Arthritis (Inflammation of the joints)

Unlike degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) inflammation of the joints (arthritis) is often associated with overheating, swelling and inflammation (redness). The chemical processes which take place during inflammation and cell-activities destroy the articular cartilage over a prolonged period. Autoimmune processes, which occur in rheumatic diseases are a potential cause. Inflammation can also accompany degenerative processes (osteoarthritis). The bursa located in the joint area may also become inflamed (bursitis, periarthritis). Often the shoulder joint it affected by it as due to its large freedom of movement, it is subject to considerable strain. Bacteria which gets into the joint from injuries or the bloodstream lead to suppurative arthritis. This arthritis causes fever and a decline in general health, and need immediate treatment.

Symptoms: Depending on the cause, the inflammation often begins with severe pains which prevent the movement of the affected joint. The involuntarily occurring muscle tension can for example, in the area of the shoulder, lead to a pinching sensation, the so-called impingement syndrome . If the inflammatory process stays over a longer period of time (chronic inflammation), stiffening of the joint may start.

Therapy: The goal of conservative therapy is, with the aid of medication, to slow down the inflammation in the short and long term and with physiotherapeutic measures to keep the affected joints mobile or to neutralise a restriction which has already occurred. In the case of chronic inflammation, synovial membranes can be reduced using arthroscopic surgery (arthroscopy) joints and inflamed areas can be removed. As such, the spatial conditions for free movement are created. If there is already severe cartilage damage caused by the inflammation, joint replacement operations such as hip or knee prostheses bring about an extensive restoration of the joint function.