Osteoarthritis is a complex condition characterized by both wear and tear of the cartilage and inflammation in the joint. In a healthy joint, the synovial tissue plays a crucial role. Among other things, this tissue produces the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, absorbs shock and provides nutrients to the cartilage. The cartilage itself, and in the knee, of course, both menisci, act as a natural shock absorber.
In osteoarthritis, not only is the cartilage damaged, but the quality of the synovial fluid is of poorer quality because it contains less hyaluronic acid and many inflammatory cells, making it less functional. The synovial tissue is inflamed which causes pain and excessive production of synovial fluid. Due to the inflammatory processes in the synovial tissue, this tissue becomes more rigid and less elastic causing nocisensor nerve fibers to be activated faster and transmit pain impulses. All this leads to:
The above occurs in all stages of osteoarthritis from grade I to grade IV and can significantly determine the patient’s symptoms.
Osteoarthritis/arthritis is a common condition that is rapidly increasing worldwide. It is among one of the most common conditions in Belgium and in the Netherlands with a growth rate of about 3% per year. By 2040, the number of knee and hip surgeries is expected to double compared to today.
In order to provide this care, there is nothing left but to properly explore all alternatives to surgery and make them part of the regular treatments for osteoarthritis.
Over the past 20 years, little has changed in mainstream orthopedic treatment, and there is still no cure for osteoarthritis. The inflammation that often accompanies osteoarthritis in the knee is often underestimated, but it plays an important role in the process.
Treatments without corticosteroids such as Arthrosamid have shown promising results and can significantly slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Synovitis is associated with osteoarthritis and vice versa and is a major cause of pain and worsening of the condition. In joint inflammation, macrophages and T cells are found in the synovium, due to an influx of white blood cells that respond to cytokines, IL-6, WNT, other proteins and molecules whose effect we do not yet know well.
Treating inflammation in the synovial tissue in early osteoarthritis can help relieve symptoms, delay the disease and prevent cartilage damage.
Arthrosamid® is a medical device that acts precisely on the inflamed synovial tissue. Arthrosamid has a honeycomb structure into which the synovial tissue easily grows, making it more elastic and thicker and forming a natural barrier to the inflammatory process and restoring a better quality of synovial fluid with more hyaluronic acid and less IL-6. This results in less pain and swelling and improved mobility and functionality.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition in which the synovitis plays an important role in worsening osteoarthritis and symptoms. It is therefore important to also treat the synovitis early on without using corticosteroids because these again play an important role in worsening osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis-related symptoms. There are plenty of alternatives to corticosteroid injections available that unfortunately are still little used. In addition, lifestyle and adequate exercise play a very important role in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
