A more common joint disease than we think
L'osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the world. Long considered a simple consequence of aging, osteoarthritis actually affects millions of active patients, sometimes as young as 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 by osteoarthritis. In Geneva, Dr. Coulin sees patients suffering from osteoarthritis every week.knee osteoarthritis or ofhip osteoarthritis, often for several years without appropriate care. Understanding the figures is already a way to protect yourself. Because the earlier osteoarthritis is detected, the more numerous, effective, and long-lasting the treatment options are.
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
L'knee osteoarthritis represents nearly 40 % of symptomatic cases. From the age of 60, 1 in 3 people present clinical or radiological signs, with a direct impact on walking, leisure activities and sometimes even sleep.
L'hip osteoarthritis appears later, often after age 65, and in a more insidious way. Pain is often interpreted as "age," until it becomes permanent or mobility decreases. It is now one of the leading reasons for prosthesis placement in developed countries.
Very real consequences on daily life
Beyond the numbers, theosteoarthritis has a very real impact on daily life. Pain limits movement, changes posture, and prevents certain activities. Eventually, the loss of autonomy can become significant.
70 % of patients with osteoarthritis 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 linked to osteoarthritis often leads to prolonged use of painkillers or anti-inflammatories, with the risks that this entails (digestive, cardiovascular, etc.).
Not just a disease of old age
Contrary to popular belief, theosteoarthritis does not only affect older people. More and more young patients, sometimes as young as 35 or 40, are showing signs of joint wear. This early osteoarthritis is often linked to sports trauma (untreated meniscal or ligament injury), excess weight or genetic predispositions.
In active or athletic patients, this early osteoarthritis 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, theosteoarthritis is no longer just a matter of “waiting for a prosthesis”. Thanks to medical advances, many solutions exist to provide lasting relief and preserve the joint, even at a moderate or advanced stage.
In Geneva, Dr. Coulin offers a progressive and personalized approach to osteoarthritis, including injectable treatments (hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid®, stem cells), targeted rehabilitation, and, if necessary, conservative or prosthetic surgery. The goal is to provide lasting relief while maintaining a good level of activity and complete autonomy.
Understanding the numbers, acting sooner
L'osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease, but one that can be stabilized. By identifying 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 suffering from osteoarthritis in a personalized care pathway, with regular monitoring and solutions adapted to their age, activity and life goals.
