What is arthrosis: types, symptoms and methods of treatment

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, expressed in damage to the cartilage tissue and joints.About one-third of older people are diagnosed with this condition.Therefore, it is important to know which specialist to contact and how to treat this disease.

Types of arthrosis

The parameter by which arthrosis is divided into types is location.Based on this, experts have compiled the following classification of diseases:

• Spondyloarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the spine affects one or more vertebrae of the spinal column.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is too much pressure on certain parts of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as are other postural disorders.
• Non-covertebral arthrosis.Cervical arthrosis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, so it is often diagnosed in the elderly.

• Arthrosis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder arthrosis is quite common among the population, especially in men.Two-thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis have deformities in the arm joint.
• Osteoarthritis of the hand.Distal interphalangeal joint arthrosis is another type of arthrosis.This disease is also called Heberden's node.More common in women during menopause.
• Coxarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the hip joint usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.However, if there is joint dysplasia (congenital disorder of the bone structure), then this disease can also be found in young people.
• Gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is one of the most common types.People over the age of 45 are most susceptible to it.This disease is more common among women than men.
• Ankle arthrosis.Leg injuries, subluxations, leg bruises and similar problems are signs of this group of diseases.It occurs among all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary polyosteoarthrosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by generalized weakness of ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause against the background of general arthrosis of the legs.

Mechanisms of arthrosis development

Under normal conditions, cartilage has a smooth surface and is also quite flexible.Thanks to this, the articular surfaces can move relative to each other without difficulty.In other words, healthy cartilage provides the necessary level of shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles, and ligaments.

As a result of arthrosis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes more and more rough, and friction occurs when the joint moves.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage, eventually entering the joint cavity and fluid.

Further, the cartilage becomes more and more rigid, until it hardens.Cysts form in the middle and deep zones, in direct contact with the joints.

This ensures continuous injury to the joint capsule and synovium, causing them to thicken.Over time, the bone structure itself also becomes damaged - they become deformed, and strange protrusions appear on the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the occurrence of fibrous lesions.The possibility of damage to the ligament-muscle system increases (sprain, tear, rupture).With significant destruction of cartilage, movement is very limited, and the formation of ankylosis is a common occurrence.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of arthrosis are many and varied.However, there are a group of factors that increase the chance of developing this disease:

• age over 60 years;
• obesity and large body weight, which creates increased pressure on the joints;
• non-compliance with safety precautions and work regulations;
• endocrine system disorders;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• poisoning with certain toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions in places of residence and work;
• frequent body hypothermia.

Primary arthrosis

Primary arthrosis is the result of a disruption of the regenerative process, increased degeneration of joint cartilage tissue without abnormalities in the body's overall function.

As a rule, primary arthrosis occurs due to hereditary factors:

• Cartilage tissue composition.Genetic disorders in the composition of the tissue that make up the cartilage, which accelerates its destruction, is a direct prerequisite for arthrosis.The sooner the cartilage is affected, the higher the likelihood of the disease occurring.
• Congenital defects of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it leads to trauma in certain areas of cartilage joint tissue, which, in turn, eventually leads to disease.
• Ancestry.Arthrosis has a high chance of being inherited.If at least one of the parents has this disease, then it is worth paying more attention to the child's joints.

Secondary arthrosis

As already mentioned, secondary arthrosis does not occur by itself;it is always preceded by several factors:

• Mechanical damage to the joint.Trauma, intra-articular fractures, continuous overload and many other factors have a very high chance of causing further disease.An aggravating factor is inadequate or no treatment.
• Surgical intervention.Not the surgery itself, but medical errors that can cause damage to joints or cartilage.
• Joint disease.Arthrosis often occurs as a result of inflammatory processes: arthritis, synovitis.Also, read how arthrosis differs from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system that disrupt the blood supply to the joints can cause arthrosis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also prerequisites for this disease.

Secondary arthrosis occurs as a result of a pathological process or as a result of partial destruction of the articular surface due to damage from external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary arthrosis is expressed in the dynamics and prerequisites of the disease: with the primary type, the disease occurs slowly and naturally, while for the secondary type a trigger for development is required.

symptoms

Arthritis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• A painful sensation.Joint pain is a characteristic of this disease.For arthrosis, pain occurs when moving or when there is a strong load on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but tolerable.However, over time, the symptoms become more intense, and eventually the pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Crunch.Arthrosis is often accompanied by a throbbing sensation in the inflamed joint.These symptoms occur as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and subsequent bone friction.If someone's joints are cracked, this is not yet a reason to panic.With arthrosis, the crunch is quite specific - rough and dry.Therefore, you should not make an appointment with a specialist, almost not break your joints.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Stiffness of movement.As arthrosis progresses, it increasingly limits movement due to hardening and destruction of cartilage.
• Changes in the appearance of joints.One of the accompanying symptoms is the deformation of inflamed joints.A person suffering from arthrosis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, the knees that have been sharp all their life have become more rounded.
• Soft tissue inflammation.However, arthrosis can cause not only joint deformation, but also soft tissue inflammation, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid around the cartilage (effusion).

