Degenerative arthrosis of the joints, the progression of which leads to the destruction of cartilage tissue, is often diagnosed in men and women in their youth. The characteristic symptoms of the initial disease are severe pain, which occurs even at rest, when there is no load on the limbs. In order to alleviate the unpleasant discomfort and prevent the destruction of cartilage structures, a complex treatment is prescribed.
What disease is it?
Osteoarthritis is a terrible, common chronic disease that affects the majority of the entire population.
The pathology is characterized by inflammatory lesions of the cartilage tissue of small and large joints. Due to degenerative changes in cartilage, the periarticular capsules, synovial membrane, muscle and ligament structures and bone tissue are affected. The main cause of the development of such pathology is considered to be disturbed metabolism. A complete cure for the disease is impossible, it will be possible to bring the patient into remission, which is why arthrosis, which gradually destroys the joint system, is dangerous. Joint diseases are often diagnosed in old age, but they also occur in young people who are already 20 years old. It is important to diagnose the initial stage of its development. This will prevent new complications and help the body cope with the problem.
Reasons for development
Violation of metabolic processes in the joints provokes the beginning of the development of the disease. The pathology is characteristic of one or more joints at the same time. Other common causes of osteoarthritis are:
- hormonal changes in women during menopause;
- violation of the blood supply to the joints;
- persistent hypothermia;
- chronic damage;
- advanced age;
- extra pounds;
- increased stress on the joints;
- autoimmune pathologies;
- thyroid disease;
- hemophilia;
- herpes;
- hepatitis;
- allergies involving bones and joint structures;
- varicose veins;
- strict diet or unbalanced meals;
- excessive physical activity;
- heredity;
- unfavorable environment.
Arthritic changes are noticed in people who have to work in difficult physical conditions. These are such specific specialties:
- miners;
- masons;
- metallurgists;
- blacksmiths;
- fishermen.
Stages and characteristic symptoms
The signs of arthrosis develop gradually and increase as the pathology progresses. There are 3 stages of osteoarthritis:
- In the first phase, no morphological change is manifested, only the synovial fluid composition is disturbed, as a result of which the cartilage tissues receive less nutrients, quickly losing their elasticity and endurance. There is inflammation in the joint cavity, the pain begins to torment.
- In phase II, the degenerative process develops more actively. The cartilage of the joints is gradually destroyed, uric acid is not completely excreted from the body, as a result of which the first bone growths appear in the joint. This restricts the movement of the ankle joint, so the inflammation progresses, and the permanent pain in the muscles of the limbs is disturbed.
- Grade III is manifested as a complete thinning of the cartilaginous tissue of the joint, and deformation of the joint itself is also observed. There are signs of axial changes in the limb. Also, degenerative disorders in the ligament apparatus begin, as a result of which the limb can no longer move normally, hypermobility is observed in combination with a violation of the natural range of motion. The pain in the 3rd phase of arthrosis is constant, the person cannot lie still, sleep, rest. Complete malnutrition of the joint threatens to disrupt the work of the affected limb.
Other symptoms
The disease in a person causes characteristic signs that are conventionally divided into 4 groups:
- Pain. Severe joint pain, which does not disappear for a long time, is the first symptom that characterizes the progression of the pathology. The pain is caused by any movement or physical activity, but at rest the person becomes better, the discomfort recedes.
- Crunching. This symptom is expressed in the phase of worsening of arthrosis. Due to the fact that the cartilaginous tissues of the joints are deformed for a long time, the bone structures begin to touch and rub against each other. As the contraction increases, the pain syndrome will also progress.
- Impaired joint mobility. Progressive osteoarthritis of the bones leads to increased growth of bone formations. As a result, the muscle tissue spasms and the gap in the joint gradually decreases. The pressure in the joint increases, which also causes immobilization of the extremities.
- Joint deformity. Sudden growth of osteophytes can cause modification of the joint, but this symptom develops in later stages.
Types of arthrosis of the joints
Distinguish idiopathic or primary arthrosis from secondary. The first type is an independent disease that occurs as a result of physiological changes associated with age. But the secondary form occurs in the background of chronic injuries and can manifest at any age - from 20 or 30 years. Depending on which joint is affected, osteoarthritis differs:
- shoulder or elbow joint;
- hip or knee joint;
- spine.
Also, the disease occurs:
- refined;
- indefinitely.
Why is it dangerous?
Acute arthrosis is terrible, because, as the pathology progresses, the spine is involved in degenerative processes, as a result of which hernias appear. Therefore, it is important to effectively treat osteoarthritis in the initial stages of development, when it is possible to apply conservative methods. If the medication is given on time or the patient tries to heal on his own, the following disorders begin to appear:
- deformation and destruction of joint elements;
- limitation of limb mobility;
- disability;
- violation of the biomechanics of the spinal column due to the fact that the disc has collapsed.
Diagnosis
Before prescribing effective treatment for osteoarthritis or removing the affected areas, it is important to know the correct diagnosis. Therefore, after the initial examination, the patient is sent to pass:
- general clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- puncture of synovial fluid, if synovitis of the knee joint is suspected;
- sample for histological examination of the biopath.
Instrumental diagnostics - radiography is performed. If the patient has gonarthrosis (especially pronounced in varicose veins), an X-ray of the knee joint should be done. In dysplasia and arthrosis of the hip joint, this area of the musculoskeletal system is examined. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or CT are recommended to determine the types of damage to cartilage structures.
How to treat?
Medical and surgical
Early osteoarthritis is treated with conservative therapy. Medicines are selected by the doctor strictly according to the individual scheme. If a person has a stomach ulcer or other pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, then oral administration is contraindicated. In this case, the injections will give the appropriate effect. The correct prescription of drugs will help increase the activity of metabolic processes in the affected areas. Effective groups of drugs, thanks to which remission will be prolonged:
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Hormonal corticosteroids;
- Chondroprotectors.
If conservative methods have not yielded results, surgical treatment is prescribed. To relieve the joint, palliative surgeries are prescribed. When the joint is completely destroyed, surgical therapy is performed to replace it, called arthroplasty. As new technologies have made progress in the field of prosthetics, people with a replaced joint can live a different but full life.
Exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage
Kinesitherapy is the name of the type of therapy developed by a famous doctor. This is a set of physical exercises that must be performed on special simulators. Regular exercise will help normalize the condition of the joint and improve its functionality. This means that the exercises are recommended to be performed in special hospitals specializing in diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Massages performed by a chiropractor will help normalize the blood supply and nutrition in the affected areas, which will result in a gradual improvement in the condition of the ankle joints. If the causes of osteoarthritis are precisely clarified and there are no contraindications, a course of physiotherapeutic procedures is prescribed, for example, the following:
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser treatment;
- mud therapy;
- medical applications based on natural resins.
The need for a diet
If osteoarthritis is caused by obesity, the patient is advised to go on a diet that will help normalize body weight, which will significantly ease the load on the joints and improve their functioning. To help the cartilage tissue recover faster, doctors recommend that their patients eat jellies and soups cooked on the bones more often. Thanks to the collagen found in these foods, connective tissue will begin to regenerate and regenerate faster. It is also important to monitor the balance and integrity of the diet. Food should be varied, rich in vitamins, micro- and macronutrients.
Prophylaxis
In order to avoid the progression of such a dangerous and serious disease, it is important to dose the load on the joints, especially the joints of the lower extremities. It is also worth avoiding injuries and fractures, after which the risk of osteoarthritis increases tenfold. It is important to lead an active lifestyle, do regular morning workouts, eat properly and monitor your weight. Thanks to these rules, you will be able to protect yourself from the appearance of destructive pathology or recurrence.