What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage gradually wears away. As the cartilage layer thins, local inflammation, stiffness, and pain during movement may occur.
Common signs
- pain during exertion (and sometimes "starting" pain when taking the first steps)
- stiffness, especially in the morning (usually short-lived)
- restriction of mobility
- crepitations ("pops," "crackles")
- episodes of swelling or tenderness
Osteoarthritis has 4 stages
In practice, the approach depends on location, age, weight, activity level, and pain severity. In the early stages, conservative interventions and sometimes injections are often discussed.
What has the greatest impact (in the long term)
- Weight loss (if applicable) – reduces mechanical stress, especially on the knees and hips
- Muscle strength (quadriceps, glutes, core muscles) – stabilizes the joint
- Mobility + measured walking – "exercise as medicine," but without overexertion
- Sleep & stress management – influences pain perception and recovery