Osteoarthritis joint damage is progressive.Pain, poor mobility and general unpleasant symptoms gradually increase.Without proper and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes occur quickly in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of working capacity.Comprehensive treatment of arthrosis using special drugs and non-drug agents is the main condition for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.
What is arthrosis and why does it happen?
Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the joints with multiple damage to nearby tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over 50 years old.
The causes of the disease are the degradation of cartilage tissue, which begins to break down due to the natural aging of the body.
Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:
- bad heredity;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- untreated and advanced arthritis;
- heavy physical activity related to work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- joint injuries and surgical operations;
- overweight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis affects almost all movable joints that carry the greatest load throughout life - ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.There is pain during movement, external deformation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and gradual destruction of the articular joints, accompanied by general disorder.
The disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly causes performance and disability.
Principles of treatment of arthrosis
Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, occurs only in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be treated is ambiguous - it is impossible to treat the pathology completely.However, due to timely and continuous maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve long-term and stable remission.At the first signs, it is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) and undergo an examination, based on which an effective treatment regimen is selected.
Arthritis therapy has several important goals:
- eliminate painful symptoms and accompanying anxiety;
- restore joint functionality;
- maintain mobility and ability to work until old age;
- prevent bone deformation and serious complications;
- to stabilize the general welfare.
Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment approaches are used:
- medicine (medicine)drugs with symptomatic and therapeutic effect in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
- non-pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, diet, surgery.
The set of techniques is selected individually according to the clinical picture, the stage of the disease, the age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results.Self-treatment of articular pathology is unacceptable.
Drug treatment of joint arthrosis
Arthrosis of the joints in almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local drugs are used directly on the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.
Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:
- anti-inflammatory and pain relievers;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
In case of arthrosis pathology, the therapy is quite long and supportive measures are continuously prescribed.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.
- NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective in the initial stage of the disease.
- Analgesics help to cope with pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Medicines from these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.
Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid
What to do with arthrosis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?A course of chondroprotective drugs is recommended to stop the complete degradation of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine they contain improve functionality and metabolism.
The knee and thigh area are treated with several courses of intra-articular injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections can help, especially with gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer on the damaged cartilage, fills the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and improves the motor functions of the joints.
Do not expect a quick recovery from these drugs.It is used only as a maintenance treatment.
Corticosteroids
In cases of severe pain and inflammation, corticosteroid hormones are indicated.Due to the ineffectiveness of previous drug groups, it is most often used in the 3-4 stages of the disease.
No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.A positive result with a favorable clinical picture lasts for several months.
Vasodilators and muscle relaxants
Arthrosis often causes local deterioration of blood circulation, spasm of muscles and blood vessels, and causes blockage.
To improve blood flow, eliminate muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxants.
The listed drugs are not always necessary, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosage and constant medical supervision.
Vitamin complexes
It is recommended to take vitamins to improve cell metabolism in the joints.Useful trace elements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.
Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and supportive purposes:
- a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
- A neurotropic drug with a set of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
- a complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content, which acts as a building material for bone tissue.
Medicines included in this group increase the body's resistance to various diseases, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Non-drug therapy
A non-drug approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthrosis.Complementary methods are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as simple and yet effective things such as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In general, they are:
- accelerate rehabilitation;
- extend the period of remission;
- prevent complications;
- improve general well-being.
As a last resort, surgery is used to preserve mobility.
How to treat arthrosis - folk recipes
Traditional medicine has many prescriptions for all forms and stages of arthrosis.They are based on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin only.Medicines are prepared at home from products familiar to many, but they are quite simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of joint pathology, the following tools will help:
- Compresses from burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush them a little to release the juice.Apply to the painful area at night.
- Ginger root compresses to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the affected joint with a clean cloth.
- Baths with soda-salt solution for extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of soda and table salt, dissolve in 40-degree water.Keep your hand or foot in the basin for 15-20 minutes, wrap it with heat.
- Rub with honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Apply to the painful area with light massage movements.
- Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply it to a piece of cotton cloth, apply it to the joint for 2 hours, wrap it with a bandage and film.
- Dandelion decoction.2 tspBoil dry dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a bath for 10 minutes, leave to cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.
Folk remedies help to cope with painful symptoms and relieve arthrosis, but do not replace drugs.
