Degenerative osteoarthritis: information and treatments from specialist Dr. Luigi Manzi

Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis, is a degenerative disease that affects the joints and can cause pain and, in some cases, difficulty moving. The term itself comes from Ancient Greek and means "degenerative process of the joints." It can affect various parts of the body, such as the foot, hip, knee, or shoulder.

Different parts of our body are a complex architecture made up of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. For the ends of two or more bones in our skeleton to move without friction, it is essential that the cartilage, the natural cushion that separates the joint surfaces, ensuring smooth and frictionless movement, is in perfect condition. If this is not ensured, because the cartilage tissue has worn down due to countless movements, our ability to perform movements, even simple ones, can be compromised. The resulting symptoms are joint pain, of varying intensity and frequency.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease. It causes gradual structural changes in the affected anatomical parts and a consequent progressive decline in their efficiency.

At what age does osteoarthritis strike?

Osteoarthritis is a particularly common disease, affecting approximately 10% of adults and nearly one in two people over the age of 60. Often, but not always, it is caused by the natural aging process of joint cartilage. 

Osteoarthritis can affect younger people, often during intense competitive activity. The condition can also manifest as a consequence of trauma from falls or accidents: in this case, it is independent of age.

What are the causes and symptoms of degenerative osteoarthritis?

Degenerative osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of bones breaks down and wears away. This can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The causes of degenerative osteoarthritis are not fully understood, but may include factors such as age, obesity, injury, and genetics.

The most common symptoms of degenerative osteoarthritis are pain, reduced mobility, and joint swelling. However, they can vary from person to person. Sometimes, a warning sign of this condition is a creaking or grinding sensation felt when moving the joint. Symptoms may be worse in the morning or after sitting or being inactive for a long period of time, even leading to the inability to perform certain movements.

People suffering from osteoarthritis feel pain in three different situations:

• While using the joint;
• After a period of rest;
• Following excessive physical effort involving the joint.

Over time, these symptoms can worsen to the point of severely reducing the ability to move the affected joint, causing a serious deterioration in the quality of life.

Can osteoarthritis affect the feet?

Osteoarthritis most frequently affects the supporting joints, that is, those that are subject to the greatest load, and those subject to a lot of stress, the most used, such as the hips, knees and feet.

The foot, in particular, being a very complex anatomical part, made up of 28 bones and 30 joints, is subject to greater cartilage erosion which, as we have seen, is the basis for the development of osteoarthritis, even at a young age. 

People with foot osteoarthritis may experience difficulty walking and a cracking sensation during movement. The toes may appear swollen and red, but they may also become stiff and sometimes deformed.

What are the treatments for degenerative osteoarthritis?

There is no cure for degenerative osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. When decreased joint mobility associated with joint pain is noted, an X-ray can reveal the presence of small cysts and osteophytes. 

With simple treatments, which may include medications, physical therapy, or the use of orthotics, it is possible to limit the problem. In more severe cases, when the problem is at a more advanced stage, surgical treatment (arthroscopy, osteotomy, joint replacement) may be necessary, which is often much more effective.

If you are concerned about degenerative osteoarthritis, it is important to talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. 

SmartHallux: for the care of your feet

Need advice on this condition? Book your appointment now ! Dr. Luigi Manzi and the SmartHallux team , with their extensive and proven experience in the field, can illustrate possible treatments for degenerative osteoarthritis, based on innovative and minimally invasive techniques. Together with a team of experts, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge technologies, Dr. Manzi can develop personalized treatment protocols for degenerative osteoarthritis, providing comprehensive care, from the initial visit to rehabilitation and full recovery.