Arthrosis - what is it, causes, signs, symptoms, degrees and treatment of arthrosis of the joints. Arthrosis: symptoms and complex treatment of the disease How arthrosis manifests itself

Instruction

Arthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic chronic change in cartilage, which further leads to deformation of bone tissue. The disease covers not only cartilage, but the entire joint as a whole ( synovial membrane, ligaments, periarticular muscles, subchondral). First of all, arthrosis affects the knee joints, followed by the hip joints, then the large joints. Much less often, interphalangeal and joints located on the fingers suffer from this disease.

In the initial stage of the disease, there are mild pains in the affected joints. This is the reason that arthrosis is very often triggered. Pain syndrome in the second stage of the disease occurs with minor stress on the joints. In the third stage of arthrosis, pain will haunt even when stationary. Another proof of the disease is a rough and dry crunch that occurs when the articular surfaces are rubbed. It should be noted here that a sonorous crunch in the joints is harmless in the absence of pain. Another serious symptom of arthrosis is the modification of the affected joints.

There are several basic principles for the treatment of arthrosis: orthopedic regimen, pharmacotherapy, limitation of stress on the joints, exercise therapy, proper nutrition, oxygen saturation of the joint, shock wave and laser therapy, magnetotherapy, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, intraosseous blockades, decompression of the metaepiphysis, spa treatment . This scheme is considered classical in the treatment of arthrosis.

It should also focus on pharmacotherapy, which is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain. Doctors are increasingly prescribing NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) intramuscularly or intravenously in order to quickly get a therapeutic effect and at the same time not injure the gastric mucosa. The local use of these agents is considered as an addition to the main treatment, since the effectiveness of gels and ointments is extremely low.

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, hormonal corticosteroids are prescribed intraarticularly (Kenalog, Diprospan, Hydrocortisone). Sometimes, in addition, a hot pepper alkaloid is used in the form of an ointment, patch, or alcohol tincture. Also, the doctor prescribes substances that contribute to the restoration of cartilaginous tissues, improve the quality of fluid in the joints - chondroprotectors. The duration of the course continues until the patient receives the first effect. If within six months there are no signs of the effects of drugs, then they are canceled.

A disease such as arthrosis is the most common pathology of the human musculoskeletal system. It is characterized by slow destruction of cartilage, as well as some additional adverse processes in the periarticular region. The consequences of such a disease without therapy are the disability of a sick person. Therefore, it is very important to know how to be treated, and what needs to be done for this. If the first symptoms occur, it is immediately necessary to contact a medical institution for a comprehensive comprehensive diagnosis and subsequent therapy based on the clinical signs of the disease.

Quite often, arthrosis accompanies a disease such as osteochondrosis. They are quite similar to each other, but have some differences. First of all, it is important to note that, unlike arthrosis, osteochondrosis causes only degeneration of the intervertebral discs, and not their destruction. In addition, due to the localization of osteochondrosis in different parts of the spine, and not in other areas, the symptoms also have some features of the manifestation.

Arthrosis of the joints is a chronic disease, which consists in degenerative-dystrophic changes in these structures of the human body. The process affects different parts of the joint, no matter where they are.

The disease is characterized by slow progression, although it can be accelerated by some external factors. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, the diseases that a person has and his way of life.

Treatment of arthrosis of the joints can be carried out by an arthrologist, rheumatologist and orthopedist. In the process of therapy and diagnosis, the help of some other specialists is often needed, among which one can single out a chiropractor, massage therapist, physiotherapist, exercise therapy trainer, arthroscopist or surgeon. The need to contact these specialists is determined by the method of treatment, the degree of progression of the disease, as well as the complications that a person has.

In some cases, there is confusion about different diseases, because people who are little familiar with medicine think that arthritis and arthrosis are one and the same. In fact, this is not so, because in the first case the ailment is of an acute inflammatory nature, and in the second - a long, less pronounced chronic one. Because of such nuances, self-treatment without a doctor is very risky, so it is not recommended.