Stage of arthrosis

The development process of arthrosis includes three stages:

• First stage arthrosis is characterized by minor pain during movement and light load on the affected joint.However, already from the first stage, changes in the structure and composition of cartilage tissue begin.
• Starting from the second stage, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.Manifestations of pain become more and more pronounced, strong and clear dryness appears.
• The most severe stage of arthrosis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the joints also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: pain disturbs the joint even at rest, the person can no longer make normal movements, and visually the joint becomes less attractive.

The third stage of arthrosis leads to the complete destruction of the joint, accompanied by neoarthrosis (partial abnormal mobility) or complete loss of mobility.As a rule, at the end of the third stage of arthrosis, experts decide on a radical intervention - endoprosthetics of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Untimely, incorrect (or absent) treatment of arthrosis can lead to many unpleasant consequences.This is not only the complete destruction of the affected joint, but also a change in the biomechanics of the spine, which can cause the appearance of a hernia in the intervertebral disc and the spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of this disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformities;
• mutual destruction;
• biomechanical violations of the spine and other joints;
• herniated intervertebral disc;
• inability to move;
• deterioration of the patient's quality of life;
• the patient becomes disabled.

Specialists and diagnostics

If you find symptoms inherent in arthrosis, the first specialist a person should visit is an orthopedic specialist.In the future, the doctor will collect anamnesis, conduct a general examination and refer the patient for examination, including:

• X-rays (usually in two projections), are needed to detect certain signs of arthrosis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to study the bone structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is needed to determine the condition of the soft tissues.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedist can either prescribe treatment himself, or, if an aggravating condition is detected, refer the patient to another specialist: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Treatment of arthrosis rarely includes only one method of therapy.As a rule, patients are prescribed various measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases where surgical intervention is indicated are also not uncommon.

General recommendations

Treatment of arthrosis, in addition to specific measures, includes some basic recommendations:

• reduce the load on the painful joints to the minimum possible level;
• literal adherence to the regimen prescribed by the orthopedic specialist;
• a rational and properly formulated diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Drugs

Medicines for arthrosis are indicated frequently.As a rule, these are the following types of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.At the initial stage of treatment, the first task to be completed is the elimination of pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which involve intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Corticosteroid hormones.Hormonal corticosteroids are indicated at the exacerbation stage of arthrosis.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes there are patches, ointments and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main purpose of the drug group is to restore cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of the synovial fluid.Patients need to take medicine for a long time, because the recovery process takes a lot of time.In the case of advanced arthrosis, the drug may not give the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In case of severe disease, analgesics, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

Therapeutic exercise

Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients with arthrosis, especially in combination with drug treatment.Orthopedic specialists choose a set of exercises that should be performed according to the following principles:

• No rush.The load and amount of training should increase gradually;there is no need to rush, no matter how much you want to speed up the onset of positive results.
• No pain.Physical therapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise can bring discomfort, tension and fatigue, but no pain.If the pain is still there, it means that the exercise is done incorrectly.
• No overvoltage.Exercise should be intense, but do not force the patient to force himself.Keep in mind that everything is good in moderation.
• No breaks.Only regular exercise can really benefit the joints and help overcome this disease.Classes held once a month according to your mood will not bring any effect.
• No exacerbations.Exercise should be done only during the remission period of arthrosis.
• No concessions.Both problem and healthy joints should be loaded equally.

Physiotherapy

Early stages of arthrosis are usually treated with medication.However, in combination with drugs, physiotherapy procedures are often prescribed to enhance the effect of drugs.In addition, with this prescription, the dosage and side effects of the drug can be reduced.

For arthrosis, the following procedures are indicated:

• Electrophoresis.A completely painless procedure that allows the prescribed medicine to act locally and in high concentration while minimizing any side effects.Allows you to quickly relieve pain, inflammation, improve joint nutrition and promote several other beneficial effects of drugs.
• Exposure to ultrasound.Causes a list of beneficial effects (warming, micromassage, increasing capillary blood flow and metabolism in tissues).In other words, physiotherapy procedures are aimed at improving the condition of joints and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to magnetic fields.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in damaged joints and improves metabolic processes in them.Orthopedists can prescribe general and (or) local magnetic therapy depending on the type of arthrosis and the general health of the patient.
• Radiation exposure.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications to other physiotherapeutic methods, but also in addition to others, as a means of speeding up recovery.

massage

Massage is an effective way to treat arthrosis due to increased peripheral blood circulation in the joints.Better blood circulation, better nutrition of joints and cartilage with nutrients.

For arthrosis, the following massage techniques are often prescribed:

• Japan.During the Japanese technique, eye loading is practiced on certain parts of the joint - hard and painful.The load must be strictly dosed, so you need to contact a massage therapist who specializes in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish language.This technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are done with the thumb, which also has a targeted but gentle effect.
• Swedish language.The Swedish technique involves stroking and rubbing, as well as directly kneading the painful joint.

