A more common joint disease than we think
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the world. For a long time considered as a simple consequence of age, it actually concerns millions of active patients, sometimes from the age of 40. Its repercussions are major : chronic pain, reduced mobility and loss of autonomy.
In Switzerland, it is estimated that one in six people are affected. In Geneva, Dr. Coulin receives patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis every week, often for several years without appropriate care. Understanding the numbers is already protecting yourself. Because the earlier osteoarthritis is detected, the more therapeutic options are numerous, effective and sustainable.
Osteoarthritis in a few key figures
- More than 500 million people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis.
- In Europe, 1 in 5 adults suffer from at least one form of osteoarthritis.
- In Switzerland, it is estimated that nearly 1.5 million people are concerned.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common form, followed by the hip.
Knee and hip : the most affected locations
Osteoarthritis of the knee accounts for nearly 40% of symptomatic cases. From 60 years old, 1 person in 3 presents clinical or radiological signs, with a direct impact on walking, leisure and sometimes even sleep.
Osteoarthritis of the hip appears later, often after 65 years, and more insidiously. Pain is often interpreted as "age", until it becomes permanent or mobility decreases. It is today one of the leading causes of prosthesis placement in developed countries.
Very real consequences on daily life
Beyond the numbers, osteoarthritis has a very concrete impact on daily life. Pain limits movement, modifies postures and prevents certain activities. In the long term, loss of autonomy can become significant.
70 % patients report discomfort for :
- Go up or down the stairs
- Bend over or crouch
- Walk for a long time or practice a sport
- Sleep without pain-related awakenings
This chronic pain often leads to a prolonged intake of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, with the risks that this entails (digestive, cardiovascular...).
Not just a disease of old age
Contrary to popular belief, osteoarthritis does not only affect the elderly. More and more young patients, sometimes as early as 35 or 40 years old, show signs of joint wear. This early osteoarthritis is often linked to an athletic trauma (untreated meniscal or ligamentary injury), overweight or genetic predispositions.
In active or athletic patients, this premature wear and tear has a major impact on daily life. It limits the practice of sport, disrupts professional life and can cause real physical and mental distress.
Personalized care is essential
Today, osteoarthritis is no longer about "waiting for the prosthesis". Thanks to medical advances, many solutions exist to sustainably relieve and preserve the joint, even at a moderate or advanced stage.
Dr Coulin offers in Geneva a gradual and personalised approach, including injectable treatments (hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid®, stem cells), targeted rehabilitation and, if necessary, conservative or prosthetic surgery. The objective is to provide lasting relief, while maintaining a good level of activity and complete autonomy.
Understanding the numbers, acting sooner
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease that can be stabilized. By identifying the early signs and consulting a specialist as soon as joint pain appears, it is possible to implement effective strategies to delay or even avoid surgery.
In Geneva, Dr. Coulin supports each patient in a tailored care pathway, with regular monitoring and solutions adapted to their age, activity and life goals.
