osteoarthritisis a dystrophic joint disease, resulting in the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, osteoarthritis occurs as a primary disease.It can also appear as a result of secondary trauma, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Osteoarthritis of the joints of the lower extremities and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is most frequently detected.Among the joints of the upper extremities, osteoarthritis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers predominates.
Women suffer from osteoarthritis more frequently than men, but after the age of 65 this difference is almost not noticeable.
Causes of osteoarthritis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders of the human body;
- Impaired blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary predisposition to diseases of cartilage tissue;
- Old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Operations on joints.
Additionally, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can cause osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis symptoms
Even if seemingly trivial symptoms bother you, don't ignore them.
- Pain that subsides with rest (manifested when loading the joint and climbing stairs);
- Restricted mobility and cracking in the joint;
- Muscle tension in the joint area;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied by pain, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease: osteoarthritis!Contact your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Keep in mind that without treatment, a joint susceptible to osteoarthritis can not only collapse, but can also cause changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.Due to this, intervertebral disc herniations or osteoarthritis of other joints occur.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis includes:
- Examination performed by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CONNECTICUT;
- Blood test (with osteoarthritis, ESR increases sharply);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovial membrane.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment involves:
- Take pain relievers (pain relievers);
- Take anti-inflammatory medications;
- The stage of restoration of cartilage tissue consists of taking drugs containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you must take medications according to an individually selected regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massages, magnetotherapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the period of remission;
- Intra-articular injection courses.
Osteoarthritis prevention
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the appearance of osteoarthritis of the joints, it is necessary to: reduce the static load on the joints, abandon high heels, do not sit cross-legged, get rid of excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.