Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative disease that affects all parts of the joint: cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, capsule, periarticular bones, and periarticular muscles and ligaments.
According to European doctors, almost 70% of all rheumatological diseases are caused by arthrosis. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are most susceptible to joint arthrosis. This is facilitated by both lack of exercise and long-term overload, improper nutrition and, of course, injuries.
What is a joint?
Generally, a human joint consists of 2 or more connecting bones. All working surfaces of the joint are provided with a protective coating and continuously lubricated with synovial fluid for the best gliding. The joint cavity itself is hermetically sealed by the joint capsule.
There are many joints in our body that are "responsible" for certain types of movements, can bear different loads and have different safety limits.
The amount of joint movement depends on the structure of the joint, the ligamentous apparatus that limits and strengthens the joint, and the various muscles connected to the bones by tendons.
Causes of joint arthrosis
The normal functioning of the joints is possible through the constant self-renewal of the cartilage tissue. At a young age, the rate of death of obsolete joint cells is equal to the rate of birth of new cells. Over the years, the cell renewal process slows down and the cartilage tissue begins to thin. The production of synovial fluid also decreases. As a result, the articular cartilage begins to thin and break down, leading to arthrosis.
In addition, joint arthrosis has other causes:
- increased physical activity. Arthritis of the joints is a frequent accompaniment of excess weight. As a result of the overload, microtraumas are formed in the joints. Athletes cause joint damage due to increased stress on "unheated" joints;
- joint injuries;
- congenital or acquired deformities of the locomotor system (rachitis, kyphosis, scoliosis, improper fusion of bones after injuries with the appearance of limb deformations: O- and X-shaped deformities of the legs).
Stages of arthrosis
Different stages or degrees of arthrosis can be distinguished depending on the degree of destruction of cartilage tissue.
Degrees and symptoms of arthrosis
- Grade 1 arthrosis is characterized by periodic joint pain, especially during increased physical activity. After rest, the pain usually goes away. The range of motion in the joint is not limited, and the muscle strength of the injured limb does not change. X-rays show minimal signs of joint damage.
- Grade 2 arthrosis is manifested by painful sensations not only in case of intense physical stress, but also in case of minor loads. Joint pain may not subside even with rest. This degree is characterized by stiffness of movements and limited mobility of the joints. This eventually leads to muscle wasting. X-rays can show deformation of the joint, narrowing of the joint space, and the appearance of bony growths near this space.
- 3rd degree arthrosis - every movement causes a person great pain. Joint pain occurs even at rest. Therefore, people try to move as little as possible to minimize pain. In some cases, mobility requires the use of crutches or crutches. Sometimes there is fusion of the bones - ankylosis (as in ankylosing spondylitis).
In case of deforming arthrosis, irreversible changes occur in the cartilage tissue of the joint, its functions and structure are completely interrupted. The basis of the deforming arthrosis of the joints is the dysfunction of the hyaline cartilage and the formation of synovial fluid.
Diagnosis of joint arthrosis
The main method of diagnosing joints is radiography. In the case of arthrosis, joint changes, uneven joint surfaces and narrowing of the joint space can be observed.
Which joints are more likely to suffer from arthrosis?
The joints of the limbs most susceptible to arthrosis are the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows and hands.
In arthrosis of the hip joint, the person may first feel slight discomfort in the leg after running or walking. Over time, the pain becomes stronger, movement limitations and stiffness appear. In the 3rd stage of the disease, the patient protects his foot and tries not to step on it if possible.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is manifested by pain in the knee joint after bending and straightening the legs. The most common cause of knee arthrosis is past injuries. As a result of these injuries, the sliding of the joint surfaces is interrupted, and their rapid wear occurs. In some cases, the joint may gradually lose its mobility.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint manifests itself in the form of swelling and pain in the ankle of the foot. Arthrosis of the ankle joint can be caused by: deformations, ankle and leg bone fractures, dislocations, flat feet, chronic injuries of the ankle joint of athletes and ballerinas. Otherwise, they often have foot arthrosis.
Arthrosis of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints occurs most often as a result of injuries, bruises, dislocations, and intra-articular fractures. Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is characterized by pressing, aching, dull pain that radiates to the forearm and hand. The pain occurs most often at night. With arthrosis of the hand, pain is accompanied by dysfunction of the hand.
