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 that is based on the process of degenerative changes that occur as a result of nutritional deterioration (trophism) or disruption of the cartilage's configuration, for example after an injury.
Arthrosis-arthritis is a disease characterized not only by degenerative processes occurring in the joint, but also by its inflammation.
Deforming osteoarthritis is arthrosis, one of the manifestations of which is the proliferation of bone tissue, which leads to deformation of the ends of the bones that make up the joint.
Periarthrosis is a dystrophic process in which degenerative changes can be 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 leading cause of the development of arthrosis is a metabolic disorder in the cartilage tissue.As a result, the cartilage loses its elasticity and gradually begins to deteriorate.
The causes of metabolic disorders and the development of degenerative changes in the joints are diverse.These can be:
- hormonal disorders,
- woman,
- loss of proteoglycans in cartilage tissue,
- aging of the body
- increased strain on the joints due to a certain type of activity or excess weight,
- various chronic diseases.
In women, arthrosis of the ankle joint and foot can occur due to prolonged wearing of narrow and uncomfortable shoes, including high heels.Changes in the joints of the hand are observed primarily in representatives of professions where a significant part of the load falls on the hand (while arthrosis is much more common in women).
In addition, arthrosis of the knee, hip or ankle joints is provoked by various injuries (post-traumatic arthrosis).
Types and symptoms of arthrosis
Arthrosis is classified according to the degree of joint damage:
- Grade 1 - the joints retain their mobility, there are practically no visible changes on X-rays.The patient may only be bothered by a slight crunch or a slight aching pain.
- 2nd degree - a person suffering from arthrosis experiences discomfort in the joint area, the mobility of the limb is impaired, periodic pain becomes more pronounced and prolonged, early signs of joint deformation are detected by X-ray or ultrasound examination.
- Grade 3 - 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 intense pain and severe deformations in this area.
Rheumatoid arthrosis
Most often, this term refers to degenerative-destructive changes in the joint, which have developed as a result of another disease - rheumatoid arthritis.Rheumatoid arthritis itself changes the configuration of the joint surfaces, which is associated with a violation of their congruence and an aggravation of degenerative processes in the 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:
- pronounced squeaking sound when turning the head,
- neck pain (especially after prolonged sitting or standing),
- headache,
- dizziness,
- fluctuations in blood pressure.
X-rays can show subluxation of the neck joints.
In addition, arthrosis is distinguished:
- knee (gonarthrosis),
- hip joint (coxarthrosis),
- ankle joints (crushatron),
- other areas of the spine,
- temporomandibular joint, etc.
How and with what should arthrosis be treated?
Before you decide how to treat it at home, you need to visit a doctor and determine the exact cause of the disease.For this, the doctor usually examines the patient and prescribes additional laboratory and instrumental tests, including various biochemical blood tests (for example, acute phase reactions, the presence of rheumatoid factor, etc.), as well as radiography, ultrasound, MRI or CT of the joints.If necessary, the examination is supplemented with diagnostic arthroscopy.
The doctor then makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment for the joint.
What principles is the treatment of arthrosis based on?
- Eliminating the cause of the disease.In the case of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, the underlying disease is treated, achieving its stable remission.
- Normalization of joint nutrition, 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.Usually, in case of intense pain, anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drugs are prescribed, which have a good analgesic effect.
Ointments, gels, and creams with anti-inflammatory and distracting effects are applied locally to the joint area 2-3 times a day, Dimexide poultices and rubbing are used.
Physiotherapy
To relieve pain and inflammation, ultraviolet irradiation in erythema doses, laser therapy, UHF, microwave, electro- and phonophoresis are widely used.In case of arthrosis, in addition to physiotherapy procedures, regular joint exercises and spa treatments are also useful.
Surgical treatment
This is usually a partial or total joint replacement or plastic surgery.It can be performed conventionally, as well as endoscopically and minimally invasive surgery, including arthroscopy.Surgeries are recommended in cases where conservative treatment does not bring 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 includes diet, exercise and avoiding hypothermia.
Diet
Nutrition for arthrosis does not require serious restrictions.In general, it is a balanced diet that includes all the major food groups, enough fluids, and fresh vegetables and fruits.Many experts recommend adding jellied meat, rich broths and other similar foods to the menu at regular intervals, unless the doctor advises against it.The only significant limitation is the calorie content of the food.It is necessary to monitor your body weight, because excess weight accelerates the wear and tear of the joints.
Spicy and burning food in itself does not have a significant effect on arthrosis, but it should not be forgotten that many people suffering from this disease are forced to use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, most of which negatively affect the mucous membrane of the stomach.It is also advisable to limit foods that are rich in cholesterol and lead to an increase in blood viscosity, so that the blood supply to the joint is not damaged.For these reasons, it is advisable to exclude such foods from the daily menu if you suffer from arthrosis.
Exercise
Movement and physical activity improve blood circulation and blood supply to joint tissues, and also strengthen muscles.The most useful exercises for arthrosis are swimming, walking and skiing.In the case of coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis in combination with excess weight, cycling or exercise on an exercise bike has been proven.
Avoiding hypothermia
The joints "love" when a person dresses according to the weather, evenly protecting all parts of the body from the cold.Any local hypothermia causes the body's defenses to weaken, which can result in subsequent inflammation of the joints and the development of degenerative processes.