Possible causes of arthrosis and its treatment

Arthrosis is a pathology in which gradual deformation of the joints occurs. In the initial stages, cartilage and ligaments are destroyed. The process is slow, so the disease is detected already at a late stage of development. In the future, this can lead to loss of mobility and disability.

The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. The disease affects both men and women equally.

Symptoms

Pain in the joints during movement is the main symptom of the disease, which is why many seek medical help in time. Discomfort manifests itself during long walks or heavy physical exertion.

What is arthrosis, the doctor will tell during the diagnosis of the disease. Pathology can be suspected when the following symptoms appear:

• night pains caused by stagnation of venous blood and increased pressure inside the joint;
• the appearance of crunching due to the friction of the collapsing cartilage;
• increased pain during heavy loads, especially pronounced in knee arthrosis during squats, sports (running, jumping, lifting weights), carrying weights;
• meteorological dependence, when the affected joints start to hurt when the weather changes, especially before rain or heavy snow, cold;
• morning stiffness.

The difference between arthrosis and osteoarthritis, a doctor's answer

The doctor and popular health television host says that the terms "arthrosis" and "osteoarthritis" refer to a disease in which cartilage is damaged and bone tissue grows.

In arthrosis, the cartilaginous tissue of the surface of the joints is destroyed, the mobility of the extremities is limited, severe pain appears. Pathology is diagnosed in men and women over the age of 40 (the main reason for women is the onset of menopause, when hormonal changes occur in the body).

Osteoarthritis manifests itself as a result of the deformation of the articular cartilage and affects the bone tissue, affecting the entire joint, which leads to disability.

Other diseases with similar symptoms

There are a number of diseases that have symptoms similar to those of arthrosis:

1. Humeroscapular periarthritis, cervical osteochondrosis, osteoporosis and arthritis of the shoulder joint.
2. Elbow epicondylitis, deforming osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis of the hand.
3. Coxarthrosis.
4. Rheumatoid and infectious arthritis in children.

Types of arthrosis by localization

The types of disease vary depending on where the diseased joint is located. The mildest type of pathology is the shoulder. Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed by:

• cervical region;
• knee joint (affects both legs, but develops to a different degree);
• ankle;
• hip joint (pathology characteristic of the elderly).

Causes of disease

The disease can develop without a cause (idiopathic or primary). Pathological processes in the body often cause a secondary form of pathology. Reasons for the development of arthrosis:

• injuries (dislocations, bruises, fractures, torn ligaments, meniscus damage);
• congenital anomalies in joint development (dysplasia);
• metabolic disease;
• autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus);
• inflammatory processes (acute purulent arthritis);
• infectious diseases (tuberculosis, encephalitis, gonorrhea, syphilis);
• endocrine system pathology (thyroid disease);
• hemophilia;
• age-related changes in the body;
• frequent hypothermia.

Diagnostics

There are several diagnostic methods:

• x-ray examination;
• arthroscopy (examination with a video camera inserted into the joint through a 4-5 mm incision);
• blood analysis;
• histological examination of the synovium (in arthrosis, integumentary cells do not regenerate, atrophic villi appear, the number of blood vessels decreases).

Degree of joint damage

A classification is used that includes 4 stages of disease development.

The first stage (the disease does not affect the ability to work):

• slight limitation of joint movement in one direction only;
• there are no bony growths on the X-ray;
• cartilage surfaces are uneven;
• joint space begins to narrow.

Second stage (affects work ability):

• average movement restriction;
• strong creaking when changing the position of the limbs;
• partial atrophy of nearby muscles;
• bone growths, osteophytes;
• the lumen of the gap is smaller than the norm by 2-3 times.

Third stage (disability):

• joint deformity;
• movement is limited;
• pain during movement and at rest (relieved by painkillers);
• no joint space;
• muscles are atrophied;
• ossification of the joint surface.

Fourth stage:

• severe pain that does not go away after taking painkillers.
• complete destruction of the joint.

Basic treatments

Arthrosis therapy includes several methods. To achieve a positive result, it is necessary to take medication, monitor weight. Physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy is prescribed. In more severe cases, surgical treatment is performed.

medical

The main task in the treatment of arthrosis is to eliminate pain. Medicines of different groups are prescribed for this:

1. Non-steroidal drugs in the form of tablets, suppositories, ointments, gels, injections. Long-term use of these drugs negatively affects cartilage tissue.
2. Corticosteroids. They are used in severe cases to relieve pain, they do not slow down the development of the disease. With uncontrolled use, the cartilage becomes thinner.
3. Analgesics, antispasmodics. They weakly relieve inflammation, but effectively relieve pain.
4. Chondroprotectors. These are the main drugs for the treatment of arthrosis, they provide nutrients to the cartilage tissue, and stimulate cell regeneration. They do not have a quick effect, the condition of the joints gradually improves. Effective even in stage 3 disease.
5. Vasodilator drugs. Necessary for improving blood circulation, removing spasms of small vessels. Improve the action of chondroprotectors.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is effectively used in arthrosis. Procedures include heating the joints. Dry heat slows down the destruction of bone and cartilage tissue, reduces pain and improves the general condition of the patient.

The following methods are used to treat the disease:

1. ultrasonic impact. High-frequency sound acts on the tissues of the body, causing a number of beneficial effects. Micromassage warms up muscles, improves blood flow in capillaries, and accelerates metabolic processes.
2. Electrophoresis. Under the influence of low-voltage current, drugs are injected into the problem area without affecting other parts of the body.
3. magnetic therapy. Application of the method helps to reduce inflammatory reactions, strengthens blood vessels, improves blood flow and accelerates the regeneration of cells in the problem area.
4. Exposure to radiation (use of infrared, ultraviolet or laser radiation). It is used as an addition to other physiotherapy methods or when there are contraindications for their use.

