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)

I

tiny bony spurs growing out (red arrow)

II

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

III

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

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