The purpose of massage is to achieve the following goals:

• stretching the muscles and ligaments surrounding the painful joint;
• muscle free from venous blood;
• remove deposits from joints;
• stimulates lymph outflow and blood flow;
• relieve tension;
• improve joint motor function.

Food

In the case of arthrosis, the signature dish that should be in the diet is jellied meat - its use leads to the intake of gelatin into the body, which is very necessary for the normal functioning of cartilage.However, other animal dishes containing cartilage are also recommended for consumption.

In addition, there is a list of dietary rules that patients with arthrosis should follow:

• do not eat a lot at night, because this can lead not only to weight gain, but also to disease attacks;
• try to eat fractionally - proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• if you are overweight, reduce the weight so as not to add pressure to already painful joints;
• Daily nutrition should be balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.

Spa treatment

Depending on the stage of arthrosis, patients may be indicated for sanatorium-resort procedures using special mud:

• Local mud application.It involves applying hot (about 40 degrees) healing mud to the affected joint for 15-20 minutes.This course is conducted every day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.General use of hot mud on the human body.About 10 procedures are required, carried out daily.
• Mud bath with mineral water.Immerse a person in a special bath consisting of healing mud mixed with mineral water at a high temperature (36-37 degrees).This course is conducted in analogy with the application.
• Compress.Mud compresses of various compositions are applied to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long period of time (from half an hour).The course consists of 10 to 20 procedures.

You should not make decisions about spa treatments on your own.Before visiting the establishment, be sure to consult your treatment specialist.

In addition, other procedures are also indicated:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• traction of underwater members with hanging weights;
• vibration massage;
• reflexology;
• medicated bath.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to improve joint mobility, as well as remove part of the damaged cartilage or menisci.

Surgery for arthrosis is the last resort, which should be done only if conservative treatment methods do not bring positive results, and the patient experiences pain, partial or complete immobility of the joint.

During the operation, fragments of cartilage affected by arthrosis are removed, they are polished to give a smooth surface, cartilage growth is removed, and part of the damaged ligament is cut.

The most common surgeries are:

• hip joint - partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue of the femur and pelvic bone;
• knee joint – replacement of the articular surface of the joint with metal or a combination of prostheses.

People's recovery

Folk remedies cannot defeat arthrosis on their own, but they can be an excellent helper.The main thing is to consult with your orthopedist before use.

The most effective in folk medicine in combating this disease are ointments, compresses and baths.

Ointment

For them to have an effect, the ointment must be applied with massage movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example, overnight.

Ointment No.1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 teaspoon.turpentine;
• 1 teaspoon.apple cider vinegar.

Mix all ingredients well.

Application method.Painful joints should be lubricated at night, wrapped well.Use three times a week.

Ointment No.2:

• 100 g of honey;
• 3 g mummy.

Mix all ingredients well.

Application method.Apply daily at night for a week.

Compress

For arthrosis, they should be warm and moist.The compress applied to the joint is covered with film and a warm cloth.

Compressed No.1:

• water;
• 1 teaspoon.vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The arranged leaves need to be held briefly over a pan of hot water to steam.

Application method.Diseased joints are lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped with leaves, wrapped with cling film and a warm scarf.You need to keep it for a few hours.

Compressed No.2:

• 2 egg shells;
• 1 tablespoon.l.fat kefir.

Powdered shells are mixed with kefir until a thick paste is formed.

Application method.The product is distributed over the painful joint, covered with linen and cling film, after which the joint needs warmth (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

Take a shower

If large joints suffer from arthrosis, heating is indicated, and bathing is an excellent remedy for this.

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• some pine branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichokes;
• 2 tablespoons.l.honey;
• 1 teaspoon.turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a hot water bath.This bath lasts up to half an hour.

You can not take a healing bath every day - the interval between procedures should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tablespoons.l.nettle;
• 3 tablespoons.l.St. wortJohn;
• 2 tablespoons.l.calendula;
• 3 tablespoons.l.oregano;
• 1 tablespoon.l.hemlock;
• 1 tablespoon.l.burdock root;
• 500 g of clay.

Pour boiling water over the mixed herbs and let it brew for an hour.After time, clay is added, the solution is mixed well and poured into a hot bath.It takes about 20 minutes to lie in the shower.

Preventive measures

Although there are many reasons that cause this disease, there are also effective measures designed to protect a person from the occurrence of arthrosis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with the right technique, will not only help in the fight against excess weight, but will also improve the microcirculation of blood around the articular cartilage, thereby enriching the cartilage with the nutrients necessary for normal functioning.
• warmJoint hypothermia should be avoided.
• Nutrition.A proper and balanced diet that contains the daily requirements of nutrients, as well as vitamins and microelements, will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal body weight throughout life reduces the possibility of arthrosis to a minimum.

Arthrosis is a disease that can be contracted by many people: from athletes (among whom this is the most common disease) to lovers of an unhealthy lifestyle.But taking preventive measures, contacting an orthopedist in time and following all instructions allows, if not completely eliminating the chance of getting sick, then at least reducing the damage to a minimum.