Treatment of arthrosis
The main means of treating arthrosis are medication, the use of physiotherapy and surgical treatment.
Drug treatment
The use of drugs improves blood circulation in damaged joints, restores the properties of cartilage, and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
In the case of arthrosis, swelling of the joint may occur, the joint starts to hurt, and the range of motion decreases. When taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain is reduced, the inflammatory chain reaction is stopped, and the cartilage restoration process is accelerated.
Medicines can be used in the form of tablets, rectal suppositories and powder. But remember that self-medication is unacceptable, the selection and dosage of drugs for the treatment of arthrosis is carried out by the rheumatologist.
Centrally acting pain relievers
Opioids lower the patient's pain threshold. Such medicines can only be taken strictly on the basis of a prescription and only under the supervision of a doctor!
Chondoprotective drugs
Chondroprotective drugs are structural elements of the cartilage itself, therefore they actively restore this tissue and prevent its further destruction. The treatment is effective in the early stages of the disease. When the joint is completely destroyed, it is not possible to restore the original shape of the deformed bones or to grow new cartilage.
Arthrosis 1-2. however, chondroprotectors can bring significant relief to the patient. Combined preparations containing both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate give better results compared to single-component preparations.
Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate
These medications help slow the inflammatory response in the tissues, reduce cartilage damage, and reduce pain. Most often, these 2 drugs are used together during treatment, as they have an accumulative effect, but they must be taken for 3-6 months.
Hyaluronic acid
It ensures the viscosity and elasticity of the synovial fluid. It helps the joints slide well. Therefore, doctors often prescribe hyaluronic acid injections into the affected joint.
Physiotherapy treatments
Physiotherapy treatments may include:
- UHF therapy;
- magnet therapy;
- low-intensity laser irradiation;
- electrophoresis with drugs;
- phonophoresis (medicine is delivered to the site of inflammation using ultrasound).
Surgery
Surgical treatment is used to restore and improve joint mobility and to remove part of the cartilage or the damaged meniscus.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis is used in extreme cases, when drug treatment does not bring results, when severe pain occurs, partial or complete joint immobility.
During arthroscopic surgery, it is possible to remove part of the cartilage affected by arthrosis, polish it to a smooth surface, remove pieces of cartilage and cartilage growths, and cut off part of the damaged ligaments.
Knee prosthesis
With this surgery, the articular surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with metal or combined prostheses. The prepared plates replicate the surface of the articular cartilage. Such prostheses are made of special alloys, do not cause a rejection reaction in patients, do not oxidize and do not damage the surrounding tissues.
Hip surgery due to arthrosis
During the operation, the cartilage and bone tissue of the pelvis and femur are partially removed. Typically, the head of the femur and the articular surface of the pelvis are removed and replaced with a metal or metal-ceramic prosthesis.
Diet for arthrosis
Excess weight is a great enemy of the joints. Most patients with hip and knee arthrosis are overweight.
Therefore, in case of arthrosis, a properly selected diet is recommended. It is believed that jellied meat cooked in pork soup has a beneficial effect on arthrosis. It contains a lot of collagen and the structural components of cartilage, which help to restore cartilage tissue.
Dairy products, protein and calcium are useful. Animal protein is found in lean meats and fish, while vegetable protein is found in buckwheat porridge, beans and lentils. Boiled, steamed and stewed foods are very healthy.
The best diet for joints is carbohydrates (preferably complex carbohydrates), fruits and vegetables, as well as sufficient protein and a slight excess of calcium.
Prevention of arthrosis
The prevention of arthrosis, no matter how trivial, lies in a healthy lifestyle. As much as possible, try to be in the fresh air, move, walk barefoot on sand, green grass and just on the ground. This type of walking improves muscle function and increases blood circulation in the legs.
Physiotherapy with various swings, turns and bends of the arms and legs provides adequate support for the joints.
Patients often ask if alternative treatment for arthrosis is possible. Yes, folk remedies can help in the initial stages of the disease, reduce pain and improve the general condition of the patient. But this is not a substitute for following your doctor's instructions.