Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints, in which their nutrition is disturbed and their structure is 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 the age of 40, and it manifests itself to some degree in almost all people up to the age of 80. The resulting limitations in mobility lead to disability over time.
Timely contact with specialists helps to 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 interrupted and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the destruction and the bone tissue hardens 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 alleviates suffering and slows down the development of the disease.
Causes of the appearance and development of arthrosis
- used to move a little,
- prolonged standing position (occurs in some professions),
- increased physical activity (certain sports, professional sports),
- circle,
- unhealthy diet
- overweight,
- bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking),
- disorders of the endocrine and reproductive system (thyroid disease, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- blood flow disorders (venous insufficiency),
- heredity.
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage covering the joint bone surfaces. 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, 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. Apart from them, arthrosis of the spinal column is widespread. The most serious disease occurs in the hip joint (coxarthrosis), the most common in the knee joint (gonarthrosis).
Stages of development
Stages of the development of the disease according to the Kellgren-Lawrence clinical and radiological classification:
- Stage I: discomfort and pain occur while walking. There are no radiological changes.
- II. stage: Slight dull pain appears during long walks, rarely crunches when bending the limbs. X-ray: barely noticeable narrowing of the joint space, questionable small osteophytes (growths along the edges of the joint).
- III. stage: Pain and stiffness increase in the morning. The pain increases with movement. X-ray: slight narrowing of the joint space, rare osteophytes.
- ARC. stage: Muscle and bone pain occurs at any time of the day. Swelling may occur and pain may increase. X-ray: moderate narrowing of the joint space, pronounced osteophytes, bone surfaces change, compaction of bone tissue under the cartilage tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Continuous aching, dull pain, intensifies with movement, strong "crunching" when moving, joint deformation, muscle atrophy. X-ray: the joint space is sharply narrowed, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, pronounced deformation of the surfaces.
Doctors help to relieve discomfort, perform a comprehensive examination and choose an individual treatment, taking into account the gender, age, metabolic level, accompanying diseases and other characteristics of each client.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Arthrosis develops gradually: discomfort may appear within a few years of the beginning of the destruction process or the onset of inflammation.
The first signs include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After a long (night) relaxation, a slight stiffness can be felt in the morning. Painful, dull "starting pains" appear, i. e. movements that occur at the beginning after a break and subside after some activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not very pronounced, people rarely go to specialists at this stage. Although now there isthe easiest time to stop the development of arthrosis.
Over time, the pain increases and disappears, disturbs sleep at night, and worsens with changes in the weather. There is a painful feeling in the bones, muscles and joints start to hurt. This disease most often affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue appears quickly while walking, mobility (stiffness) decreases.
People often lose the sense of security in their arms and legs, and their gait becomes unsteady. During movement, a strong "crunching" occurs in the legs (the exposed bone surfaces rub against each other). The joints are deformed. Due to the restriction of movement, the adjacent muscles are less tense, causing the latter to atrophy (the volume decreases). Weakened muscles lead to an increasingly unsteady gait. .
The hand is most often affected by arthrosis after injuries or chronic inflammation. The deformation of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square and growths form on the fingers (nodules of Heberden and Bouchard).
Clear signs of the need for arthrosis treatment are joint deformities, persistent pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function and unsteady gait.
If you experience the described symptoms, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to help, perform a full examination and provide comprehensive answers to all your questions. Thanks to the recommendations of the 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 joint surfaces and cartilage. The most informative are: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
Diagnostic examination for doctors is not difficult - joint changes are clearly visible in the photographs. Using these, the doctor determines the stage of the arthrosis and the degree of its progress.
Arthroscopy (endoscopy of the joint with 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 to analyze the synovial fluid, and performs a minimally invasive procedure (removal of small pieces of bone).
General, biochemical and immunological blood tests are performed for laboratory diagnostics. They determine the general condition of the patient, the presence of the inflammatory process, metabolic disorders, and rule out other joint diseases.
Treatment
To relieve pain, slow down the destruction process and, if possible, create recovery processes in the tissues of the joint, conservative therapy is used. 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. Medicines are selected individually in each case, based on the characteristics of the person and the disease.
