Osteoarthritis, Back Pain and inflammation of tendons and ligaments

Widespread diseases of our support and movement apparatus

Osteoarthritis

It is normal for our joints to wear out over the years. Osteoarthritis is therefore part of the natural aging process that everyone goes through.

It often develops very slowly over many years. Often, mild pain is accepted and not perceived as significant until joint damage is already present. Generally, this can happen in all body joints, such as the knee, hip and wrist joints as well as the joints of the spine.

About eight million people in Germany suffer from osteoarthritis, with the knee joint being the most common reason for a visit to the doctor. In new examinations, ten percent of people over 55 years of age were found to have knee joint wear in the X-ray as well as pain and discomfort in the medical history.

Stages of disease

Kellgren-Lawrence Skala (KLS)

Schmerzen im Knie

I

tiny bony spurs growing out (red arrow)

Schmerzen im Knie

II

distinct bony spurs growing out (red arrow), joint space unchanged or possible narrowing

Schmerzen an der Wirbelsäule

III

many bony spurs growing out and definite joint space narrowing (white arrows) with minor sclerosis (bony scarring)

Schmerzen in der Hand

IV

pronounced joint space narrowing (white arrows) with marked sclerosis (black arrows) and significant bony deformities (red arrows)

 

Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis

  • Pain at the beginning of movement
  • Load-dependent pain
  • Pain at rest and pain at night with advanced clinical picture
  • Limited mobility
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Crunching noises
  • Weather sensitivity

Tendon and ligament inflammation and back pain

The cause of tendon and ligament inflammation and back pain is not always known. They occur mainly in middle and old age, when the tissues become weaker and more vulnerable. Injuries and inflammation also occur in younger people who are very active in sports and in people who do one-sided activities. Over time, the weakening of the tissues can lead to a variety of injuries.

Typical symptoms of inflammation of tendons and ligaments

  • Shoulder tendons: Inflammation of these tendons is the most common cause of shoulder pain
  • Golfer’s and tennis elbow: Sharp pain on exertion, later also at rest
  • Achilles tendon: Pain at the heel or elsewhere
  • Runners Knee: Persistent, stabbing pain on the outside of the knee
  • Jumpers Knee: Severe pain at the tip of the kneecap, e.g. when climbing stairs
  • Biceps tendon: Pain when bending the elbow, lifting or rotating the arm
  • Tendinitis: swelling and pain when moving the hand and fingers

Typical symptoms and clinical pictures of back pain

  • Facet joint arthrosis: Pressure pain in the affected area of the spine. Radiating pain, e.g. into the extremities. Pain after getting up, morning stiffness and relieving posture
  • Spinal canal stenosis: Heavy and numb legs, frequent pauses when walking
  • Herniated disc: Sharp back pain, with aching, weakness or numbness in arms or legs
  • Nerve root compression: Occurs as a result of a herniated or bulging disc. Sensory disturbances often occur in the affected area

Other typical complaint patterns

Schmerzen im Knie

Knee

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Cartilage defects behind the patella
  • Meniscus damage
Schmerzen in der Schulter

Shoulder

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Impingement Syndrome
  • Rotator cuff injuries
Schmerzen an der Wirbelsäule

Spine

  • Facet joint arthrosis
  • Spinal canal stenosis
  • Slipped disc
  • Nerve root irritation
Schmerzen in der Hand

Hand

  • any joints of the fingers and hand affected by arthrosis
  • e.g. rhizarthrosis
Schmerz in der Hüfte

Hip

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Labrum injury
  • Impingement syndrome
Schmerzen am Knöchel

Ankle joint

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Injuries of the ligamentous apparatus
Schmerzen in der Wade

Muscles

  • different muscular injuries and inflammatory complaints
Achillessehnenschmerzen

Tendons

  • Injury
  • Inflammation (tennis/golfer elbow)
  • Achillodynia