Secondary osteoarthritis

What is secondary osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage, which serves as a buffer between the bones, gradually breaks down. As a result, the bones increasingly rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation and restricted movement. Typical symptoms include initial pain, stiffness after periods of rest and increasingly limited mobility. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but is particularly common in the knees, hips, hands and spine.

While so-called primary osteoarthritis is usually caused by natural ageing processes, the secondary variant is caused by the consequences of another disease/external influences.

What are the causes of secondary osteoarthritis?

• Injuries and trauma
  Joint fractures, torn ligaments or meniscus damage can affect the joint structure in the long term and wear down the cartilage more quickly.
• Misalignments and incorrect loading
  Congenital or acquired joint misalignments (e.g. knock knees or bow legs) lead to uneven loading and promote cartilage wear.
• Inflammatory joint diseases
  Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases attack the joints and can destroy the cartilage.
• Metabolic diseases
  Diseases such as gout, diabetes or haemophilia impair the metabolism in the joint and promote cartilage damage.
• Infections
  Bacterial infections in a joint (septic arthritis) can permanently damage the joint structure and cause osteoarthritis.
• Overloading and chronic stress
  Occupational or sporting overload can cause the cartilage to wear out more quickly, especially during intensive, repetitive movements.
• Physical changes
  Osteoporosis or hormonal changes (e.g. during the menopause) can affect the stability of bones and joints.

Secondary osteoarthritis: diagnostics in Frankfurt

Diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination and imaging procedures. As this form of osteoarthritis has a recognizable cause, it is particularly important to identify the underlying disease or damage at an early stage.

Medical history and physical examination

We will ask you questions about your symptoms, previous illnesses, injuries or family history.

Typical questions include

• how long has the pain been present?
• are there any known injuries or underlying illnesses?
• which movements are particularly painful or restricted?

During the examination, we check

• the mobility and stability of your affected joint
• swelling, misalignment or crunching noises (crepitations)
• pain when weight is applied or pressure is exerted on the joint

Imaging procedures

Various imaging procedures can be used to assess the condition of the joint more precisely:

• An X-ray examination provides information about cartilage wear, joint space narrowing, bone growths (osteophytes) or misalignments.
• Ultrasound can be used to assess joint effusions or soft tissue changes.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) allows detailed imaging of cartilage, ligaments and soft tissue. The examination is helpful in the early stages of osteoarthritis or if concomitant injuries are suspected.
• CT (computed tomography) is particularly useful for complex joint malpositions or fractures.
  Laboratory tests

If an inflammatory or metabolic cause is suspected, blood tests or joint punctures can provide important information:

• Inflammation values (CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factors) provide clarity if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected
• Uric acid values help to clarify a possible gout disease
• Bacteriological examination of joint fluid confirms or disproves the suspicion of an infection

Comprehensive diagnostics can not only confirm secondary osteoarthritis, but also treat its cause in a targeted manner in order to slow down or prevent the progression of the disease.

Secondary osteoarthritis: treatment in Frankfurt

As this form of joint wear and tear is triggered by a specific cause, it is crucial to treat this specifically. The aim is to relieve pain, maintain mobility and slow down the progression of the disease. The following options are available:

Treatment of the underlying disease

• For malpositions
  Orthopaedic insoles or surgical corrections can improve the load on the joint.
• For rheumatic diseases
  Drugs such as immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatory agents slow down the activity of the disease.
• For metabolic disorders
  An adapted diet and drug therapy (e.g. for gout or diabetes) can reduce joint damage.
• After injuries
  Consistent rehabilitation and physiotherapy help to prevent consequential damage.

Conservative therapy (without surgery)

• Pain and anti-inflammatory medication
  NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen or diclofenac) relieve discomfort and inhibit inflammation.
• Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
  Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles, stabilize the joint and improve mobility.
• Sports that are easy on the joints
  Swimming, cycling or yoga help to keep the joint flexible without overloading it.
• Infiltrations
  Targeted injections in or around the joint can relieve pain and improve joint function in cases of secondary osteoarthritis. Periarticular injections act on inflamed tissue around the joint, while intraarticular injections are given directly into the joint space. Cortisone reduces inflammation, hyaluronic acid improves lubrication and PRP promotes cartilage regeneration.
• Cold and heat applications
  Heat promotes blood circulation, cold relieves inflammation and pain.

Surgical therapy (for advanced osteoarthritis)

If conservative measures are no longer sufficient, surgery may be necessary:

• Arthroscopy (joint endoscopy)
  This involves the minimally invasive removal of damaged cartilage or smoothing of the joint surfaces.
• Repositioning osteotomy
  This treatment corrects pronounced misalignments in order to redistribute the joint load.
• Cartilage transplantation
  The body’s own cartilage can be transplanted for regeneration, especially in younger patients.
• Joint replacement (endoprosthesis)
  In severe cases, the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis (e.g. artificial knee or hip joint).

Lifestyle adjustments and prevention

• Weight reduction
  Particularly in the case of obesity, appropriate weight reduction relieves the joints and slows down cartilage degradation.
• Joint-friendly movement patterns
  It is very helpful to avoid one-sided strain or heavy physical work or to perform certain movements in a way that is easier on the joints.
• Ergonomic aids
  Bandages, orthoses or special shoe soles can relieve the affected joints.

How can secondary osteoarthritis be prevented?

The prevention of secondary osteoarthritis primarily addresses the causes that lead to premature joint wear. Targeted measures can reduce many risk factors and maintain joint health in the long term.

Avoid injuries and treat them correctly

• Sports with a high risk of injury (e.g. soccer, skiing) require targeted warm-up training and protective measures such as supports.
• After accidents or joint injuries, complete rehabilitation should take place to prevent incorrect strain.

Correct misalignments at an early stage

• Bow or knock-knees and other joint misalignments can lead to uneven loading and faster cartilage wear.
• Insoles, orthoses or surgical corrections can help to distribute the load optimally.

Treat inflammatory diseases in good time

• Rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infections can destroy the cartilage. Early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases protects the joints.
• Regular check-ups are important in order to detect inflammatory processes at an early stage.

Joint-friendly exercise and sport

• Regular exercise strengthens the muscles and stabilizes the joints without overloading them.
• Swimming, cycling or moderate strength training are particularly easy on the joints.

Maintain a healthy body weight

• Being overweight puts strain on the joints, especially the knees, hips and ankles.
• A balanced diet and regular exercise help to reduce weight and then keep it stable, thus reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Control metabolic diseases

• Diseses such as diabetes or gout can accelerate cartilage degradation. Good control of these diseases helps to protect the joints.
• A low-purine diet can help to prevent gout attacks.

Reduce overloading in everyday life and at work

• Anyone who lifts heavy loads at work or works on their knees for long periods should use techniques that are easy on the joints.
• Ergonomic aids, breaks and targeted compensatory movements take the strain off the joints.

Expert help for joint problems in Frankfurt

Secondary osteoarthritis can be caused by injury, inflammation or misalignment and often leads to pain and limited mobility. Early and targeted treatment is crucial to slow down joint wear and tear and improve quality of life.

At our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, you will find a first-class point of contact for the diagnosis and treatment of joint wear and tear.

Thanks to innovative procedures and comprehensive expertise, our practice is ideally equipped to provide you with the best possible care. If you are looking for a precise diagnosis and effective, gentle treatment, you will find the ideal partner for sustainable joint health here.

Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

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