PREVENTION

Recognize and differentiate the most common joint pathologies

Among the most common diseases are often bone and joint disorders. These are very varied and can affect anyone. If they are not treated in a timely and correct manner, joint diseases can be particularly disabling. As a result, they impair patients' autonomy and have an impact on their daily lifestyle. While some joint diseases do not appear until after the age of 60, others can occur very early. The causes of this type of disease are diverse and there are also many preconceived ideas about them. Find out how to recognize if you or someone you love has this painful and disabling disease.

Causes of joint diseases

Since joint diseases are very varied, and can affect any joint, their causes are also very diverse. Indeed, this type of pathology can occur as a result of trauma, inflammation, a virus, degeneration, weight problems (overweight and obesity), or because of certain genetic factors.

Contrary to what most people think, joint diseases do not only affect senior citizens. They can occur in all age groups, including children. Joint diseases affect everyone, from sportsmen and women to those who do not engage in any physical activity. As you will have understood, men and women can all be affected. The parts most affected by joint problems are generally the knee, the ankle, the phalanges, the spine, the shoulders or the hip.

Characteristics of joint pain

Certain everyday actions can be the cause of some joint pain. These are common and self- limited most of the time. However, if you experience any of the following signs, it is  advisable to consult a doctor immediately for rapid treatment.

Based on these signs, the doctor must determine the origin and the disease behind the joint pain. For this, a simple consultation is insufficient. In addition to the clinical examination, the doctor may have the patient undergo an X-ray, a CAT scan, and a few blood tests. These tests can help establish and confirm the diagnosis, especially since there are dozens of pathologies affecting the joints.

The main preconceived ideas on this type of pathology

When it comes to joint pathologies, everyone has apriorities concerning the subject. Below  are the most common preconceptions on this subject.

Joint diseases are mainly due to aging

Joint diseases do not only affect the elderly. Children can suffer from inflammatory rheumatism, and young people are generally subject to joint trauma following sports activities.

This type of pathology is serious

As a risk factor for the development of certain serious diseases, joint disease is also considered serious. Disabling, it is the cause of the patient's sedentary lifestyle. This favours the development of certain cardiovascular diseases and different types of cancer.

Joint damage, including rheumatism, can be prevented.

Indeed, certain precautions can prevent joint disease. However, this prevention starts in early childhood by preventing falls and other traumas. A balanced diet, having a normal weight and not being deficient in vitamin D and calcium also help to avoid this type of pathology.

The most common joint pathologies

Although there are a few dozen pathologies affecting the joints, some are very rare. Find out the most common ones in the following.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint. The causes are very diverse. It can occur following a bacterial infection or by the infection of germs such as gonococcus, BK or streptococcus. However, trauma and certain diseases such as gout or Crohn's disease can also cause arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

It is the most common of the joint diseases cited in this article. Osteoarthritis is a common type of osteoarthritis caused by damage to the cartilage covering the bony ends of a joint. Old age and high stress on the joints are all factors that favour its occurrence. Hence its high prevalence among athletes. Moreover, this disease is more common in women than in men. Moreover, depending on the number of joints affected, we can speak of monoarthritis, oligoarthritis or polyarthritis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

This is a type of rheumatism affecting mainly the spine. Ankylosing Spondylitis gradually stiffens the back and may extend to the pelvis. Generally, this joint disease does not occur until after the age of 30.

Tendinitis

This pathology is an injury to the tendons. It can affect various parts of the body such as the knee, shoulders, elbows or the Achilles heel. It is painful and is usually the result of a wrong movement during sport or certain repetitive gestures made in everyday life.