Bone and joint diseases

Osteoporosis

🔴 Symptoms

Bone pain, especially in the back, hips, or wrists.
Frequent fractures even after minor trauma.
Loss of height over time.
Stooped posture (thoracic kyphosis).
Muscle weakness associated with bone fragility.

💊 Treatment

Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D.
Anti-resorptive medications such as bisphosphonates.
Hormone replacement therapy for some postmenopausal women.
Regular physical exercise to strengthen bones and muscles.
Correction of underlying disorders if present (thyroid issues, malabsorption, etc.).

📌 Summary

Definition: Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and quality, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures, even from minor impacts or falls.
Population affected: Mainly postmenopausal women, but also elderly men. The risk increases with age.
Common causes: Calcium or vitamin D deficiency, menopause, family history, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, certain medications (such as corticosteroids).

🛡️ Prevention

Adopt a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D from an early age.
Engage in regular physical activity (walking, gentle strength training).
Avoid tobacco and alcohol, which weaken the bones.
Have regular bone assessments for at-risk individuals (postmenopausal women, elderly).
Adapt your environment to prevent falls (grab bars, good shoes, proper lighting).

Ankylosing spondylitis

🔴 Symptoms

Chronic lower back pain, especially at night or during rest.
Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.
Pain improves with physical activity.
Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (lower back).
Pain in the heel, chest, or hips.
Persistent general fatigue.
Possible eye involvement (uveitis) causing redness, pain, and blurred vision.

💊 Treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Biotherapies (anti-TNF, anti-IL-17) in severe cases.
Physical therapy to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
Regular postural exercises to prevent deformity.
Regular monitoring by a rheumatologist.

📌 Summary

Definition: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can cause progressive stiffness of the spine and persistent pain, especially in the lower back.
Affected population: Mainly young men between 15 and 40 years old, although women can also be affected.
Common causes: Genetic predisposition (notably the presence of the HLA-B27 gene), immune system dysregulation, and environmental factors that are still poorly understood.

🛡️ Prevention

There is no known primary prevention, as the disease is often genetic in origin.
Early screening for people at risk (family history).
Maintain appropriate physical activity from the first symptoms.
Adopt good posture daily (avoid prolonged bent positions).
Avoid smoking, which worsens disease progression.

gout

🔴 Symptoms

Intense, sudden joint pain, often at night.
Redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected joint.
Attacks mainly localized to the big toe, but can also affect ankles, knees, wrists.
Temporary stiffness of the joint.
Presence of tophi (nodules of uric acid crystals) in advanced cases.

💊 Treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the acute phase.
Colchicine to relieve inflammation.
Corticosteroids if other treatments are ineffective.
Allopurinol or febuxostat to reduce uric acid in the long term.
Plenty of hydration and joint rest.

📌 Summary

Definition: Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sharp pain, swelling, and redness, often in the big toe.
Affected population: Adults over 40 years old, especially men. The risk increases with age, obesity, and certain dietary habits.
Common causes: Excess uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), excessive alcohol consumption, diet rich in purines (red meat, organ meats, seafood), family history, kidney diseases, certain medications (diuretics).

🛡️ Prevention

Adopt a low-purine diet (reduce red meat, organ meats, and seafood).
Limit alcohol, especially beer and spirits.
Avoid sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Regular medical follow-up to monitor uric acid levels.

Arthrose

🔴 Symptoms

Chronic joint pain, especially after exertion.
Morning stiffness lasting a few minutes.
Progressive loss of joint mobility.
Cracking or noises during movement.
Swelling or joint deformity at an advanced stage.

💊 Treatment

Painkillers (paracetamol) and anti-inflammatories during flare-ups.
Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
Use of assistive devices (canes, orthotics).
In case of severe deterioration: surgery (joint replacement).

📌 Summary

Definition: Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease characterized by the progressive wear of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones. It causes pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility, especially in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Affected population: Adults over 50 years old, especially women after menopause. The risk increases with age, overweight, and certain repetitive physical occupations.
Common causes: Natural aging of the joints, overweight, previous joint injuries, genetic predisposition, intense professional or sports activities, anatomical abnormalities.

🛡️ Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight to relieve weight-bearing joints.
Regular and appropriate physical activity (swimming, gentle walking).
Avoid repetitive movements or prolonged heavy lifting.
Good posture and ergonomics at work.
Early screening in case of persistent joint pain.