- Chondroprotectors: support cartilage restoration (glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid).
- Pain relievers: paracetamol or stronger analgesics for severe pain.
- Topical agents: NSAID creams and gels, warming and irritating ointments (diclofenac gel, capsaicin).

2. Physiotherapy
- Laser therapy, shock wave therapy (SWT), UHF: promote improved blood circulation and pain reduction.
- Electrophoresis: administration of drugs through the skin using electric current.
- Magnetotherapy: reduces inflammation through the influence of a magnetic field.
- Thermal procedures: paraffin applications, mud therapy.

3. Therapeutic Exercise
- Exercises to increase mobility and strengthen muscles around the joint.
- Individually selected by a rehabilitation doctor depending on the stage of the disease.

4. Orthopedic Devices
- Orthoses and braces: stabilize the joint, reducing load.
- Insoles, orthopedic shoes: reduce stress on the joints of the legs.

5. Joint Injections
- Hyaluronic acid: improves lubrication and cushioning of the joint.
- Corticosteroids: quickly relieve inflammation.
- PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma therapy): injections of the patient's blood plasma to stimulate tissue repair.

6. Lifestyle Modification
- Weight control: reduces stress on the joints.
- Proper nutrition: a diet rich in vitamins (C, D), calcium, omega-3.
- Physical activity: swimming, yoga, walking instead of high-intensity exercises.

7. Alternative Methods
- Acupuncture, massage.
- Naturopathy: collagen supplements, herbal remedies.
- Therapeutic baths: hydrogen sulfide, radon.

When is surgical intervention necessary?
Conservative methods are applied in the early stages of joint diseases (osteoarthritis, arthritis, bursitis). If joint destruction is pronounced and functions are limited, endoprosthetics or arthroscopy is considered.

Conservative treatment is effective with regular application and specialist supervision.

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The Importance of Orthopedic Footwear in Joint Diseases

Orthopedic footwear plays a key role in the treatment and prevention of joint diseases. It ensures proper load distribution on the joints, supports the foot in a physiologically correct position, and reduces pain. Here are the main aspects of its importance:

1. Reducing Joint Load
Orthopedic footwear evenly distributes the load on the joints of the legs—ankle, knee, and hip. This is especially important for:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Flat feet, which exacerbate joint problems.
Result: pain reduction and prevention of further joint damage.

2. Improving Cushioning
Cushioning insoles and soles absorb shocks while walking. This reduces microtrauma to the joints, which can accelerate their wear, especially in patients with:
- Arthritis.
- Post-traumatic joint changes.

3. Supporting Anatomically Correct Foot Position
In foot deformities (e. g. , flat feet or valgus deformity), the load on the joints is distributed incorrectly, causing overload. Orthopedic footwear:
- Corrects foot position.
- Reduces the risk of secondary joint changes, such as osteoarthritis.

4. Improving Balance and Stability
Especially important for elderly patients or people with joint pain who experience balance issues. Orthopedic footwear:
- Reduces the risk of falls.
- Strengthens muscle tone and stabilizes gait.

5. Preventing Complications
Joint diseases are often accompanied by changes in gait (due to pain or deformity). This can lead to:
- Increased pain sensations.
- Higher risk of injury. Orthopedic footwear helps maintain proper stride, preventing additional problems.

6. Comfort During Prolonged Walking
Soft materials, absence of seams in the toe area, proper arch and insole shape provide comfort, preventing chafing, calluses, and pain during prolonged wear.

Recommendations for Choosing Orthopedic Footwear
- Individual selection: footwear should match the patient's foot characteristics.
- Cushioning sole: to reduce impact load.
- Presence of orthopedic insoles: especially important for flat feet.
- Materials: breathable, soft, to avoid pressure on sensitive areas.
- Fastening: adjustable closures for comfortable wear.

Conclusion

Orthopedic footwear is not only part of the treatment of joint diseases but also a means of prevention. It helps reduce pain symptoms, improve gait, slow disease progression, and enhance patients' quality of life. Properly selected footwear is an investment in joint health.

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The Importance of Weight Loss in Joint Diseases

Weight loss is one of the most important components of the prevention and treatment of joint diseases. Excess weight significantly increases the load on the joints, especially the musculoskeletal system, accelerating their wear and contributing to disease progression.

How Excess Weight Affects Joints
- Increased joint load:
- Each extra kilogram of body weight increases the load on the knee and hip joints by 3–5 times when walking or running.
- Constant overload accelerates the destruction of joint cartilage, which is especially dangerous in osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis, and other degenerative diseases.
- Enhanced inflammatory processes:
- Adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory substances (cytokines) that worsen joint conditions, causing or exacerbating inflammation.
- Biomechanical disruption:
- Excess weight can alter posture and gait, causing improper load distribution and leading to joint wear.

Benefits of Weight Loss in Joint Diseases
- Reducing joint load:
- Even a small weight loss (5–10% of body weight) significantly reduces the load on the leg joints, especially the knees.
- This slows the progression of osteoarthritis and other diseases.
- Pain reduction:
- Patients who lose weight often notice significant relief of pain symptoms due to reduced joint pressure.
- Inflammation reduction:
- Reducing fat mass helps lower levels of pro-inflammatory substances, improving overall joint condition.
- Improved mobility:
- Weight reduction facilitates movement, makes gait more stable, and helps the patient return to physical activity.
- Slowing cartilage destruction:
- Less load slows joint cartilage wear and reduces the risk of further complications.

Recommendations for Weight Loss
- Balanced nutrition:
- Increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains.
- Limit refined sugars, saturated fats, and salt.
- Calorie control to create a deficit (about 500–700 kcal/day for safe weight loss).
- Physical activity:
- Low-impact sports: swimming, stationary cycling, yoga, Nordic walking.
- Regular physical activity strengthens muscles supporting the joints and promotes weight loss.
- Increasing motivation:
- Set achievable goals (e. g. , losing 1 kg per month).
- Track progress and reward yourself for successes.
- Medical supervision:
- Consultation with a dietitian, endocrinologist, and rehabilitation specialist for an individual plan.

Conclusion

Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to reduce joint load, improve their condition, and slow disease progression. Losing even a few kilograms can significantly improve quality of life, reduce pain, and increase joint mobility. Working on weight is a long-term investment in joint health and overall well-being.