Surgical

In the absence of positive dynamics in the treatment of arthrosis, surgical methods are used:

1. Operational interventions. There are 4 types: for joint preservation, for joint replacement, for joint resection, for joint strengthening. The choice depends on the degree of development of the disease, intensity of pain, individual characteristics of the patient.
2. Puncture. It is performed with progressive arthrosis. It performs 2 functions: relieves pain in the damaged joint and relieves tension inside the capsule, removing from it substances that destroy cartilage tissue. It is an informative diagnostic method. During this procedure, after local anesthesia, drugs are injected into the joint.
3. Arthroscopy. It is often performed on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, parts of the cartilage or bones can be removed from the joint, the meniscus can be treated, the ligamentous apparatus can be reconstructed and the joint surfaces deformed during arthrosis can be cleaned. It is performed under general or local anesthesia.
4. Arthrotomy. The opening of the joint is performed if arthroscopy did not give a positive result. It is indicated for prolonged joint swelling and constant severe pain that does not stop with medication. It is recommended if you want to remove large fragments of cartilage or bone tissue.

Operations to change the position of the joint are performed in cases where it is necessary to correct the position of the bones, with defects in the structure of the joints, as prevention of arthrosis.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises can help in the initial stages of the disease, when the joint is not yet deformed. Active movements slow down the course of the disease, but in the case of joint damage, when the disease moves to a later stage, physical exercises can contribute to the development of exacerbation and tissue destruction in the problem area.

You should do this only after consulting with an expert who will help you choose a set of exercises and master the implementation methodology. The first training should take place under the supervision of an instructor.

When performing the exercises, you must follow the rules:

1. Avoid putting pressure on the injured joint.
2. A moderate pace of exercise does not cause joint destruction.
3. Rest and exercise must be balanced.
4. Heavy loads and high intensity of movement cause increased pain and swelling of the joint.
5. In any position of the body, it is necessary to remember the correct posture.

Regular exercise therapy exercises help increase range of motion, relax muscles, and improve the patient's general condition.

Manual therapy

In combination with drugs in the treatment of arthrosis, manual therapy methods are used that increase the mobility of damaged joints, prevent muscle atrophy and have a positive effect on the patient's entire body.

During the session, the following manipulations are performed:

1. Relaxation (complete relaxation) of the muscles involved in the work of the affected joint.
2. Carrying out low-frequency mobilization of the joint surface in order to expand the range of motion of the joint to the limit of its mobility.
3. Acupressure according to the Schwartz method for bringing the muscles to rest.
4. Use of laser and apparatus therapy.

ethnoscience

Folk remedies are actively used in the treatment of arthrosis to activate the production of collagen - the basis of tendons and cartilage. They also relieve joint swelling and reduce pain. Recipes include herbs such as thyme, fenugreek, dandelion (root), strawberry and birch leaves, and willow bark.

There is a simple but effective way to use birch leaves. To do this, you need to choose comfortable clothes that will fit tightly to the area affected by arthrosis (high socks or stockings are suitable for the ankle, tight socks for knee treatment and closed tights for the hip joint). At night, it is necessary to cover the affected joint with leaves and wear appropriate clothing. You cannot wrap the fabric with polythene.

The leaves extract salts, toxins and cholesterol deposits from the diseased joint, the skin becomes smooth and velvety after the procedure. The course of treatment is 6-7 procedures, before use it is necessary to consult a doctor, because. there may be contraindications for use.

In folk medicine, ointments, infusions, freshly squeezed juices, compresses are used to fight arthrosis, which doctors often recommend in combination with medicines. The effect of all non-traditional medicines is aimed at reducing pain and swelling of damaged joints, restoring tissue and improving the general condition of the patient.

But you can not engage in self-medication, otherwise complications may arise.

Is it necessary to revise the diet?

With arthrosis, it is necessary to adjust the diet, which should be aimed at improving metabolic processes, reducing body weight if necessary, strengthening connective and cartilaginous tissue and ligaments. There is no special diet. In order to achieve good results in treatment, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Take care of the caloric content of the meal so that it remains stable in patients with normal weight, and returns to normal in obese patients.
2. Fatty, smoked dishes, semi-finished products containing flavor enhancers, colors and preservatives are prohibited.
3. Products should be natural: lean varieties of fish and meat, seafood rich in minerals and vitamins, fresh fruits and vegetables, durum cheese, butter, low-fat cottage cheese, nuts, chicken eggs, rye bread and bran, high-quality vegetable oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
4. It is necessary to limit the daily intake of salt to 8 g.
5. Drink at least 2-2. 5 liters of water a day.
6. Include in your diet foods that include natural chondroprotectors: lean chicken, cartilage, red fish, hard cheese. Increase the use of gelatin, which normalizes the structure of cartilage tissue, strengthening it. To do this, you need to include in the menu various jellies, jellies, aspic fish, sorrel.
7. It is necessary to spend 2-3 relaxed days a week (a day of fresh cheese, kefir, fruits and vegetables).

What are the dangers of different stages of the disease

In the initial stage of the disease, arthrosis is manifested by periodic pain in the joints and partial limitation of mobility. The danger of the disease is that if you ignore its first symptoms, then in the later stages of development the pathology will lead to the destruction of joint tissues. Consequences - complete loss of mobility. The patient is assigned a disability group depending on the degree of development of the disease and the condition of the joints.

Prevention

Prevention of arthrosis is as follows:

1. Body weight control.
2. A proper balanced diet.
3. Moderate physical activity.
4. Avoid hypothermia of the joints.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
6. A healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

The danger of the disease is that a person can completely lose mobility. By knowing the symptoms of the disease, the causes of its development and methods of struggle, you can get rid of the pathology in the early stages.