Arthrosis is the most frequent joint disease in Spain. In fact, between 2 and 4 million people suffer from it and according to experts more than 70 percent of people over 50 have signs of osteoarthritis on radiographs, but only 25 percent will have symptoms .
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"The main symptoms of arthrosis are pain, joint stiffness, deformity and the decrease or loss of mobility," explains Montserrat Romera-Baurés, coordinator of the Arthrosis Working Group of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (Artroser ), who indicates that all this affects the quality of life of the people who suffer from it. "In a survey conducted in Barcelona, 20 percent of those interviewed reported disability or dependence to perform activities of daily living. In the EPISER study, 67 percent of respondents with knee osteoarthritis reported that their health status was bad or regular, "he adds.
So, do these figures show that nothing can be done to improve the quality of life of those affected by an illness that affects more women than men and in which obesity is a determining risk factor? On the contrary, Romera-Baurés points out that there is a whole series of non-pharmacological measures that can help improve pain , reduce functional disability and try to slow the progression of the disease .
Know the disease, the most important
Information is power. And this also moves to osteoarthritis. Knowing the disease, the different treatments and the basic measures that can be implemented in your day to day will make a difference.
The expert recommends, for example, incorporate aerobic exercise on a day-to-day basis. "Exercise maintains neuromuscular coordination, prevents muscle atrophy and retains the strength of tendons and ligaments."
Another important aspect that influences are the postural habits: we must avoid sunken sofas and chairs, use chairs with flat backrest and adequate beds . "It is not advisable to carry pesos and it is better to use cars to go shopping", he adds.
Regarding the advice to cope with the disease, the coordinator of Artroser highlights:
- Control weight and / or lose weight in those cases where there is overweight .
- It is necessary to exercise to strengthen the muscles and to preserve mobility.
- Physical therapies in the form of heat and cold can be beneficial. "In general, heat is better, which relieves pain and relaxes the muscles. The cold will be used only in cases of inflammation of a joint, "he explains.
- The use of canes and / or crutches also serve to relieve pain and provide stability and safety, avoiding possible falls.
- The footwear must be suitable, with little heel (4-5 cm) and that holds the foot well. The orthopedic insoles also help to cushion the impact.
- In some cases it is necessary to unload the joint using discharge splints.