Please note! The text below is not intended as medical advice. This text has been compiled based on our own knowledge, customer experiences and various online sources.
Table of contents
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common form of joint wear and tear that mainly occurs in older people, but can also affect younger people. In this condition, the cartilage in the joint wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other.
This wear and tear causes pain, stiffness and swelling. Osteoarthritis mainly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hands (fingers), hips and spine. The inflammatory processes that develop with osteoarthritis can further damage the joint.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatism?
Although osteoarthritis and rheumatism cause similar symptoms, such as joint pain and inflammation, their causes are different.
- Rheumatism is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own joints, causing inflammatory substances to be released.
- Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, develops due to wear and tear, overuse or genetic factors.
However, both conditions require targeted treatment of joint inflammation and pain relief to improve quality of life.
Infrared for osteoarthritis: How can it help?
Infrared therapy can be a valuable supplement for people with osteoarthritis. Infrared light delivers heat directly into the tissue, offering several benefits.
- Pain relief: The heat stimulates circulation and helps reduce pain and stiffness.
- Improved range of motion: The deeply penetrating heat relaxes the tissue, often resulting in better joint mobility.
- Reduction of inflammation: Infrared light can help combat inflammation and promote the regeneration of affected areas.
The pleasant warmth can also help relax the muscles surrounding the joints, reducing pressure on the joints. With regular use, infrared therapy can significantly improve quality of life and freedom of movement in daily life.
Red light for osteoarthritis: The difference from infrared
Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red light (630 and 660 nm) and near-infrared light (830 and 850 nm).
Each wavelength penetrates the skin to a different depth and stimulates specific cellular processes. Light in the red and NIR spectrum can penetrate the skin to a depth of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters, allowing it to reach deeper tissue as well.
Red Light Therapy offers several benefits for osteoarthritis and rheumatism:
- Improved circulation: Red light stimulates circulation in the superficial layers of the skin, which may improve the supply of nutrients to the joints.
- Reduction of inflammation: Red light may have an anti-inflammatory effect and supports regeneration, helping to relieve inflammation and joint pain.
- Muscle relaxation: The gentle warmth of red light relaxes the tissue, resulting in overall relief for the affected joint.
Red Light Therapy can therefore play an additional role in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms in a targeted way during acute complaints or inflammation.
Does light therapy have side effects?
Treatment with red and infrared light is generally considered safe. However, like many other therapies, it can cause certain side effects if used incorrectly.
People with certain conditions or health problems should exercise caution; they may be better off avoiding infrared phototherapy. For a detailed explanation, we recommend consulting our in-depth guide on possible side effects and contraindications.
Additional tips for relieving osteoarthritis symptoms
In addition to infrared and red light therapy, there are other approaches that may help with osteoarthritis:
- Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise helps keep the joints flexible. Activities such as swimming or cycling are particularly suitable.
- Healthy diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish and healthy fats may help reduce inflammation in the joints.
- Weight management: Every extra kilogram puts strain on the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the joints and thereby also reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
These additional approaches, together with light therapy, may help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
