Aging processes, genetic predisposition, but also excessive one-sided stress or accidents can lead to signs of wear on the joint cartilage. This wear and tear is called arthrosis and any joint can be affected. Unfortunately, the joint cartilage in adult humans can only heal to a very limited extent, so that nature is usually unable to repair cartilage damage caused by wear and tear or accidents on its own. Osteoarthritis leads to symptoms such as an unpleasant pulling sensation in the joint, joint effusions, morning joint stiffness or start-up pain. As the disease progresses, the pain becomes more severe and daily activities have to be restricted. This naturally also reduces the quality of life.

In some cases, the arthrosis is already so advanced that surgical procedures become necessary to provide lasting relief from the symptoms. Nevertheless, there are many patients for whom conservative treatment methods, especially in cases of even milder osteoarthritis, lead to relief of the symptoms and an improved quality of life.

There are also supportive measures, such as something shoes with good cushioning soles, insoles, bandages, anti-inflammatory and cartilage-building drugs that can help very well. In the case of osteoarthritis of the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle and foot), attention should also be paid to weight. Joint-friendly sport (swimming, water gymnastics, fitness, cycling) strengthens the muscles and, by improving muscular joint control, often also leads to a reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms. Physical measures such as quark compresses, stimulation current, iontophoresis can also be useful.

The pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis are essentially caused by inflammatory processes that become established in an affected joint due to microscopic abrasion particles from cartilage and bone. Painful inflammation of the joint mucosa and joint effusions, and in advanced stages pain caused by pain nerve fibers in the exposed bone surfaces no longer protected by cartilage, are the result.

A very effective supplement to the conservative treatment measures listed above can be infiltrations into the affected joints with hyaluronic acid or autologous blood (ACP). In some cases it makes sense to combine autologous blood with hyaluronic acid.

It is now recognized that autologous blood and hyaluronic acid can reduce the inflammatory changes in the joint and even trigger cartilage-regenerative processes to a limited extent. In the case of hyaluronic acid, improved shock absorption in the joint can be temporarily achieved through the joint-lubricating effect. Overall, it has been scientifically proven that the infiltration treatments mentioned can relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoarthritis.

You are welcome to clarify which procedure makes sense for you individually in a personal conversation with me.