Joint pain is not always synonymous with joint wear: common causes of joint problems

Many patients automatically associate joint pain with osteoarthritis. However, joint degeneration is not always to blame for the symptoms. A clear distinction helps to classify symptoms realistically and avoid misconceptions.

The most common conditions that can cause joint pain include:

• Degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Metabolic diseases such as gout
• Autoimmune-associated joint diseases such as psoriatic arthritis
• Bone diseases such as osteoporosis
• Inflammation of structures near the joints, such as bursitis
• Overuse-related irritation of joints and tendons
• Ligament and capsule injuries resulting in joint instability
• Malalignments and axial deviations that alter joint load

These conditions can cause joint pain

Diagnosis and treatment of joint pain with Dr. Tabrizi in Frankfurt

Joint pain can have many different causes. In order to help you, a careful diagnosis is required. With various examinations in our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we can find out the cause of your joint pain and develop a treatment plan that suits your personal situation.

We are here for you! Simply contact us to make an appointment! You can also do this via Doctolib, our online appointment booking tool.

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What is osteoarthritis of the knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic, non-inflammatory joint disease in which the protective cartilage between the femur, tibia and kneecap gradually breaks down.

In a healthy knee, this cartilage ensures smooth movement and acts as a shock absorber. However, if it becomes thinner or rough, the bones rub directly against each other during movement – leading to pain, stiffness and limited mobility.

Osteoarthritis of the knee can develop gradually and affect different areas of the knee joint. It is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis, especially in older people or in people who put a lot of strain on their knees through work, sport or obesity.

What symptoms are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee can cause a variety of symptoms that develop gradually and increase as the disease progresses. The symptoms often occur as a result of stress and can persist over time, even at rest. Typical symptoms are

• Knee pain
  Initially, the knee usually only hurts when weight is placed on it – for example when walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods. As osteoarthritis progresses, the pain also occurs at rest or at night.
• Initial pain
  After periods of rest, e.g. in the morning or after sitting for a long time, the first attempt at movement is particularly difficult. The knee feels stiff, but the pain often subsides after a few steps.
• Restricted movement
  The mobility of the knee decreases. Bending or full extension in particular can become increasingly difficult.
• Joint stiffness
  The knee joint feels stiff, especially after rest or cold. This often occurs in the morning or during longer periods of sitting.
• Swelling and overheating
  In the event of irritation or accompanying inflammation, the knee may swell, become overheated and feel firm.
• Crunching or rubbing in the joint
  When moving, many sufferers experience an unpleasant sensation in the knee caused by the uneven cartilage surfaces. This is often accompanied by a cracking, crunching sound.
• Feeling of instability
  Some people report that their knee feels “unsteady” or “wobbly” and that they do not have a firm grip – especially when walking on uneven surfaces.
• Misalignments
  In the later stages, visible changes such as bow legs or knock-knees can occur, which also increase pain and strain.

What types of osteoarthritis of the knee are there?

The knee consists of three main joint parts (compartments). Osteoarthritis can occur in one or more of these areas:

• Medial gonarthrosis
  This form affects the inner part of the joint between the femur and tibia (medial tibial compartment). It is the most common type of gonarthrosis, as the body weight is predominantly on the inside of the knee when walking.
• Lateral gonarthrosis
  This affects the outer section of the joint (lateral tibial compartment). It occurs less frequently, but can be particularly painful and is often accompanied by a knock-knee deformity.
• Retropatellar gonarthrosis
  In this form, the wear and tear is located behind the kneecap (between the kneecap and the thigh bone). Typical symptoms occur when climbing stairs, squatting or sitting for long periods with the knee bent.
• Pangonarthrosis
  If all three joint sections are affected at the same time, this is known as pangonarthrosis. This form is usually advanced and associated with significant restriction of movement and chronic pain.

What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?

The causes of knee osteoarthritis are varied – several factors often come together.
A basic distinction is made between primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the knee:

Primary osteoarthritis of the knee

This form develops without a clearly identifiable cause. It is mainly associated with the natural ageing process. Over the years, the joint cartilage gradually wears down due to constant stress. Possible contributing factors are

• Genetic predisposition
• Age (often from the age of 50)
• Being overweight, which puts a permanent strain on the knee joints
• Lack of exercise, which impairs cartilage nutrition

Secondary osteoarthritis of the knee

In this case, there is a specific cause or previous illness that accelerates cartilage wear or triggers it at an early stage. Common causes in this context are

• Injuries such as meniscus tears, cruciate ligament tears or bone fractures in the knee area
• Misalignment of the legs (e.g. bow legs or knock-knees), which put uneven strain on the cartilage
• Chronic overloading due to heavy physical work or intensive sport
• Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Metabolic disorders such as gout or diabetes mellitus
• Previous operations on the knee joint

How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee is based on several steps and aims to determine the exact cause of the symptoms and the extent of the cartilage wear. A structured procedure helps to rule out other possible diseases and initiate the appropriate treatment.

