Arthritis is a chronic disorder which leads to cartilage destruction and malfunction of the joint concerned. It occurs as a result of mechanical and biological factors. An imbalance occurs between cartilage production and destruction. Destruction becomes dominant and lesions appear within the cartilage. The condition is then referred to as "chondropathy" (“chondro” = cartilage and “pathy” = disease).

The cartilage will try to repair these injuries, but will sooner or later become unable to compensate for the imbalance. The cartilage thickness is reduced, leading to a narrowed joint space (the two bone ends move closer together). Cracks appear in the cartilaginous tissue and may extend to the subchondral bone.

Lastly, the synovial membrane* also plays an important role in the arthritis process. The deterioration of the cartilage releases substances into the joint that irritate the synovial membrane. This membrane then manufactures more synovial fluid, giving rise to the classic “synovial thickening” symptom. This fluid is also of poorer quality than usual, with a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid. It protects the cartilage less and therefore contributes to further cartilage deterioration.

*. The synovial membrane is a vascularized innervated tissue lining the interior face of the joint capsule, a fibrous casing surrounding the joint. It takes the form of a smooth, transparent membrane traversed by small blood vessels. In its normal state it has small “folds” called villi. Its main function is to secrete hyaluronic acid for the joint fluid, which lubricates the joint. The synovial membrane is also responsible for the elimination of any cartilaginous debris in the joint cavity. Its blood vessels provide the oxygen and nutrients, including glucose, essential to living cartilage.

Osteoporosis is a gradual decline in the bone matrix, reducing bone density and therefore making bones more fragile.

The decline in the bone matrix is a natural process due to ageing of the skeleton, called physiological osteopenia. But in patients suffering from osteoporosis, this decline is speeded up. The exaggeration of the physiological osteoporosis process results from an imbalance between the role of osteoblasts (cells required for bone production) and osteoclasts (cells responsible for the destruction of bone tissue). Bone is a living tissue which is constantly renewed.

Osteoporosis affects both men and women. However, women are affected earlier than men. Several risk factors may be involved in the development of osteoporosis:
• Age, the menopause.
•Morphology: osteoporosis may develop more frequently in tall, slender people.
•Lack of physical activity.
• A diet lacking calcium and protein.
• A family history of osteoporosis.
•High alcohol and tobacco consumption (the main factors in development of osteoporosis in men).
• Certain endocrine disorders (thyroid and suprarenal hormone problems, etc.), or genetic disorders affecting the kidneys or blood cells.
• Certain medications.

If any of your joints are painful, stiff or swollen for longer than 8 to 10 days, it is important to consult your doctor in order to establish a diagnosis and apply treatment without delay to relieve your pain and movement difficulties.

Consulting your doctor will reassure you as to the causes of your pain or discomfort. He or she will be able to determine whether you are suffering from arthritis or another disorder and they will give you guidelines for the treatment and behavior to be adopted to improve your daily life.

If it is arthritis, your doctor will be in a position to establish the diagnosis by assessing your medical history and proceeding with a physical examination. Sometimes, he or she will ask for certain tests to help confirm the diagnosis, determine the presence or absence of joint lesions, or again to distinguish between the different forms of arthritis. These tests are mainly X-rays, blood tests and tests on joint fluid.

For over 15 years Laboratoires Expanscience has offered specialist pharmaceuticals in the rheumatology field. In this respect, the Rheumatology division is committed to investing in continuing training for doctors and support for research.

Since 1997, arthrolink.com has offered information, training and recommendations on arthritis to both health professionals and the general public.

Since 1998, two “Expanscience Prix Arthrose” prizes have been awarded for clinical research and fundamental research to two French-speaking research scientists for the scientific interest and innovative nature of their work. All the projects awarded the “Prix Arthrose Expanscience” have been accepted for publication in well-respected international journals, providing proof of their scientific importance.

Since 2007, the medical visit networks have been certified for refundable specialist pharmaceuticals in outpatient health care, in accordance with the French law of 13 August 2004 concerning health insurance. This ensures that high-quality information is provided to health professionals.

Lastly, Laboratoires Expanscience is present at the main regional, national and international rheumatology conferences, where its experts meet practitioners to pass on up-to-date information on their areas of expertise .