According to the International Classification of Diseases of the tenth revision, arthrosis belongs to the class Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, Arthropathy group, Arthrosis subgroup. They have codes from M15 to M19. Here is located, including arthrosis of the hip, first carpometacarpal, knee, shoulder joint, etc.

Deforming arthrosis in the last few decades has become a younger disease due to the fact that it is increasingly being diagnosed not in the elderly, but in representatives of the middle age range and even in children. Despite this, the older a person becomes, the higher the risk of developing this disease. Gender in most types of arthrosis does not play any role - the disease occurs in both men and women. An exception to this rule is interphalangeal arthrosis, which is more often diagnosed in females.

Causes of the disease

In some cases, the causes may be unknown or impossible to determine. In such cases, the disease occurs on its own without any external factors. This condition is called idiopathic or primary arthrosis. Secondary arthrosis is a condition that provokes any pathological changes in the human body. The most common reasons for this are:

• Various injuries, including fractures, dislocations, sprains, etc.;
• Congenital abnormal development of the joints;
• Metabolic system disorders;
• Some diseases of the autoimmune spectrum (including rheumatoid arthritis, Liebman-Sachs disease);
• Nonspecific inflammatory processes, including acute purulent arthritis;
• Specific inflammatory processes (tuberculosis, tick-borne encephalitis, gonorrhea and syphilis);
• Certain diseases of the endocrinological spectrum;
• Processes of a degenerative-dystrophic nature (Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and Koenig's disease);
• Diseases associated with problems of the musculoskeletal system and increased joint mobility;
• Hemophilia of various etiologies, provoking hemarthrosis.

In addition to the diseases themselves, there are many other factors that provoke the risk of arthrosis:

• Age exceeding 60-65 years;
• Large body weight, which creates an additional load on the joints of the body;
• Some working conditions, improper organization of training and the consequences of certain diseases;
• Surgical interventions in the periarticular zone or directly in the joint;
• genetic predisposition;
• Disturbances in the balance of the endocrine system in the period after the onset of menopause in women;
• Micronutrient deficiencies;
• Pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spine, consisting in neurodystrophic disorders;
• Toxic poisoning by certain substances;
• Unfavorable environmental living conditions;
• Prolonged or frequent hypothermia of the body;
• Joint microtraumas, often repeated one after another.

Regardless of what reason served as the impetus for the onset of arthrosis in a person, it is very important to first eliminate it, and then carry out therapy for the consequences.

Degrees of disease

Medical practice distinguishes three main degrees of arthrosis, which affect all joints of the human body without exception:

1. Grade 1 is a pathological condition in which there are no pronounced morphological changes, which affects the asymptomatic picture of the course of the disease. From time to time, a person may feel slight pain, which is primarily due to increased stress on the joints or sudden movements leading to minor inflammatory processes. Changes occur in the synovial fluid - its chemical composition changes slightly, which significantly affects the nutrition of cartilage tissue. The surrounding muscles become somewhat more weakened, but they do not change their structure.
2. 2 degrees - this is the stage that marks the beginning of the destruction of the joint. During this period, the first osteophytes appear - marginal bone growths. The pain syndrome is quite moderate, but at the same time pronounced. The inflammatory process is not permanent - it can both manifest itself and gradually fade for a while. When moving in the joint, a certain crunch occurs. After some time, there is a change in the functionality of the muscles, which occurs due to violations of neurotrophic regulation. It has a weak or moderate character.
3. Grade 3 is the final stage of the disease, which is characterized by pathological deformities of the joint and cartilage, as a result of which even a change in the axis of the limb occurs. Due to the fact that the anatomy of the joint is gradually changing, and there are also pathological changes in the connective tissue, the ligaments lose their functionality, gradually shortening. As a result of this process, pathological joint mobility occurs, but the range of motion is significantly reduced. In a sick person, contractures and subluxations appear in the affected limb. The muscular musculature in the area near the joint is significantly shortened and weakened. Nutrition with useful substances, all structural elements in the affected area is insufficient.

