Greek scientists develop revolutionary test for osteoarthritis

A very important step for science and specifically for the field of osteoarthritis is expected to be made in the near future.

ΑΠΘ has developed a new test to predict osteoarthritis for all ages. A diagnostic examination will provide a general picture of the joints (including the condition of the articular cartilage) and the likely risk of developing the disease in a person in the future. “With the test, we can predict whether any articular cartilage is at risk, and how the disease will develop and proceed in the future – depending on age, work, body structure, etc.,” said Professor and Director A’ Orthopedic clinic ΑΠΘ of the hospital “G. Papanikolaou” Panagiotis K. Givisis. “We are in the final data phase, and with this study, we will be able to contribute to solving the problem of osteoarthritis,” he said.

Reference

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in many countries around the world, which usually begins at the age of 40 years. Radiographic manifestations of osteoarthritis can be found in a much higher percentage of patients, while clinical manifestations (pain, swelling and stiffness in a particular joint) may still be absent. The frequency of the disease increases with age. It is believed that in persons over 75 years of age, 80% have, to varying degrees of severity, signs of osteoarthritis.

“More and more people will be affected at some point as life expectancy increases,” the professor said, adding that “the older a person gets, the more susceptible they become to developing osteoarthritis.” Treatment begins when symptoms of the disease are present, i.e. complaints. Asymptomatic osteoarthritis is diagnosed only on x-rays. It is believed that the disease is not subject to treatment. And that’s why it’s so important prevention.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis:

• Endogenous: age, gender, developmental defects (flat feet, x-and-o-shaped limbs), heredity.
• Exogenous: injuries, bruises, overweight, professional activities (dancers, athletes).
• There is epidemiological evidence of the influence of sex hormones, primarily estrogens, on the development and progression of OA.
• The frequency of clinical manifestations of OA occurs in the majority during menopause.

There are two main forms of osteoarthritis:

1. Primary (idiopathic): damage to the hands, feet, knee and hip joints, spine;
2. Secondary: post-traumatic, metabolic (against the background of concomitant pathology: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, gout, etc.).

What is arthrosis and at what age does it occur?

According to Mr. Givisi, osteoarthritis is a degeneration and gradual destruction of articular cartilage and usually occurs in older people. In particular, here are 4 secret “life hacks” that the specialist suggests people follow to prevent this condition from occurring.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Body weight plays a crucial role in the health of joints, as being overweight significantly affects them, putting excessive strain on them and eventually causing them to wear out over time.

2. Good physical activity (walking)

The secret to healthy joints is to keep them supple and mobile, which is why exercise “helps the bones and articular cartilage regenerate” according to Mr. Givisi.

3. Good nutrition

Eating a balanced diet can help you lose weight, which can help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

4. Good sleep

Finally, good and sufficient sleep plays an important role in the good functioning of the joints, in addition to nutrition.

All these methods contribute to the regeneration of bones and articular cartilage.

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