Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints, their nutrition is disturbed and their structures are destroyed. This disease develops slowly and is associated with gradual wear and slow recovery of joints throughout life. It often develops in people over 40 years of age and appears to one degree or another in almost any person up to 80 years of age. Limitations in movement 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 movable bone joints. When it occurs, tissue nutrition is disrupted and destroyed. The body compensates for the destruction and bone tissue hardens and begins to grow. Of course, compensatory growth leads to joint deformation, dysfunction and pain.
In different regions of our planet, 10-20% of people suffer from arthrosis. Often it turns out that a person is treated independently, without the help of a doctor. This leads to deterioration and disability. Correctly selected treatment relieves suffering and slows down the progression of the disease.
Causes of the appearance and development of arthrosis
- the habit of moving a little,
- long-term stationary position (found in some professions),
- increased physical activity (some sports, professional sports),
- age,
- unhealthy diet
- overweight,
- bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol),
- disorders in the endocrine and reproductive systems (thyroid disease, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- impaired blood flow (venous insufficiency),
- heredity.
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage covering the articular bone surfaces. There is less cartilage tissue, the cartilage becomes thinner and begins to crack, the secretion of synovial (lubricating) fluid decreases. Bone surfaces begin to rub against each other where the cartilage tissue breaks down. In response, bone tissue grows and the joint deforms and loses mobility.
Classification
Depending on the origin, arthrosis is divided
Most often, this disease affects the legs (knee, first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, hip) and fingers. In addition to them, arthrosis of the spine is widespread. The most severe 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 Kellgren-Lawrence clinical and radiological classification:
- Stage I: There is discomfort and pain when walking. No radiological changes.
- Stage II: When walking for a long time, there is a slight dull pain, rarely when bending the limbs, there is a creak. X-ray: almost noticeable narrowing of the joint space, suspicious small osteophytes (growths along the edges of the joint).
- Stage III: Pain and stiffness intensifies in the morning. The pain gets worse when moving. X-ray: slight narrowing of the joint space, rare osteophytes.
- Stage IV: Pain in muscles and bones occurs at any time of the day. Swelling may appear and pain increases. X-ray: moderate narrowing of the joint space, obvious osteophytes, bone surfaces change, compression of bone tissue under the cartilage tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Continuously aching, dull pain, aggravated by movement, strong "crunching" when moving, joint deformation, muscle atrophy. On the X-ray: the joint cavity narrows sharply, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, open deformation of the surfaces.
Doctors will help to relieve anxiety, conduct a complete examination and choose an individual treatment, taking into account the sex, age, metabolic level, accompanying 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 symptoms include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After a long rest (at night), a slight stiffness is felt in the morning. Aching, dull "starting pains" appear, i. e. movements that occur initially after a pause and decrease after a certain activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not very pronounced, people at this stage rarely turn to specialists. Although now is the easiest time to stop the development of arthrosis.
Over time, the pain waxes and wanes, interferes with sleep at night, and worsens with a change in weather. There is a feeling of pain in the bones, muscles and joints begin to ache. This disease mostly affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue appears quickly when walking, mobility decreases (stiffness).
Often people lose the sense of security in their arms and legs, their gait becomes unstable. During movement, a strong "crunching" occurs in the legs (open bone surfaces rub against each other). Joints are deformed. Due to the limitation of movements, adjacent muscles are less tense and cause atrophy of the latter (volume decreases). Weakened muscles lead to an increasingly unsteady gait.
Hands are most often affected by arthrosis after injuries or chronic inflammation. Deformation of the hand is clearly visible. It becomes square and growths form on the fingers (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodules).
Clear signals of the need for therapy for arthrosis are joint deformities, persistent pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function, and instability in gait.
If you experience the described symptoms, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to provide assistance, perform a complete examination and answer all your questions thoroughly. Thanks to the recommendations of competent doctors, you will be able to maintain your usual rhythm of life.
Diagnostics
Instrumental diagnostic methods are usually used to assess the condition of articular surfaces and cartilage. The most informative: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
Diagnostic examination for doctors does not cause any difficulties - joint changes are clearly visible in the photographs. Using them, the doctor determines the stage of arthrosis and its degree of development.
Arthroscopy (endoscopy of the joint 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 (remove small pieces of bone).
