Joint wear and tear is commonly associated with aging, although it can also be caused by other factors. Joint degeneration is a complex process influenced by various causes. However, a small set of pathologies account for most cases of joint damage. Let’s explore the main causes of early joint wear and strain and their daily manifestations.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent kind of arthritis, affects entire joints, starting with the deterioration of cartilage that cushions bones. This leads to reduced fluidity of bone contacts and limits movement flexibility.
Osteoarthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms fluctuate initially and become persistent later. They include:
- Pain in knees, hips, ankles, and foot joints
- Stiffness after inactivity
- Swelling around affected joints
- Progressive restriction in routine mobility
- Grinding or clicking sensations during joint movement
Causes and risk factors
Although the exact causes of osteoarthritis are unknown, factors that might accelerate its progression include:
- Aging
- Genetic predisposition
- Being overweight
- Repetitive joint stress from occupational or sports activities
- Trauma or serious injury
- Flat or cavus feet
- Poor lower-limb alignment such as valgus or varus knees
- Muscle deterioration
Preventative measures
While no completely effective therapy exists, certain preventative behaviors may reduce osteoarthritis occurrence, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in low-intensity activities like swimming
- Choosing footwear adapted to foot morphology and motion
- Regular stretching and strengthening exercises
- Using cold compresses to reduce inflammation
- Consulting a podiatrist or physiotherapist
The medical treatments
When osteoarthritis pain becomes severe, medical attention is necessary. Following a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the foot, specialists such as podiatrists may recommend:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections
- Topical ointments for painful joints
- Therapeutic laser treatment
- Custom-made foot orthotics
- Viscosupplementation (hyaluronan injections)
Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism)
Rheumatoid arthritis also causes early joint wear but stems from an autoimmune inflammatory response. Unlike osteoarthritis, it typically affects multiple joints simultaneously and symmetrically on both body sides.
Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms
In early stages, rheumatoid arthritis resembles osteoarthritis but can rapidly spread to more joint structures. Symptoms include:
- Greater pain upon waking and sleeping
- Symmetrical joint swelling (edema)
- Rheumatoid nodules near the Achilles tendon, elbows, and hands
- Disabling fatigue
- Weight loss
Untreated symptoms may lead to permanent joint damage and require prompt care.
Causes and people at risk
The precise causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, but its autoimmune nature suggests hereditary factors may play a role. Increased risk factors include:
- Women, 2 to 3 times more affected than men
- People in their 40s and 50s
- Smokers, with higher risk of severe symptoms
- Family history of rheumatoid arthritis
Some preventative measures
Given its severity, rheumatoid arthritis requires specific prevention and early detection. Recommendations include:
- Avoiding abrupt movements and heavy lifting to protect joints
- Preventing sedentary lifestyle by preferring low-intensity sports like walking or cycling
- Regular stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain joint mobility
- Eating a low sugar, well-balanced diet
Medical treatments
If prevention fails, medical therapies for rheumatoid arthritis can be prescribed. Treatments resemble osteoarthritis management but add antirheumatic medications to slow joint damage. Surgical options focus on:
- Synovectomy, replacing the damaged synovial membrane
- Arthrodesis of the hindfoot, fusing bones to lock the joint
- Complete joint replacement for affected joints
PiedReseau – Learn more
Want to know more about joint wear? We regularly update this topic! Although the PiedReseau site offers valuable information, it does not replace professional podiatrist consultations. Take care of your feet; they are precious!