Osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, especially as they age. The condition is characterized by the wearing away of the cartilage that lines the ends of bones in the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness and difficulty moving. Although it can affect any joint in the body, osteoarthritis usually develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, spine and hands.

Regarding the impact on daily life, pain is one of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis, ranging from mild to severe and affecting the ability to perform daily activities. This pain can worsen with movement and improve with rest, which can limit a person’s ability to walk, climb stairs, lift objects or perform household chores.

In addition to the experience of pain, another typical manifestation of osteoarthritis is joint stiffness, which can make it difficult to move a joint after periods of inactivity. This stiffness tends to improve with movement, but may persist throughout the day in more advanced cases of the disease.

In terms of loss of joint function, as osteoarthritis progresses, affected joints may become less stable and lose their ability to move normally. This can lead to decreased muscle strength, mobility and flexibility, making it even more difficult to perform daily activities.

In addition to the physical symptoms, it is important to consider the emotional and mental impact of osteoarthritis. Chronic pain and disability can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and decreased self-esteem. Difficulty performing activities that were once simple and enjoyable can lead to feelings of frustration, social isolation and loss of interest in social and recreational activities.

In summary, osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that can have a significant impact on people’s lives. From joint pain and stiffness to loss of function and emotional impact, this disease can limit a person’s ability to lead an active and fulfilling life. It is important to seek treatment and adopt pain management strategies to help control symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with osteoarthritis.

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health, published in Dr. José López Chicharro’s prestigious exercise philosophy blog, found that osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and the leading cause of pain in older people. Pain management is critical in OA, but traditional medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen can have serious side effects, especially in older people with comorbidities. On the other hand, exercise has been increasingly highlighted as a central treatment for knee or hip OA, but its analgesic effect compared with traditional medications was unclear.

A meta-analysis involving 152 Randomized Clinical Trials and more than 17,000 participants found that exercise offered similar pain relief and functional improvement compared to oral NSAIDs and acetaminophen in the short and long term. This study confirms that exercise is an effective therapy for OA, with a superior safety profile to traditional medications.

These findings support the recommendation to prioritize exercise as a core treatment for OA. Furthermore, they suggest that exercise may be a safe alternative for older people with comorbidities or at risk for drug-related adverse effects. However, it is important to emphasize that the appropriate type and intensity of exercise are critical, as an inappropriate approach could worsen OA symptoms and progression.

In conclusion, exercise offers similar benefits to traditional medications in the treatment of OA, with a superior safety profile. Exercise should be given more importance in clinical care, especially in older people with comorbidities or risk of medication-related side effects.