Along with arthritis, arthrosis is one of the most common joint diseases, especially in the second half of life.In the absence of timely and quality treatment, this disease can lead to limb disability.
What is arthrosis?
Arthrosis is a disease of the joints based on the process of degenerative changes that develop after a violation of nutrition (trophism) or configuration of cartilage, for example.
Arthritis is a disease characterized not only by degenerative processes occurring in the joint, but also by its inflammation.
Deforming arthrosis is arthrosis, one of its manifestations is the proliferation of bone tissue, which causes deformation of the ends of the bones forming the joint.
Periarthrosis is a dystrophic process in which degenerative changes are observed not only in the joint itself, but also in adjacent tissues (for example, tendons, ligaments).
Hemarthrosis is bleeding into the joint cavity.
Causes of arthrosis
The main reason for the development of arthrosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs in the cartilage tissue.As a result, the cartilage loses its elasticity and gradually begins to deteriorate.
There are various reasons for the development of metabolic disorders and degenerative changes in the joints.These can be:
- hormonal disorders,
- woman,
- loss of proteoglycans by cartilage tissue,
- aging of the body
- increased stress on the joints due to engaging in a certain type of activity or being overweight;
- various chronic diseases.
In women, ankle and foot arthrosis can occur due to long-term wearing of narrow and uncomfortable shoes, including high-heeled shoes.Changes in the joints of the hands are mainly observed in representatives of professions where a significant part of the load falls on the hands (arthrosis is more common in women).
In addition, arthrosis of the knee, hip or ankle joint is provoked by various injuries (traumatic arthrosis).
Types and symptoms of arthrosis
Arthritis is classified according to the degree of damage to the joints:
- 1st degree - the joints retain their mobility, there are practically no visible changes on the X-ray.The patient may be bothered by only a mild crisis or a mild aching pain.
- 2nd degree - a person suffering from arthrosis experiences a feeling of discomfort in the joint area, mobility of the limb is impaired, periodic pains are more prominent and prolonged, initial signs of joint deformation are detected on X-ray or ultrasound.
- 3 degrees - movements in the joint are limited, the patient experiences severe pain (even at rest), characteristic changes are observed on X-rays.
Sometimes experts also distinguish the fourth degree of arthrosis, which is characterized by severe pain and serious deformations of this region.
Rheumatoid arthrosis
Often, this term refers to degenerative-destructive changes in the joint that develop as a result of another disease - rheumatoid arthritis.Rheumatoid arthritis itself changes the configuration of articular surfaces, which leads to a violation of their compatibility and aggravation of degenerative processes in joint and periarticular tissues.
Uncovertebral arthrosis
This is the appearance of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine.The main symptoms of osteoarthritis of this localization:
- sharp crunching sound when dizzy,
- neck pain (especially after long sitting or standing),
- headache,
- dizziness,
- fluctuations in blood pressure.
X-ray examination can reveal subluxation of the cervical joints.
In addition, arthrosis differs:
- knee (gonarthrosis),
- hip joint (coxarthrosis),
- ankle joints (crushatron),
- other areas of the spine,
- temporomandibular joint, etc.
How and with what can arthrosis be treated?
Before deciding how to treat it at home, you should consult a doctor and determine the exact cause of this disease.For this, the doctor usually examines the patient and prescribes a number of additional laboratory and instrumental studies, including various biochemical blood tests (for example, acute phase reactions, the presence of rheumatoid factor, etc.), as well as x-rays of the joints, ultrasound, MRI or CT.If necessary, the examination is completed with diagnostic arthroscopy.
Then the doctor makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment for the joint.
On what principles is the treatment of arthrosis based?
- Eliminating the cause of the disease.In the case of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, the underlying disease is treated by achieving its stable remission.
- Joint nutrition, normalization of metabolism and blood circulation.For this purpose, chondroprotectors, hyaluronic acid preparations, drugs that improve local and systemic blood flow, antiplatelet agents, and vitamins are used.
- Symptomatic therapy.As a rule, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs with good analgesic effect are prescribed for severe pain.
2-3 times a day, anti-inflammatory and distracting ointments, gels, creams are applied locally to the joint area, compresses with dimexide are applied, frictions are used.
Physiotherapy
Ultraviolet radiation, laser therapy, UHF, microwave oven, electro- and phonophoresis are widely used in erythema doses to relieve pain and inflammation.In addition to physiotherapeutic procedures, regular therapeutic exercises for joints and spa treatment are useful for arthrosis.
Surgical treatment
Usually this is a partial or complete replacement of the joint or its plastic surgery.This can be done conventionally, as well as using endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, including arthroscopy.Operations are indicated in cases where conservative treatment does not give the desired effect, as well as in cases of severe deformation of the joint and loss of mobility.
Prevention
First of all, the prevention of arthrosis consists of diet, exercise and avoiding hypothermia.
Diet
Nutrition for arthrosis does not require any serious restrictions.In general, it is a balanced diet including all major food groups, drinking enough fluids, and fresh vegetables and fruits.Many experts recommend including jellied meat, rich broth and other similar foods in the menu, unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.The only significant limitation is the calorie content of the food.You need to watch your body weight, because excess weight accelerates the wear and tear of your joints.
Spicy and burning foods in themselves do not have a significant effect on arthrosis, but it should be remembered that many people suffering from this disease are forced to use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, most of which have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa.In order not to disturb the blood supply of the joint, it is also advisable to limit foods rich in cholesterol and causing an increase in blood viscosity.For these reasons, if you have arthrosis, it is advisable to exclude such foods from the daily menu.
Exercise
Sports and physical activity improve blood circulation and blood supply to joint tissues, as well as strengthen muscles.The most useful exercises for arthrosis are swimming, walking and skiing.For coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis with excess weight, cycling or exercise on an exercise bike gave good results.
Avoid hypothermia
Joints "love" when you dress for the weather, protecting all parts of the human body equally from the cold.Any local hypothermia leads to a weakening of the body's defenses, which can lead to further inflammation of the joints and the development of degenerative processes in them.