A more common joint disease than we think
L'osteoarthritis is the most widespread joint disease in the world. Long considered a simple consequence of aging, it actually affects millions of active patients, sometimes as young as 40. Its repercussions are significant: chronic pain, reduced mobility, and loss of independence.
In Switzerland, it is estimated that one in six people is affected by this disease. In Geneva, Dr. Coulin sees patients suffering from it every week.knee osteoarthritis Or hip, often for several years without appropriate support.
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 statistics, it has a very real impact on daily life. Pain limits movement, alters posture, and prevents certain activities. In the long term, the loss of independence 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, it doesn't only affect the elderly. An increasing number of young patients, sometimes as young as 35 or 40, are showing signs of joint wear and tear. 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-onset osteoarthritis has a major impact on daily life. It limits sports participation, disrupts professional life, and can cause significant physical and mental distress.
Personalized care is essential
Today, theosteoarthritis it is no longer simply a matter of “waiting for the prosthesisThanks to medical advances, many solutions exist to provide lasting relief 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
L'osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease, but one that can be stabilized. By identifying the early signs By consulting a specialist as soon as joint pain appears, it is possible to put in place 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.
