Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints, in which their nutrition breaks down and their structures are destroyed. This disease develops slowly and is associated with gradual wear and tear of the joints and slower recovery processes throughout life. It most often develops in people over 40 years old, and by the age of 80 it manifests itself to one degree or another in almost every person. The resulting limitations in mobility lead to disability over time.
Timely contact with specialists will help maintain freedom of movement for many years.
About the disease
Arthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of mobile bone joints. When this happens, tissue nutrition breaks down and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the destruction and bone tissue becomes harder and begins to grow. Of course, compensatory growth leads to deformation of the joint, disruption of its function and pain.
In different regions of our planet, 10-20% of people suffer from arthrosis. It often turns out that a person is treated independently, without the help of a doctor. This leads to deterioration and disability. While well-chosen treatment relieves suffering and slows down the development of the disease.
Causes of the appearance and development of arthrosis
- the habit of moving a little,
- prolonged stationary standing position (found in some occupations),
- increased physical activity (some sports, professional sports),
- age,
- unhealthy diet
- overweight,
- bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking),
- disorders in the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive system (thyroid disease, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- blood circulation disorders (venous insufficiency),
- inheritance.
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage that covers the surfaces of the articular bones. There is less cartilage tissue, the cartilage becomes thinner and begins to crack, and the secretion of synovial (lubricating) fluid decreases. The surfaces of the bone begin to rub against each other where the cartilage has broken down. In response, bone tissue grows, and the joint deforms and loses mobility.
Distribution
Depending on the origin, arthrosis is divided into
Most often, this disease affects the legs (knee, first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, thighs) and fingers. In addition to them, arthrosis of the spine is widespread. The most serious disease is considered to be in the hip joint (coxarthrosis), and the most common is in the knee joint (gonarthrosis).
Stages of development
Stages of disease development according to the Kellgren-Lawrence clinical and radiological classification:
- Stage I: There is discomfort and pain while walking. There are no radiological changes.
- Stage II: There is a slight dull pain when walking for a long time, a rare crackling when bending the limbs. On X-ray: a barely visible narrowing of the joint space, questionable small osteophytes (growths along the edges of the joint).
- Stage III: Pain and stiffness intensify in the morning. The pain gets worse when I move. X-rays: slight narrowing of the joint space, rare osteophytes.
- Stage IV: Muscle and bone pain occurs at any time of the day. Swelling may appear and pain increases. On the X-ray: moderate narrowing of the joint space, pronounced osteophytes, changes in the bone surfaces and compression of the bone tissue under the cartilage tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Pain, dull pain on a constant basis, intensifies with movement, severe "chewing" during movement, joint deformity, muscle atrophy. On X-ray: the joint space narrows significantly, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, pronounced deformation of the surfaces.
Doctors will help alleviate discomfort, perform a complete examination and choose individual treatment, taking into account the gender, age, metabolic level, concomitant diseases and other characteristics of each client.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Arthritis progresses gradually: discomfort may first appear within a few years of the beginning of the destruction process or when inflammation occurs.
The first signs include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After prolonged relaxation (at night), a slight stiffness is felt in the morning. Painful, dull "starting pains" appear, d. m. th. movements that arise first after a rest and subside after an activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not very pronounced, people at this stage rarely come to specialists. Although now is the easiest time to stop the development of arthrosis.
Over time, the pain increases and stops exercising, interferes with night sleep and intensifies with the change of weather. There is a feeling of pain in the bones, muscles and joints begin to ache. This disease most often affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue appears quickly while walking, mobility decreases (stiffness).
Often people lose the sense of security in their arms and legs and their gait becomes unsteady. During movement, a strong "chewing" occurs in the leg (the exposed surfaces of the bones rub against each other). The joints are deformed. Due to the restriction of movements, the adjacent muscles are less strained, causing atrophy of the latter (volume decreases). Weakened muscles lead to an increasingly unsteady gait.
Hands are more often affected by arthrosis after injuries or with chronic inflammation. The deformity of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square and growths form on the fingers (Heberden's and Bouchard's joints).
Clear signs of the need for therapy for arthrosis are joint deformities, constant pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function and instability in walking.
If you experience the described symptoms, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to provide assistance, perform a complete examination and provide comprehensive answers to all your questions. Thanks to the recommendations of competent doctors, you will be able to maintain your usual rhythm of life.
Diagnosing
Instrumental diagnostic methods are usually used to assess the condition of articular surfaces and cartilage. The most informative are: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
A diagnostic examination for doctors does not present any difficulties - joint changes are clearly visualized in photographs. Using them, the doctor determines the stage of arthrosis and the rate of its progression.
Arthroscopy (joint endoscopy using a flexible probe) can be prescribed as an additional diagnostic method. The doctor examines the surface of the joint from the inside, can take material for synovial fluid analysis and perform a minimally invasive intervention (removal of small bone fragments).
For laboratory diagnosis, general, biochemical and immunological blood analyzes are performed. They determine the general condition of the patient, the presence of an inflammatory process, metabolic disorders and exclude other joint diseases.