After the third degree of arthrosis of the joints in humans, there is a complete destruction of the joints.

This, in turn, leads either to a complete lack of movement, or to a pathological small mobility, which is called neoarthrosis. At this stage of the development of the disease, doctors cannot correct the situation by any other methods, except for arthroplasty.

For example, in the last degree of arthrosis of the knee joint, a person loses the ability to bend and unbend the leg, which is why he is confined to a wheelchair. In this case, the closure of the knee may not occur in a natural position, which also causes certain difficulties in the implementation of life.

Due to the complexity of treating the last stages of the disease, it is very important to start therapy at the first signs of symptoms. This greatly facilitates the process of therapy, rehabilitation, if required, and also minimizes the discomfort that a sick person may feel due to an illness.

Symptoms

Arthrosis symptoms are completely different, but the most distinctive of them is pain in the joints. Most often, it occurs in cases where there is any load or mechanical damage to the affected area.

In general, there are four large groups of symptoms that directly characterize a disease such as arthrosis:

• Pain;
• Crunch;
• Decreased mobility;
• Deformation.

Depending on the localization of the disease, the individual characteristics of the organism, as well as the degree of development of the disease, the manifestation of each of them depends.

Painful sensations in arthrosis are pronounced, especially after various kinds of loads. When a person comes to a state of rest, after a while, uncomfortable sensations disappear. Localization of pain occurs directly in the place where the changes in the usual structures of the body took place.

In some cases, arthrosis pain can occur when a person is resting, being completely relaxed. They appear very sharply and strongly, which can be compared with toothaches. Most often this happens in the morning. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to start treating the problem as early as possible.

A crunch is also an indicative symptom of arthrosis. This is due to the fact that, due to changes, the bones begin to rub against each other. It is also important to remember that some crunching may be present in a healthy person, so this symptom in itself does not indicate a problem.

Decreased mobility manifests itself at later stages of the development of the disease. This is due to the fact that the muscle muscles gradually spasm, and the gap in the joint disappears.

The deformation of the joint is directly related to the fact that osteophytes are formed on its surface. Most often, this symptom occurs with a long absence of any adequate treatment of the disease.

Arthrosis of the joints symptoms and treatment may be different. Many different factors influence this. Before starting therapy, it is very important to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the disease.

Knee - features of treatment

The knee joint is called gonarthrosis. In the initial stages of the development of the disease, a sick person complains only of a certain discomfort when walking. This is due to the fact that the surfaces of the joint begin to rub against each other.

Symptoms, which consist in holding down a person’s movements, begin to appear only at the second stage of their development. The patient is limited in the movements of the leg. He has a crunch with any movement of the lower limbs.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the knee joint may appear for a long time before the deformation changes begin. In this case, X and O-shaped curvature of the lower extremities of a person is characteristic. This, in turn, leads to the inability to walk, chaining a person to a wheelchair.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very serious disease, because, unlike other types of disease, it is capable of moving to the last stages of its development in a short time due to heavy loads, leading to disability of the patient. Therefore, it is very important to start therapy as early as possible.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint symptoms and treatment is quite unpleasant. This is due to the fact that in the early stages, when conservative methods of therapy are indicated, patients do not always go to medical institutions. With the progression of the disease, the following methods are often resorted to:

• Taking NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors;
• Decrease in body weight;
• Therapeutic physical education (LFK);
• course of physiotherapy;
• The introduction of hyaluronic acid into the synovial fluid;
• Arthroscopy;
• Endoprosthetics.

Symptoms and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee should be interconnected. Therefore, it is very important to undergo a diagnosis before this. The most indicative in this regard is MRI, CT, radiography and ultrasound.

Treatment of the knee often forces to carry out a rather invasive and unpleasant, therefore, it is necessary to approach its implementation in advance, when you can limit yourself to medications.