Medical history

The first step is to ask you specific questions:

• The type, duration and intensity of your pain
• Accompanying complaints such as swelling or stiffness
• Everyday restrictions and previous treatments
• Risk factors such as injuries, misalignments or family history

Physical examination

We will now examine your knee for swelling, misalignment, restricted movement and tenderness. The gait pattern, leg axis and stability of the joint also provide us with important information.

Imaging procedures

The following methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:

• X-ray
  This is the most important imaging procedure for assessing the joint space, bony changes, malpositions or joint deformities.
• Ultrasound
  Ultrasound is helpful for visualizing joint effusions, bursitis or soft tissue changes.
• MRI
  Magnetic resonance imaging is used to assess the condition of the cartilage, menisci, ligaments and soft tissues more precisely – especially in the early stages of osteoarthritis or if symptoms are unclear.
• Laboratory tests (if required)
  If an inflammatory process is suspected – e.g. as part of a rheumatic disease – blood tests can be useful. They help to rule out other causes such as gout or bacterial inflammation.

The combination of medical history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging enables us to make a reliable assessment of how advanced the osteoarthritis of the knee is – and which treatment options are available.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in Frankfurt

The treatment of knee joint wear and tear in our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt aims to relieve pain, improve your joint function and slow down the progression of the disease.

Depending on the severity and individual factors, various treatment approaches can be considered:

Conservative treatment methods

In the early stages of gonarthrosis, the focus is on non-surgical measures:

• Physiotherapy
  Targeted exercises strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve mobility and stabilize the knee joint.
• Weight reduction
  Being overweight puts additional strain on the knee joints. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the joint and alleviate symptoms.
• Drug therapy
  Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication can reduce symptoms.
• Orthopaedic aids
  Insoles or supports support the joint and can correct misalignments.
• Sport and MTT
  Joint-friendly sports such as cycling, swimming or Nordic walking can strengthen the muscles around the knee, which can improve joint stability and relieve pain. At the same time, exercise promotes cartilage nutrition, which can counteract the progression of osteoarthritis. Medical training therapy (MTT) also enables structured muscle development – under professional guidance – and helps to avoid incorrect strain. Properly dosed, regular exercise can have a significant positive effect on the course of the disease.

Surgical treatment methods

If conservative measures are no longer sufficient, surgical procedures can be considered:

• Arthroscopy
  This minimally invasive arthroscopy enables the removal of cartilage abrasion or meniscus damage.
• Repositioning osteotomy
  This involves the surgical correction of misalignments in order to redistribute the load in the joint.
• Knee endoprosthesis
  The implantation of an artificial knee joint is often recommended in cases of advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Special therapies offered at Dr. Tabrizi’s practice in Frankfurt

In our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we offer not only classic treatment methods but also advanced innovative therapies that can be optimally combined with general treatment:

• Peri- and intra-articular infiltrations
  The injection of anti-inflammatory substances directly into the affected joint or surrounding tissue helps to reduce pain and inhibit inflammation.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  In autologous blood treatment, we inject growth factor-rich plasma into your joint to promote healing processes and slow down cartilage degradation. You can find more information about this treatment option here: PRP therapy for osteoarthritis: How does the procedure work??
• Kinesio taping
  Elastic tapes support joint function and pain relief.
• Acupuncture
  We insert special needles at specific points to reduce pain and promote self-healing.

Osteoarthritis therapy in Frankfurt: help with osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adults and can significantly impair quality of life. This makes early and targeted treatment that not only alleviates the symptoms but also slows down the progression of joint wear all the more important.

At our private orthopaedic practice in Frankfurt, you will receive comprehensive care – from in-depth diagnostics to individual treatment planning. With modern, gentle procedures such as PRP therapy, special injections and other supportive measures, we offer you numerous options to reduce pain in the long term and promote mobility.

If you suffer from knee osteoarthritis, we are a competent point of contact for customized treatment based on the latest medical findings. Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

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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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