Treatment
Conservative therapy is used to relieve pain, slow down the destruction process and, if possible, establish restoration processes in joint tissue. It can be used:
Drug therapy: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers are prescribed to reduce and relieve inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants (to relieve muscle tension), vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors can be used. In any case, the choice of drugs is made individually, based on the characteristics of the person and the disease.
Nutrition correction: it is necessary to organize nutritious and regular meals. With the help of the doctor, the client creates a list of products and a detailed diet. What remains is to follow the chosen path.
Injection therapy: injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint space, PRP therapy (injection of human plasma into the joint to accelerate recovery processes), etc.
Ozone therapy in different forms and routes of administration to stimulate metabolic processes in cells and improve oxygen absorption. It is particularly effective in relieving pain, reducing inflammation and stimulating natural tissue renewal and repair.
Physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis (combination of medications with ultrasonic waves), thermal baths, massage, etc.
Applications: application of special gels, ointments and other medications to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of basic therapy.
Therapeutic exercises: the doctor offers the client a set of exercises aimed at restoring joint function. Exercises in the pool have a beneficial effect.
Hirudotherapy: the use of leeches. Their saliva contains substances that activate the expansion of blood vessels and this improves metabolism. Other substances in saliva can clean the joint cavity by dissolving dead tissue.
Orthotics: wearing and using special structures - orthoses (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Cork: fixing with adhesive strips.
In some cases, surgery is necessary. The clinic successfully performs such effective operations in the area of the hip and knee joints as:
- arthroscopy
- endoprosthetics
In most cases, after this operation, the signs disappear, the pain goes away and the freedom of movement gradually returns. The signs of the disease decrease and usually do not return in the absence of provoking factors.
The modern clinic has modern operating rooms in which complex operations are performed using expert-class endoscopes. Our doctors are able to help even in difficult cases.
Advantages of visiting a professional clinic
- Qualification of specialists. Experienced and competent doctors are specialists of the highest category, candidates of medical sciences. They follow the latest advances in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experiences with colleagues and abroad and carry out scientific activities.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory facilities. Modern clinics have installed the most modern, effective and safe equipment to diagnose, treat and carry out preventive measures successfully. The clinical diagnostic laboratory allows you to quickly perform laboratory examinations.
- Fast and effective diagnosis. The clinic's excellent equipment allows us to perform a wide range of diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, x-rays and other very informative studies are performed, allowing us to make a diagnosis and obtain detailed information about the condition of the joints, in particular. , and the body in general.
- A complex approach. In a modern clinic, the practice of consultation between doctors of different specialties is widespread in order to achieve the best treatment result.
- Effective therapy. An integrated and comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a large number of modern methods.
- Individual approach. The description of the therapy taking into account the gender and age of the client, as well as other characteristics.
Prevention of arthrosis
To minimize pain and maintain normal working conditions, you should:
- follow the doctor's recommendations,
- control body weight (each additional kilogram of weight increases the risk of deterioration),
- eliminate or minimize strenuous physical activity,
- do physical exercises regularly,
- avoid injuries: use special elements for protection (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and increase the load gradually,
- use corrective equipment and treatment methods (tapes, orthoses) according to recommendations,
- undergo regular examinations, preventive courses and monitor the state of the disease.
Correct treatment and following the recommendations of the medical specialist will help stop the progression of the disease and maintain mobility. If you have problems with your joints, go to the hospital. Our doctors will help you get rid of pain and stiffness in the joints and choose therapy to restore motor function. Timely initiation of therapy makes full joint restoration possible, and preventive courses of treatment procedures will help you lead a normal life without joint pain!
FAQ
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?
In arthrosis, the cause of tissue destruction is insufficient nutrition (disorder of metabolic processes) and, as a result, compensatory compression and spreading of articular bone surfaces. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, which is the main cause of tissue damage.
The chronic inflammatory process gradually turns into nutritional and metabolic disorders, d. m. th. Arthritis with frequent flare-ups passes into arthrosis through a mixed intermediate stage, in which there are signs of both diseases.
Is arthrosis a curable disease?
The later the disease is detected, the less chance there is to fully recover from it. But in any case and at any stage, you can stop the disease and relieve pain and other unpleasant sensations as much as possible.
Is it worth warming up in a sauna/tub if you have osteoarthritis?
Warming is useful and is part of the complex treatment of arthrosis. But first you should consult your doctor. If there is a local or general inflammatory process in the body, then heating procedures are contraindicated - they will increase inflammation, and dilated blood vessels will spread inflammation throughout the body.
Is arthrosis a contraindication for military service?
It depends on the severity of the disease. A contraindication may be impaired mobility and joint function.
Can children suffer from arthrosis?
Yes, this is possible after injuries and other joint diseases.
Is it possible to cure arthrosis at home using folk remedies?
There is a possibility, but without specialized examination and qualified recommendations there is a much higher chance of worsening your condition.
What is the most dangerous thing about arthrosis?
Tissue destruction leads to persistent pain, decreased motor function, and disability. Is it possible to independently determine if you have arthrosis?
Knowing the symptoms, the presence of a disease can be assumed, but the diagnosis is made by the doctor after an instrumental and laboratory diagnostic examination.