and provide pain relief. The OmoTrain is highly effective in both conservative and post-operative treatment paths.

What is Hip Arthritis (Osteoarthritis/ Coxarthroses)?

Long Term Degeneration of the Hip Joint

The hip joint connects our pelvis to the upper femur (upper leg bone). This joint facilitates the transfer of power from the upper body to the lower body, which allows for movement. Long term degeneration of the hip joint can lead to hip osteoarthritis or coxarthrosis. 

In mild cases of this condition, a patient may experience pain in the hip and groin regions when walking, bending or descending stairs. Conservative therapy can help manage the progression of the disease.

However, in chronic cases where long term degeneration is apparent, surgical intervention might become necessary.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

Contrary to belief, osteoarthritis of the hip is not exclusively a disease of aging. Other risk factors that can lead to the development of the disease include:

• Physical trauma from an accident or sporting injury.
• Excessive repeated strain on the hip from rigorous physical activity through unhealthy exercise or manual labor. 
• Inherent malpositions in the structure of the hip joint, as seen in hip dysplasia. 
• Pre-existing conditions, such as inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatism or gout disease. 
• Metabolic and weight-related diseases like obesity.

Hip Arthritis Symptoms

Hip Arthritis is a serious condition that progresses with time and age. The symptoms typically get worse and need more drastic measures to keep the hip joint from deteriorating further. Associated symptoms of hip arthritis consist of:

• The patient increasingly suffers from pain in the hip and groin area when the joint is stressed. 
• The initial symptoms are limited to being painful under stress but soon progresses from episodic to constant sharp pain.
• A patient’s mobility is severely restricted and any movement like walking, bending or descending stairs is very painful. 
• Swelling may occur in the hip joint. 

Chronic Case Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

In chronic cases, the long-term wear and tear of the cartilage reduce the joint gap between the pelvis and the femur. This eventuates to the bones grinding against each other, and in the worst-case scenario, the entire cartilage can be compromised.

Bony growths, called osteophytes, may develop in the gap and alter the structure of the joint entirely. Consequently, the hip becomes very stiff and the patient will experience pain in both the hip and groin regions.

How to diagnose arthritis in your hip?

The diagnosis of hip arthritis is difficult in its early stages and is often neglected. Delayed treatment can cause irreversible damage to the hip. Thus, it is highly recommended to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible. 

Hip Arthritis X-Ray

• A physician begins with a complete patient history and a thorough physical examination. Sophisticated imaging technology, like X-rays and MRI’s, can help detect abnormalities in the structure of the hip joint and also get a clear idea of the progression of the disease.

In later stages of hip arthritis, changes in the joint structures are visible in these images. An effective treatment path can be decided once a deeper understanding of the severity of the condition is gained. 

Hip Arthritis Treatment

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip depends on the severity and the progression of the disease. 

In the case of inherent malpositions, these are typical:

For infants, corrections are made when malpositions are detected at birth. A splint is used to realign the structure and is proven effective in fixing the hip at an early age. The fixed hip does not bother the baby and is perfectly safe.

For adults, treatment for malpositions is handled through stabilization and strengthening the muscles of the hip. Hip Arthritis treatment aims to slow the progression of degeneration and alleviate pain.

A good plan of action involves: 

• Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes in the early stages can help slow the progression of the condition. Avoiding stressful activities, like intensive manual labor and vigorous exercise, is an effective measure a patient can take in their daily life. 

Healthy nutrition and weight can help reduce the weight resting on the hip joint and is beneficial in managing arthrosis.

• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy

Regulated physiotherapy helps with weight loss and targeted muscle building and is a proven effective treatment path. The prescribed exercises can help promote reorganization within the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease. Encouraging healthy proprioception and muscle strengthening helps prevent long term degeneration and can slow the progression of coxarthrosis. It is crucial to involve exercise and physiotherapy for a complete treatment path.

• Heat Application

Applying heat, through the use of heat pads, has shown to alleviate pain in the muscles around the hip joint. Heat application, in combination with remedial massage and hydrotherapy, can be effective in managing pain and swelling.

• Prescribed Pain Medication for arthritis in the hip

Medication, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, can be used to help alleviate pain and swelling caused by coxarthrosis. Anti-inflammatory medication can be used to effectively manage the symptoms however only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• Medical Hip Orthosis and Braces

It is highly recommended that ample support to the hip region is provided through the use of a medical back brace. The targeted compression and support that braces provide can help boost stability and muscle activation and reduce the possibility of further injury. Additionally a comfortable and well designed back brace should also reduce the need for reliance on painkillers with medical studies* showing by up to 52% as well as 4.8 fewer sick days due to back pain. Bauerfeind’s back braces, like the SofTec Coxa, help to compensate for the weak hip and provide much-needed stability. 