Nutrition correction: it is necessary to organize a nutritious and regular meal. With the help of the doctor, the client prepares a list of products and a detailed diet. All that 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 joints to speed up the healing process), etc.
Ozone therapy in various forms and administration methods to stimulate cellular metabolism 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 (a combination of drugs with ultrasound waves), thermal baths, massage, etc.
Applications: use 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. Exercising in the pool is beneficial.
Hirudotherapy: 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.
Orthopedics: wearing and using special structures - orthoses (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Gluing: fastening with adhesive tape.
In some cases, surgery is required. The clinic successfully performs such effective surgeries in the field of hip and knee joints as:
- arthroscopy
- endoprosthesis
In most cases, after the operation, the symptoms disappear, the pain goes away, and the freedom of movement gradually returns. The signs of the disease decrease and, in the absence of provoking factors, usually do not return.
The modern clinic has modern operating theaters in which complex surgeries are performed with expert grade endoscopes. Our doctors are able to help even in difficult cases.
Advantages of visiting a professional clinic
- Qualification of professionals. Experienced and competent doctors are the highest category specialists, candidates of medicine. They follow the latest achievements in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experiences with colleagues and abroad, and carry out scientific activities.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory equipment. Modern clinics have the most modern, efficient and safe equipment for successful diagnosis, treatment and implementation of preventive measures. The clinical diagnostic laboratory enables laboratory tests to be carried out quickly.
- Fast and efficient diagnosis. The excellent equipment of the clinics makes it possible to carry out a wide range of diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, radiography and other highly informative tests are carried out, which make it possible to establish a diagnosis and obtain detailed data on 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 results.
- Effective therapy. An integrated, comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes many cutting-edge methods.
- Individual approach. Prescribing therapy taking into account the client's gender and age, as well as other characteristics.
Prevention of arthrosis
To minimize pain and maintain normal working conditions, you should:
- follow your doctor's recommendations,
- control of body weight (each additional kilogram of weight increases the risk of deterioration),
- elimination or minimization of heavy physical activity,
- do physical therapy exercises regularly,
- avoid injuries: use special protective elements (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and gradually increase the load,
- apply corrective devices and treatment methods (bands, orthoses) in accordance with recommendations,
- regular examinations, preventive courses must be carried out, and the condition of the disease must be monitored.
Appropriate treatment and following the recommendations of the treating specialist will help stop the progression of the disease and maintain mobility. If you have joint problems, go to the hospital. Our doctors will help you get rid of the pain and creaking of the joints and select therapy to restore motor function. Timely initiation of therapy allows the joints to fully recover, and preventive treatment procedures help you live a normal life without joint pain!
F. A. Q
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?
The cause of tissue destruction in arthrosis is insufficient nutrition (disturbance of metabolic processes) and, as a result, compensatory compaction and proliferation of joint 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, i. e. arthritis with frequent exacerbations develops into arthrosis through a mixed intermediate stage, in which signs of both diseases are present.
Is arthrosis a curable disease?
The later the disease is discovered, the lower the chance of a complete recovery. But in any case and at any stage, you can stop the disease and relieve pain and other discomfort as much as possible.
Is it worth warming up in a sauna/bathtub if you have arthritis?
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 increase the inflammation, and dilated blood vessels spread the inflammation throughout the body.
Is arthrosis a contraindication for military service?
It depends on the severity of the disease. Impairment of mobility and joint function may be a contraindication.
Can children suffer from arthrosis?
Yes, it is possible after injuries and other joint diseases.
Is it possible to cure arthrosis at home with folk remedies?
It is possible, but without a professional examination and qualified recommendations, the chances of your condition getting worse are much higher.
What is the most dangerous in arthrosis?
Tissue destruction leads to permanent pain, reduced motor function and disability. Is it possible to independently determine whether there is arthrosis?
Knowing the symptoms, the existence of the disease can be assumed, but the diagnosis is made by a doctor after instrumental and laboratory diagnostic tests.