Arthrosis
Arthrosis (often used interchangeably with osteoarthrosis) refers to a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear.
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- What Is Arthrosis?
- What Are the Symptoms of Arthrosis?
- How Do You Diagnose Arthrosis?
- How Do You Treat Arthrosis?
What Is Arthrosis?
Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive wear of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces. Cartilage serves to cushion and facilitate movement between bones; when it thins or deteriorates, the joint loses elasticity and may become painful, stiff, and less functional.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases and most frequently affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and shoulders. It is a condition that tends to develop with advancing age, but it can also appear at a younger age in the presence of predisposing factors such as joint overuse, trauma, obesity, or a family history.
Although there is no definitive cure, osteoarthritis can be effectively managed through a targeted therapeutic approach aimed at controlling symptoms, maintaining joint mobility, and improving quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthrosis?
Osteoarthritis generally develops gradually. Symptoms may vary in intensity and location, but they tend to worsen over time if not properly treated.
The most common signs include:
- Joint deformities, more frequent in advanced stages, due to the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs).
- Joint pain, initially during movement or after prolonged effort, and later even at rest in more advanced stages.
- Reduced mobility, with difficulty performing daily movements.
- Joint stiffness, especially upon waking or after periods of inactivity, which tends to improve with movement.
- Joint noises, such as crackling or crepitus during movement, related to changes in the joint surfaces.
- Tenderness or pain, when pressure is applied to the affected joint.
In the presence of persistent pain, stiffness, or functional limitations, it is recommended to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnostic evaluation.
How Do You Diagnose Arthrosis?
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, which includes the patient’s medical history, physical examination of the joint, and analysis of the reported symptoms.
Diagnostic imaging tests provide essential support for the diagnosis:
- X-ray – allows visualization of joint space narrowing, the presence of osteophytes, and other bone changes typical of osteoarthritis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – used in selected cases to more precisely evaluate cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues.
- Laboratory tests – not diagnostic for osteoarthritis, but useful for ruling out other forms of inflammatory or rheumatologic arthritis.
An early diagnosis makes it possible to implement therapeutic and preventive strategies aimed at slowing disease progression.
Risk Factors for Arthrosis
The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, but several factors may contribute to its onset or accelerate its progression:
- Congenital abnormalities or metabolic diseases that affect joint structure.
- Obesity, which increases the load on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
- Genetic predisposition and family history.
- Joint overload and repetitive use, related to occupational or sports activities.
- Previous joint injuries or surgical procedures.
How Do You Treat Arthrosis?
The treatment of osteoarthritis is personalized and aims to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow disease progression. The therapeutic approach is generally conservative in the early stages and may evolve depending on the severity of the clinical picture.
The main strategies include:
Lifestyle modifications
Weight control and adopting an active lifestyle are essential to reduce stress on the joints and improve symptoms.
Physical activity and physiotherapy
Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or postural exercises, help maintain mobility and strengthen supporting muscles. Physiotherapy can be useful to improve strength, balance, and movement control.
Pharmacological therapy
Analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications may be used for pain control, always under medical guidance. In some cases, local therapies are considered.
Joint injections
In selected situations, intra-articular injections may be considered to manage symptoms.
Surgery
In advanced stages, when pain and functional limitations significantly compromise quality of life, surgical treatment—such as joint replacement—may be indicated.
An integrated and ongoing care pathway allows many people with osteoarthritis to maintain good autonomy and quality of life over time.
Reviewed January 2026.