• Surgical Intervention

Operative surgery is considered only in extreme cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted.

In chronic conditions, the pain experienced by patients is constant and permanent. The cartilage fails to act as an effective buffer between the bones and there is a loss of joint space. The bones rub against each other and cause severe discomfort and pain (especially in the groin area).  

In severe degenerative cases, a surgical procedure called a total hip replacement surgery may be performed. The replacement has a lifespan of 15-25 years and has proven to be very beneficial. The surgery carries some risk and should be carefully evaluated.

What is the best support brace for hip arthritis?

The CoxaTrain is the perfect brace for hip arthritis, combining the most state of the art technology with slimline lightweight comfort.

Using a pelvic support that stabilizes and unloads the pelvis, it has added cushioning to gently massage the muscles around the hip, reducing pain. Meanwhile the thigh support is connected by a dynamic hinge that follows your anatomical movement to improve your gait and unload the hip itself, alleviating the pain and discomfort that comes with hip arthritis.

An ergonomic design that’s easy to put on and take off, it’s ideal for being worn under clothes so you can get about your day without thinking about it. 

Ideal for sports, exercise and daily life, anyone with hip issues doesn’t need to look any further than the CoxaTrain.

• Relieves pain in the lumbar-pelvis-hip region  with the gluteal pad and the two friction pads

• Relaxes the musculature performing the movement  by means of an eccentric joint with a trochanter pad
• Immediately relieves the pelvis and sacroiliac joints  through circular compression using individually adjustable tension straps
• Height-adjustable thigh bandage  via the joint splint
• High level of therapy  compliance thanks to breathable materials and the flat height

Easy to put on  thanks to practical finger loops

To support your back after hip pain, we recommend wearing Bauerfeind’s LumboTrain Back Brace which features a gel pad with massaging nubs, which helps to relieve pain in the lumbar region during movement. Produced from a light and breathable material, this back support is fitted to the spine’s natural curvature to provide all day comfort and help with postural adjustment. 

References:

* “Controlled trial of a back support (LumboTrain) in patients with non-specific low back pain”, Valle-Jones J., C.; Walsh H.; O´Hara J.; O`Hara H.; Davey N., B.; Medical Consulting Centre; Essex (1992)

Knee Osteoarthritis: Arthritis of the Knee Joint

What is Knee Osteoarthritis? 

The knee joint is a complex structure consisting of bone, ligaments and cartilage. It facilitates movement and allows us to walk, run and jump. Long term wear and tear of the joint leads to the development of knee osteoarthritis. 

Knee Osteoarthritis refers to the condition where there is inflammation due to arthritis. It is usually accompanied by pain and swelling. 

What is the difference between Gonarthrosis and Knee Osteoarthritis?

The degeneration of the knee joint, due to this long term wear and tear, is often referred to as gonarthrosis. Knee Gonarthrosis is a non-inflammatory condition related to the aging population. 

In mild cases, a patient experiences episodic pain after long periods of inactivity, like a long day seated at work. Gonarthrosis is fairly common in elderly adults but is not exclusively a disease of old age.

In chronic cases, the entire knee joint can be compromised and in the worst-case scenario, a knee replacement may become necessary. 

Causes & Types of Knee Osteoarthritis 

Knee Osteoarthritis (medically known as Gonarthrosis) is described as the damage to the cartilage inside the knee joint. The damage is irreversible and can significantly restrict one’s mobility.

Based on the root of the disease, there are two distinct types:

• Primary (Internal) and
• Secondary (External).

Primary Knee Osteoarthritis is rather mysterious. The true root of the disease is unknown; however, scientists suspect that pre-existing conditions and a hereditary disposition could be the trigger. Not all carriers of the gene manifest symptoms. Lifestyle choices, including lack of exercise and obesity, are also suspected triggers. 

Secondary Knee Osteoarthritis is easier to diagnose and has a clear origin. Risk factors for developing secondary gonarthrosis include:

• Sporting accidents or physical trauma to the knee.
• High-intensity physical activity, which laborers and tilers experience.
• Long periods of inactivity like in long hours at a desk job.

Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms

Osteoarthritis in the knee joint is caused due to a defect of the cartilage covering inside the knee joint. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows us to smoothly bend and stretch the knee. 

