Pain and stiffness in the joints are not a normal part of ageing, although we often assume it to be inevitable, they are part of the symptoms of arthrosis, one of the most common joint diseases, which affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide.
At Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi Orquin (ITGO), leaders in traumatology in Valencia, we tackle this condition with a comprehensive approach, offering innovative and personalised solutions for each patient.
If you are experiencing persistent pain in your joints or simply want to learn more about this disease, here you will find useful and encouraging information.
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to stop you!
What is osteoarthritis and what causes it?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the articular cartilage, a tissue that lines the ends of bones and allows smooth movement.
When this cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, causing pain, stiffness and, in advanced stages, joint deformities.
The causes of osteoarthritis are multifactorial. Ageing is the main risk factor, but not the only one. Overweight, previous injuries, genetics and jobs requiring repetitive movements also contribute to joint wear and tear.
According to recent studies, it affects 29% of people over the age of 65, although it can also occur at younger ages due to injury or hereditary factors.
In some cases, when joint damage is severe and conservative treatments are not effective, it may be necessary to resort to advanced techniques such as joint replacement surgery.
Symptoms not to ignore
The most characteristic symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain, especially when starting to move or waking up. However, the disease can manifest itself in a number of ways, and recognising its early signsis essential to seek help early.
Stiffness on waking in the morning, a crunching sensation when moving the joint, or progressive loss of mobility are common signs.
In more advanced stages, pain may become constant, even at rest, and swelling or deformity may appear in the affected joints. This affects not only physically, but also emotionally, limiting the ability to perform daily activities and reducing quality of life.
That is why early treatment with specialists in regenerative medicine in Valencia can make a difference, significantly improving the prognosis.
Treatment options – a solution for every patient
The treatment of osteoarthritis depends on the degree of involvement and the individual needs of each patient. In the initial stages, non-surgical options such as physiotherapy, weight control and anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are prioritised.
In addition, there are innovative treatments such as hyaluronic acid infiltrations or biological therapies with growth factors, monocytes or mesenchymal stem cells that have shown promising results in cartilage regeneration and improved quality of life for patients.
In advanced cases, where pain and stiffness severely limit mobility, more complex interventions may be necessary. At ITGO, we are experts in joint preservation surgery, using minimally invasive techniques to ensure a faster and more effective recovery. In the final stage of the disease, joint replacement surgery will be performed. At ITGO we have extensive experience in prosthetic surgery, with more than 200 operations per year.
Each patient is unique, and our personalised approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate care for your case.
Taking care of your joints: the role of prevention
Although osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk. Maintaining an appropriate weight, exercising moderately and avoiding repetitive movements that overload the joints are essential measures.
Activities such as walking, swimming or low-impact exercises strengthen the muscles that support the joints, which is essential to protect the joints from wear and tear.
At the Gastaldi Institute in Valencia, due to our experience in sports medicine we also offer specific prevention programmes for those patients with a family history or risk factors who want to maintain moderate physical activity. Early detection is essential to maintain your quality of life in the long term.
Get your quality of life back with ITGO
At Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi, we understand how debilitating living with joint pain can be.
That’s why we combine the expertise of our specialists with the latest technology to offer you effective solutions. If osteoarthritis is affecting your daily life, don’t wait any longer to seek help.
Contact us and take the first step towards a life without limitations.
Also, keep exploring our blog to discover more tips on how to take care of your musculoskeletal health.