Tibetan medicine methods for joints
Tibetan healers and healers give a leading role to physiotherapy and manual methods.
Let's look at some of the most effective methods for the treatment of arthrosis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)- impact on biologically active points on the human body through special thin needles used to relieve pain and improve tissue metabolism;
- acupressure (acupressure)- massaging by pressing certain points of the body responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
- vacuum massage- with the help of cups or a special device, a targeted effect is carried out on the pathological area, which improves blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and removes congestion;
- stone therapy- massaging with hot stones of volcanic origin, promoting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.
As a result of the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated and the overall health of the body is established.
Treatment of arthrosis with stem cells
Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that trigger regenerative processes in cartilage.Autologous (own) material isolated from a patient's adipose tissue, bone marrow, or umbilical cord blood is used as a "medicine."Sometimes donor material from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus is obtained.
The procedure goes as follows:
- The collected material is sent to the laboratory for growing stem cells.The process lasts from 7 days to 2 months.
- The prepared substance is injected into the joint by a minimally invasive or surgical method.The course is selected individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results are noticeable after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility is improved.Gradually, the cartilage structure is restored, the metabolism is normalized, and the joint is fully restored.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows to avoid surgical intervention in the first stages;ineffective in advanced cases.
Proper nutrition
The condition of the musculoskeletal system mainly depends on the metabolism in the body.A balanced diet can normalize metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis and preferably forever, it is recommended to follow a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- rabbit, chicken, turkey meat as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits rich in fiber and vitamins (limit zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, citrus fruits);
- Sea fish with omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, durum wheat pasta;
- calcium-rich fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- legumes, nuts, bran;
- linseed, olive, sesame oil;
- aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin replenishes collagen reserves.
From the offered products, you can prepare a variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking, boiling or steaming.You can not eat fried food.
To benefit your joints, you should avoid:
- fatty meat and sausages;
- bakery products and sweets;
- store and store canned food at home;
- semi-finished products and fast food;
- whole milk;
- table salt;
- alcoholic beverages.
With arthrosis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity in order not to put additional stress on your aching legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Meals should be balanced and regular.
How to treat arthrosis with exercises
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help to restore joint mobility, expand the range of motion and prevent severe deformation.It is used for all forms of joint pathology during remission.
Depending on the location, various special sets of exercises have been developed:
- Ankle arthrosis
- With light movements, massage each finger separately, gradually moving to the foot area;
- sit on a chair, raise your leg a little and slowly turn your leg counterclockwise and counterclockwise;
- From the previous position, pull the finger away from you and towards you.
- Hip joint
- squatting at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
- while standing, swing your legs wide back and forth;
- Perform the "Bicycle" and "Scissors" exercises known to everyone from the school program in a lying position.
- Knee arthrosis
- kneel down, sit on your heels and straighten your back;
- the mentioned "Bicycle" exercise is equally useful for the knees;
- stand straight, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- slowly move around the flat with a squat called "gas walk";
- When the hands and fingers are affected
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with outstretched arms, spreading your fingers like a fan, squeeze and open your fist strongly;
- roll a round object (ball) in your hand in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- roll your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
- from a standing position, stretch your arms up as if trying to reach the ceiling;
- bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, extend them in front of you with your palms up.
Gymnastics at home should be done carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If there is severe pain and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercise is allowed only with the permission of a doctor.
Operation
The last resort for the treatment of arthrosis is surgery.Direct indications for surgery are the low effectiveness of conservative therapy, the rapid deterioration of the condition and well-being of the joints.With significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only and life-saving method.
Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation involving the insertion of a device into the joint cavity for the removal of damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as for the diagnosis and treatment of pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of joint surfaces by applying a cushion made of artificial material or the patient's own tissue between them;
- cheilectomy- operation with protection of the joint where osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprosthetics- radical surgery to replace a non-functional joint with an artificial implant, which restores mobility for many years;
- arthrodesis– surgical immobilization of the joint for complete fusion of the bones, if it is not possible to make a prosthesis.
Often, surgery is the only method that can prolong the patient's active life and prevent disability.
The result
"Is arthrosis treated?"the answer to the question.reception - the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but it can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The correct combination of drug and non-drug methods allows achieving long-term remission, getting rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintaining joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment on time and constantly monitor your health.