General, biochemical and immunological blood tests are performed for laboratory diagnosis. They determine the general condition of the patient, the presence of the 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 the recovery processes in the joint tissues. Can be used:
Drug treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers are prescribed to reduce and eliminate inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants (to relieve muscle tension), vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors can be used. In each case, the choice of drugs is carried out 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 draws up a list of products and a detailed diet. It remains only to follow the chosen path.
Injection therapy: injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint cavity, PRP therapy (injection of human plasma into the joints to accelerate recovery processes), etc.
Ozone therapy in various forms and ways of application 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 regeneration.
Physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis (a combination of drugs with ultrasound waves), thermal baths, massage, etc.
Applications: application of special gels, ointments and other drugs to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of basic therapy.
Therapeutic exercise: the doctor offers the client a series 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, which improves metabolism. Other substances in saliva can dissolve dead tissue and clean the joint cavity.
Orthopedics: wearing and using special constructions - orthoses (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Banding: fixation with adhesive tapes.
In some cases, surgery is necessary. The clinic successfully performs such effective operations in the area of hip and knee joints:
- arthroscopy
- endoprosthetics
In most cases, after this operation, symptoms disappear, pain disappears, freedom of movement gradually returns. The symptoms of the disease decrease and usually do not return in the absence of provoking factors.
The modern clinic has modern operating rooms where complex operations are performed using expert-grade endoscopes. Our doctors are able to help even in difficult cases.
Advantages of visiting a professional clinic
- Specialization of experts. Experienced and skilled doctors are the highest category specialists, candidates of medical sciences. They monitor the latest achievements in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experience with their colleagues and abroad, and carry out scientific activities.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory facilities. Modern clinics are equipped with the most up-to-date, effective and safe equipment for successful diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures. The clinical diagnostic laboratory allows for quick laboratory examinations.
- Quick and effective diagnosis. The excellent equipment of the clinics allows us to perform a wide range of diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, X-ray and other highly informative studies are performed, which allow us to make a diagnosis and obtain detailed information about the condition of the joints, especially the joints. , and the body in general.
- Comprehensive approach. In a modern clinic, the practice of consultation among doctors of different specialties is widespread in order to obtain the best treatment result.
- Effective therapy. An integrated, comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a large number of advanced methods.
- Individual approach. Appointment of therapy taking into account the sex 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 (every additional kilogram of weight increases the risk of deterioration),
- eliminate or minimize strenuous physical activity,
- do physical therapy exercises regularly,
- avoid injuries: use special elements for protection (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and gradually increase the load,
- use corrective means and treatments (tapes, orthoses) as recommended;
- undergo regular examinations, preventive courses and monitor the condition of the disease.
Correct treatment and following the recommendations of the treating 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 creaking in the joints and choose therapy to restore motor function. Timely initiation of treatment makes full recovery of joints possible, and preventive courses of treatment procedures will help to lead a normal life without joint pain!
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?
The cause of tissue destruction in arthrosis is insufficient nutrition (disruption of metabolic processes) and, as a result, compensatory compression and expansion of articular bone surfaces. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, which is the primary cause of tissue damage.
The chronic inflammatory process gradually turns into nutritional and metabolic disorders, i. e. Arthritis, which is often aggravated, passes into arthrosis in a mixed intermediate stage where there are symptoms of both diseases.
Is arthrosis a treatable disease?
The later the disease is detected, the less chance there is of complete recovery. But in any case and at any stage, you can stop the disease and eliminate pain and other unpleasant sensations as much as possible.
If you have arthrosis, is it worth warming up in a sauna / bath?
Warming up is useful and is part of the complex treatment of arthrosis. But you should consult your doctor first. If there is a local or general inflammatory process in the body, heating procedures are contraindicated - they will increase inflammation, and dilated blood vessels will spread inflammation throughout the body.
Is arthrosis a contraindication to military service?
It depends on the severity of the disease. Contraindication may be mobility and joint function disorders.
Can children suffer from arthrosis?
Yes, it is possible after injuries and other joint diseases.
Is it possible to treat arthrosis at home with folk remedies?
It is possible, but without a specialized examination and qualified recommendations, your condition is more likely to worsen.
What is the most dangerous of arthrosis?
Tissue destruction causes permanent pain, decreased motor function, and disability. Is it possible to independently determine the presence of arthrosis?
Knowing the symptoms, one can assume the presence of a disease, but the diagnosis is made by the doctor after instrumental and laboratory diagnostic examination.