There are more than 180 joints in the human body, and they harm almost everyone. Diagnosis sounds different, different treatments are recommended, but the pain does not pass, only intensifies with age, relief is temporary.
There is still no consensus in the medical community regarding this disease, including treatment options.
What is arthrosis of the joints
This is a whole group of diseases of a polyetiological nature, in which all parts of the joint are destroyed.
Causes of osteoarthritis
There are many of them and they are not fully understood.
- Osteoarthritis develops after injury. For example, if the knee joint is damaged, osteoarthritis or gonarthrosis of the knee joint occurs.
- Delayed arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint. It can even occur after ARVI or as a result of a certain infection: gonorrhea, tuberculosis, brucellosis, viral hepatitis, adenovirus infection, rubella, HIV infection.
- High physical activity is a professional problem for athletes. For an ordinary person, any load can become stressful and "start" the process.
- Autoimmune diseases: osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, drug arthropathy, chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system. For example, dysplasia can be one of the causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint.
- Excess weight.
- Harmful working conditions.
- Alcohol and bad habits.
The list is not exhaustive, but it is already quite impressive.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are many, but the main one is pain.
In osteoarthritis, the pain is primarily seen with physical force, and decreases at rest. They are caused by micro-fractures, spasms of periarticular muscles, irritation of surrounding tissues by osteophytes. As synovitis develops, the joint swells, the pain first appears in the movements, then disappears and reappears with prolonged force.
Necrotic osteophyte (a torn piece of articular cartilage) "cracks" the joint and causes severe pain, crunchy and external changes are visible, normal movements are difficult.
Classification First stage: movements in the joint are moderately limited, pain occurs only during tension, X-rays show insignificant bone growths, the narrowing of the joint space is small. Second stage: the mobility of certain joints is significantly limited, a crisis appears. Pain occurs with the simplest movements. With osteoarthritis of the joints of the legs, lameness occurs due to shortening of the joint, there is a violation of the pelvic area, there is pain in the legs and lower back. The images show a three-fold reduction in joint space, rough bone growth, and damage to joint surfaces. Stage three: the joint is destroyed, with bilateral osteoarthritis - movement is possible only in the armpits.
Classification
- Stage 1: Movement in the joint is moderately limited, pain occurs only during tension, radiographs show insignificant bone growths, the narrowing of the joint space is small.
- Second stage: the mobility of certain joints is significantly limited, a crisis appears. Pain occurs with the simplest movements. With osteoarthritis of the joints of the legs, lameness occurs due to shortening of the joint, there is a violation of the pelvic area, there is pain in the legs and lower back.
- Stage three: the joint is destroyed, with bilateral osteoarthritis - movement is possible only in the armpits.
Diagnostics
Knee arthrosis and hip arthrosis (coxarthrosis) are the most common diagnoses.
Instrumental examination for osteoarthritis:
- Radiography - to assess the condition of bone tissue.
- Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography - determines the degree of destruction of the joint and its parts.
- Arthroscopy.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Conservative treatment (only in the early stages):
- NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-inflammatory and warming ointments, joint orthopedics.
- Physiotherapy - to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotectors - Biologically active supplements that have a placebo effect.
- Chondroprotectors with NVPS - relief is felt immediately (anti-inflammatory action), treatment is longer.
- Hormonal drugs
- Hyaluronic acid preparations are a full-fledged "prosthesis" of synovial fluid.
- Plasma therapy - PRP therapy, orthokinin therapy.
Surgical treatment
- Endoprostheses - replacement of joint surfaces.
- Arthroplasty is a method for small and non-tense hand joints.
- Arthroscopy.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of osteoarthritis, like many complex diseases, is the timely treatment of any infection and a careful approach to your health.