OSTEOARTHRITIS: WHAT IT IS, SYMPTOMS, AND HOW TO TREAT IT
Osteoarthritis (also known as arthrosis) is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the joints, caused by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage. It is one of the most widespread rheumatic diseases in the world, affecting over 40% of people over 65, according to data from the World Health Organization. However, it is not just an illness of old age: it can appear as early as age 40–50, especially in individuals who are predisposed or who experience joint stress.
Osteoarthritis is not simply “joint wear and tear”: it is an inflammatory condition that also involves bones, ligaments, and muscles.
Does this mean those who develop osteoarthritis are doomed to feel unwell? Fortunately, today the answer is no. Let’s see why.
What is osteoarthritis? Definition and underlying mechanisms
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the articular cartilage, which gradually wears down over time. Also known as osteoarthrosis, it is one of the most common causes of pain and disability among adults and older individuals.
Cartilage plays a crucial role in cushioning the joints and allowing smooth movement between bones. When it deteriorates, the bones begin to rub directly against each other, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly targets the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
A study from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2019) highlights osteoarthritis as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with its prevalence rising significantly with age.
Early Symptoms of Osteoarthritis: How to Recognize It
In its initial stages, osteoarthritis often presents with subtle signs that may go unnoticed or be underestimated.
Common early symptoms include
- Intermittent joint pain, especially after physical activity or exertion
- Brief morning stiffness, usually lasting less than 30 minutes
- A sensation of grinding or “crackling” in the joint during movement
- Mild functional limitations, such as difficulty performing wide or fast movements
As the disease progresses, pain tends to become more frequent, even at rest, while stiffness increases, significantly reducing quality of life.
Generalized and localized osteoarthritis: hands, knees, and other common sites
Osteoarthritis may present as either localized—affecting specific joints—or generalized, involving multiple joint areas. Each form has distinct clinical characteristics:
- Hand osteoarthritis: commonly involves the distal interphalangeal joints (closest to the fingernails) and the first carpometacarpal It can lead to visible deformities, reduced grip strength, and difficulty performing fine motor tasks.
- Knee osteoarthritis: among the most debilitating forms, it is frequently associated with biomechanical overload, obesity, or previous joint injuries.
- Generalized osteoarthritis: affects multiple joints and is often linked to genetic predisposition or systemic factors, such as low-grade chronic inflammation.
What are the risks and what happens if arthritis is not treated?
Osteoarthritis is not a fatal disease, but it can significantly impact quality of life. If left untreated, it may lead to:
- Progressive loss of mobility
- Debilitating chronic pain
- Joint deformities
- Reduced independence in daily activities
Early intervention is therefore essential to slow progression and relieve symptoms.
How osteoarthritis is treated: effective strategies and remedies
Currently, there is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis, but many treatments aim to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve joint function
- Slow cartilage deterioration
Multidisciplinary therapeutic approach
- Lifestyle modifications: Incorporate daily habits such as weight management, regular low-impact exercise (e.g., swimming, walking), and avoiding joint overload.
- Pharmacological therapy: Use of analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and specific supplements.
- Physical therapy and modalities: strengthening exercises, hydrotherapy, heat and cold therapy.
- Surgical interventions: in advanced cases, joint replacement surgery may be
What is good for arthritis? Hot, cold, or something else?
The management of joint pain frequently involves physical modalities such as thermotherapy and cryotherapy.
- Heat therapy: particularly beneficial for alleviating joint stiffness and enhancing mobility, especially in the presence of muscle contractures.
- Cold therapy: recommended during acute inflammatory episodes characterized by severe pain and swelling, to mitigate edema.
A tailored regimen alternating heat and cold applications may offer substantial symptomatic relief.
Dietary considerations in osteoarthritis: The role of coffee and nutritional factors
Some studies suggest that diet can influence the progression of osteoarthritis. Excessive coffee consumption has been evaluated, but there is no conclusive evidence that it worsens the condition; in fact, some antioxidant compounds in coffee may have beneficial effects.
In general, a diet rich in:
- Antioxidants (fruits and vegetables)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (blue fish)
- Essential vitamins and minerals for joint health, such as vitamin D and calcium, is recommended.
The role of targeted nutritional supplementation: Biost and Cartial D
Nutritional supplementation constitutes an important adjunct in osteoarthritis management, aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting joint tissue repair.
Biost
Biost is a supplement containing active compounds that improve joint well-being and protect cartilage tissue.
By acting on inflammation, pain, and joint degeneration, Biost proves particularly effective in addressing multiple aspects of osteoarthritis. Its combination of MSM, Devil’s Claw, and Boswellia serrata (enhanced with the patented BOSW-CH® technology for improved absorption) offers effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, reducing typical osteoarthritis symptoms.
Moreover, Biost promotes qualitative cartilage regeneration thanks to optimal doses of Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate, enriched with GLUCOSAM-CH® technology to increase bioavailability and efficacy. Type I collagen supports tendon repair, often involved in joint diseases, while Diosmin improves microcirculation and counters edema, an early sign of joint distress.
Thanks to this comprehensive formula, Biost represents a valuable ally in the integrated treatment of osteoarthritis, helping to improve joint function and quality of life.
Cartial D
Cartial D is an innovative therapeutic system designed for osteoarthritis. It combines highly concentrated hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (6%) with a low molecular weight (40 kDa) and vitamin D3, both delivered sublingually to ensure rapid absorption and targeted action on synovial cells.
This formulation helps restore the viscoelasticity and lubrication of synovial fluid, reduces inflammation and pain, and nourishes damaged cartilage. Additionally, vitamin D3 supports muscle function and bone metabolism, making Cartial D a comprehensive solution for enhancing joint health and improving quality of life in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis at 50 years old: what to expect
Osteoarthritis is not just a condition of old age. It can begin to manifest around the age of 50, especially in individuals with specific risk factors such as:
- Overweight or obesity
- Previous joint injuries
- Occupational or sports activities involving repetitive joint stress
- Genetic predisposition
Early recognition of symptoms is essential for prompt intervention.
Conclusions
Conclusion:
- Osteoarthritis is a common and progressive degenerative joint disease that can significantly affect quality of life.
- Early symptoms may be mild but tend to worsen over time; early diagnosis is crucial.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity, can help slow disease progression.
- Treatment should be multidisciplinary and tailored to the individual, with specific supplements such as Biost and Cartial D playing a key role.
If you need support or would like more information about our supplements, our team of experts is here to help.
Osteoarthritis FAQ
No, osteoarthritis is not a life-threatening condition, but if left untreated, it can significantly reduce quality of life.
Joint pain, stiffness, creaking or grinding sensations (crepitus), and limited range of motion.
Functional limitations, chronic pain, and joint deformities.
There is no definitive cure; however, it can be managed effectively through medication, supplements, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.