Some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee include:

• Knee pain when climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain
• Increased discomfort when carrying heavy objects
• Episodic pain that subsides
• Pain behind the kneecap after long periods of sitting
• Increased sensitivity in wet and cold weather
• Crunching noises when the affected knee moves

Mild Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms 

• Even in mild cases, the underlying condition still exists. Immediate treatment is highly recommended to stop the progression of the disease. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis! 
• If left untreated, the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage reduce the joint gap. Long term wear and tear of the buffer causes the upper and lower leg bones to grind against each other.
• The patient consequently experiences pain and discomfort. The skin around the knee then begins to turn red and there may be swelling present.

Chronic Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms

• In chronic cases, bony tips, called osteophytes, begin to grow on the edge of the knee joint.
• As a result of the knee becoming stiff and immobile, the patient experiences sharp pain and severely restricted mobility.
• The joint is compromised and requires external support to avoid buckling. In the worst-case scenario, a patient might need a complete knee replacement. 

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Effective diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical examination by a doctor. The physician examines the knee joint and the surrounding area to check for pressure-sensitive and swollen areas. A complete history is also taken to check for the possibility of pain from bad proprioception.

Osteoarthritis Knee X-ray

• The physician conducts a joint mobility test to study the extent of stiffness in the knee.
• Sophisticated technology, like X-ray imaging, allows the physician to check the distance between the articular surfaces of the knee joint (the joint gap).
• Ultrasound and MRI’s can also be used to easily identify damaged muscles, cartilage and tendons. 

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis) Treatment

Knee Osteoarthritis or Gonarthrosis is irreversible and the best treatment course involves managing the pain as the disease progresses. A good guideline to follow is:

• Lifestyle Changes – A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
  • Lifestyle changes in the early stages of the condition can help slow the progression.
  • Avoiding stressful activities, like intensive manual work and walking on uneven terrain, is a proven effective measure a patient can take in their daily life.
  • Healthy nutrition and weight loss significantly help to reduce the strain on our knees and is also beneficial in managing gonarthrosis.
• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy Exercises for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
  • Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path.
  • The exercises can help promote the reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease.
  • Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the muscles helps prevent long term degeneration and can slow the progression of gonarthrosis.
• Prescribed Painkillers
  • Medication, such as Ibuprofen or Panadol, can be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in patients suffering from gonarthritis.
  • Pain, however, is a crucial indicator of the injury. Painkillers merely mask the pain without addressing the underlying condition.
  • Long term use of painkillers has side-effects and can be counterproductive.

• Medical Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
  • It is highly recommended that ample support is provided to the knee joint through the use of a medical knee brace.
  • The targeted compression that braces provide help to boost circulation and reduce the possibility of effusions and edema. 
  • Wearing a Bauerfeind knee brace, like the GenuTrain OA or SecuTec OA, can minimize chances of injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. These benefits are not found in simple neoprene sleeves and braces.
• Surgical Intervention
  • Operative surgery is considered only in extreme cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted.
  • In chronic conditions of bone growth, surgery might be needed to restore mobility.
  • In the worst-case scenario, a knee replacement could be a final resort if all other measures fail to provide relief.

How to fix Osteoarthritis in the knee using Orthosis? 

Exercise and restrengthening is a tried and tested remedy in treating gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) pain.

• A medical knee brace, like Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain OA, is instrumental in a speedy recovery as it provides the knee with support and stability.
• Developed specifically for knee osteoarthritis, the GenuTrain OA knee brace features an unloading and stabilizing system which noticeably reduces the pain experienced within the knee joint.
• With the addition of the Boa closure system, the patient can easily adjust the amount of unloading required to adapt to a wide range of daily activities, including walking or hiking.

What is the best knee brace for chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis? 

Bauerfeind’s SecuTec OA knee brace is suitable for patients suffering from severe gonarthroses or chronic knee osteoarthritis.

The brace features customizable bands that can be adjusted for a perfect fit.

This hinged brace protects the joint and allows for varus and valgus adjustments to help support the knee and aid mobility and muscle-building exercises.

In chronic cases of gonarthrosis, the SecuTec OA helps unload the joint and relieve the irritated areas of the knee.

The design of the brace distributes the load in the knee joint evenly over the lower leg and significantly reduces the pain when moving.

Slowing joint wear and alleviating pain

Owing to people’s constantly increasing life expectancy, the number of degenerative conditions also increases. When this kind of ongoing wear affects the joints, the condition is referred to as osteoarthritis. However, other factors can also advance joint wear, meaning that, this condition is not solely a sign of aging. For those affected, the protective layers of cartilage in the joints break down – the knee and hip are affected most often.

