Arthrosis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, as a result of which the bone tissue is deformed. The joints of the big toes, the hip and knee joints are the most affected.
Symptoms of the disease.
- The first clinical symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint during excessive physical exertion. Painful sensations can occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pains bother a person even at rest and lead to insomnia.
- Crispy joints. Due to the destruction of the cartilaginous layer, friction of the bones occurs, and when moving in the joint, clicks and cracks are heard. As the disease progresses, the crisis increases.
- Decreased mobility. If the joint is damaged, movements in it are limited, with severe osteoarthritis, the patient has stiffness of the limbs in the morning.
- Joint deformityIn the absence of proper and timely treatment, the joint is deformed, its appearance changes.
- With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the patient has a decrease in the sensitivity of the toes and numbness of the fingertips.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the growth of the cartilage layer between the joint and the bone. The contributing factors are:
- Intense physical activity;
- Articular microtrauma;
- Frequent fractures
- Wearing tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
Diagnostics
The main method of diagnosing osteoarthritis is a carefully compiled patient history (professional history).
Diagnosis is made on the basis of examination of the patient and additional studies, including radiography of the joints, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, and computed tomography.
- Ultrasound. This research method is reliable and harmless. Since ultrasound diagnosis refers to non-invasive methods, this study has no contraindications. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose thinning of cartilage tissue, degenerative changes in the joint menisci, thickening of the membranes of the joint, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to precisely select a method to treat osteoarthritis.
- Magnetic resonance and computed tomography. With the help of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to assess the condition of the joint: the thickness of the cartilage, the presence of erosions or cysts in the bone tissue, to determine the amount of intra-articular fluid.
- Arthroscopy. This study is most often carried out to determine the cause of the development of osteoarthritis.
Complications
In the absence of timely medical care, osteoarthritis progresses and threatens complications such as:
- Inflammation of the tissues around the joint;
- Restriction of the mobility of the affected joints;
- Degenerative changes in the hip joint;
- Change the shape of the joints.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment is prescribed to the patient depending on the degree of joint damage. Osteoarthritis therapy begins with pain relief.
In parallel with painkillers, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to drug treatment, the patient undergoes a course of physiotherapy.
Massaging the affected limbs after the acute form of the inflammatory process has subsided can reduce pain, normalize joint mobility, and relieve muscle spasm.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve stiffness of the muscles, warm them up, and strengthen the general condition of the patient. Exercise helps maintain correct posture and a smooth gait.
Treatment in a sanatorium is indicated in the stable remission period. Mud baths, applications, and other procedures help restore joint motor function and relieve pain.
If conservative treatment methods do not produce the expected effect, the patient is prescribed a surgical joint replacement. Stents are made of a material that is not rejected by the human body. They allow you to fully restore the physiological functions of the affected joint.
Unique treatments: radiofrequency ablation and alteration of the integrity of the method by altering the integrity of the nerve causing the pain.
At-risk group
The risk group includes people:
- Over weight;
- Varicose veins;
- Athletes;
- Pianists;
- Programmers.
Prophylaxis
The prevention of osteoarthritis is as follows:
- Good nutrition;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limit the load on the joints with hereditary predisposition;
- Body weight control;
- Wear shoes that fit well.
Diet and lifestyle
With a hereditary predisposition to the development of arthrosis, as well as during an exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to adjust the diet. It is recommended to include in the diet sea fish (sardines, salmon, tuna), fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals. Limit baked goods, fatty meats, chocolate, and alcohol.
It is recommended to spend more time outdoors and not to expose the joints to increased physical activity.