Joint osteoarthritis may not be curable but its progression can be slowed down with different non-surgical treatment options.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly known as joint wear. As you can see in the above image, the undamaged area of the cartilage layer, which is responsible for protecting the contact areas of the bones, reduces. The progressing cartilage breakdown causes pain and restriction of movement. In the final stages of joint osteoarthritis, the cartilage disappears completely in some areas and the bones rub directly against each other.

How does osteoarthritis develop?

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage that surrounds the contact surfaces of the bones in joints wears away. Over time, this causes pain, and movements become less fluid. This change occurs more frequently in elderly people, often without any recognizable cause, and is known as primary osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis, which can also occur in younger patients, is caused by external factors, such as obesity, misalignments, genetic predisposition, and excessive strain. “Activated osteoarthritis” is particularly critical for patients, as it is characterized by inflammatory episodes within the joint capsule, which release substances that often cause the condition of the cartilage to deteriorate rapidly.

Can osteoarthritis be cured?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that develops slowly and for which there is no complete cure. However, receiving treatment – and the earlier the better – is a very effective way to stop it from getting worse. There is no magic cure for osteoarthritis but the combination of different conservative treatment options can help delay surgery and reduce joint pain: the reduction of excess weight, for example, provides the joints with noticeable relief. A healthy diet that is suitable for osteoarthritis not only helps with weight loss but can also contribute to inhibiting inflammatory processes in the joints. Regular targeted exercise with moderate exertion, in particular, is indispensable for osteoarthritis patients to supply the joint cartilage with essential nutrients and preserve joint function. Our braces and orthoses will help you during physiotherapy and sports that are gentle on your joints.

Frequently Asked Questions about Osteoarthritis

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The first symptoms of osteoarthritis often appear in the form of pain when moving after long periods of inactivity, such as after getting up in the mornings. If the pain continues for several days, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will carefully examine the affected joint and determine how mobile it is, where the painful areas are, and whether there are any swellings or warmer areas. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) will reveal the precise condition of the joint. An arthroscopy is the best diagnostic tool, although there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as vascular or nerve damage.

What helps with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a process where the cartilage in the joint reduces. There is currently no treatment with medication that can restore the joint cartilage. However, there are options for treating the symptoms in order to counteract deterioration. Of course, the treatment strongly depends on where the osteoarthritis has developed. Do not subject your joints to consistently high strain; wear a brace or orthosis during demanding activities to stabilize the joint. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy can also reduce pain and restrictions of movement. Cooling reduces joint pain, while heat relaxes the joint-stabilizing muscles and stimulates circulation. If the quality of life decreases drastically because of osteoarthritis, only surgery can help in some cases, such as arthroscopy or the implant of a joint endoprosthesis.

When is surgery needed in cases of osteoarthritis?

In some cases, non-surgical treatment may not be enough: the affected joint continues to hurt and the osteoarthritis progresses. This is when surgery, for example, an arthroscopy with cartilage replacement, cannot be avoided any longer. If osteoarthritis is in a particularly advanced stage, only an artificial joint replacement will help to restore the patient’s mobility.

Is there medication for osteoarthritis?

There is currently no medication to restore the cartilage. That is why the treatment of symptoms is the focus in cases of osteoarthritis. Pain-reducing medication and creams as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy can also help alleviate pain, as does wearing a brace or orthosis. At the same time, these measures can counteract deterioration.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?

Joint pain can be caused by osteoarthritis and arthritis – the difference can be found in the symptoms: while cartilage damage causes pain in cases of joint osteoarthritis, arthritis refers to temporary joint inflammation. The first signs are joint stiffness in the morning and pain when subjected to strain as well as reddening and swelling. The affected area also feels warm.

Which brace or orthosis is suitable for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can occur in different joints and cause various symptoms. Depending on the degree of severity, a brace or orthosis has to provide relief, guidance, and stabilization, and correct or limit movement. At the same time, muscles can be activated, the metabolism stimulated, or tissue massaged. As you can see, it’s impossible to give a general recommendation if you want to ideally support the joint affected by osteoarthritis.

Can exercise help with osteoarthritis?

When you’re suffering from osteoarthritis and your joints hurt, every movement is a challenge. But resting too much can actually make the condition worse. Gentle exercise is important for joint function and helps prevent the vicious osteoarthritis cycle of pain and restriction of movement. Sports that are gentle on your joints, such as yoga or swimming, are suitable. Developing muscles is also important in cases of osteoarthritis to actively stabilize the joints. No matter what exercise you do, we recommend you wear a brace or an orthosis to provide your joint with additional protection and stabilization.