Hip

The hip joint is a problem, the main factor in the rapid progression of which is overweight. People who have it move much faster from the first degree of the disease to the second or third. The primary form of this disease often develops after 50-60 years. The secondary form can arise due to various reasons much earlier.

The main reasons that provoke hip deforming arthrosis of the joints include:

• Congenital dislocations of the femoral head;
• hip dysplasia;
• Infections affecting the bones of the thigh;
• metabolic diseases;
• Necrosis of the femoral head;
• Injuries.

Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should first of all be aimed at eliminating the symptoms. This is due to the fact that the pain in the thigh is very intense and difficult to bear. Therefore, at first, it is recommended to take anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors and synovial fluid prostheses. In addition to medications, a significant result can be achieved with the help of physiotherapy. This applies primarily to massages, the use of "moist heat", certain gymnastics, thermal and hydrotherapy, as well as treatment with electrical discharges. The treatment of hip arthrosis also involves the use of special orthopedic structures, such as canes, special pillows, rollers, etc.

Surgical interventions in which the treatment of arthrosis of the joints in the thigh area is carried out in the following types:

• Closure of the hip joint;
• Correction of some parts of the pelvic bones;
• Hip replacement.

Exercises for arthrosis of this type should be carried out only with the help of special trainers who are able to control this process.

Hip arthrosis can not be cured at home! But at home, you can carry out special gymnastic exercises, take medications and follow a certain diet, if one has been recommended by a doctor.

Brachial

A disease such as shoulder arthrosis, in many cases, occurs due to too much physical exertion. Most often, the symptoms occur quite unexpectedly, but very brightly and strongly. A person begins to feel pain in the shoulder, which most often occurs when moving the arm to the sides and back. On palpation of the lower parts of the clavicle and shoulder blades, the patient may also feel both discomfort and pain.

In some cases, arthrosis of the hands is accompanied by swelling in the joint area and slight redness. At the same time, due to the inflammatory process, the local body temperature rises. With the progression of the disease, there is a limitation of the mobility of the upper limbs.

Treatment of shoulder arthrosis is carried out both with the help of conservative methods and surgical intervention. Most often, they start with drug treatment, physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises, hoping to restore cartilage tissue. At the same time, it is very important to take a comprehensive approach to eliminating the problem, and not to concentrate on only one of the methods. If possible, it is necessary to develop the hand as long as possible, while removing the inflammatory process in it.

Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint by the surgical method is carried out if conservative therapy has not brought the desired result. In this case, the affected joint is replaced with a special prosthesis made of materials that can serve in the human body for more than ten years.

It is better not to treat arthrosis with folk remedies! They can only relieve some symptoms, such as discomfort or pain, it is impossible to eliminate the cause of the problem.

Ankle

Arthrosis of the ankle joint is, like other types of disease, a progressive chronic disease. The causes of this disease are the same as the causes of other types. That is why treatment should be carried out in the same way. The main differences that the ankle joint has is the impact on it of some gymnastic exercises.

It is important to remember that physiotherapy exercises are individually designed sessions to address the problems of a particular patient. This means that the exercises that help correct arthrosis of the foot are different from those that treat arthrosis of the fingers or the hip joint.

Ankle arthrosis of the joints provokes symptoms in the form of painful sensations in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe transition of the foot to the leg. Because of this, it often becomes difficult for a person to walk, which is why people with such a problem often seek help than with a disease of the shoulder girdle. This type often occurs in people with increased physical exertion or in athletes in whom this area of ​​​​the body is often subjected to various mechanical damage.

Ankle arthrosis of the joints forces a person to do exercises that would help develop the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe lower extremities. It is important to remember that if the cause of the disease was a systemic disease, physical exercises should be complex, aimed at all parts of the body. This is due to the fact that problems in the ankle can only be the initial manifestation of polyarthrosis.

Conclusion

Arthrosis has a variety of symptoms and treatment, so it is very important before starting therapy to correctly diagnose and accurately determine the cause of the disease. This can only be done in a medical institution under the guidance of a qualified doctor.

With age, the joints and bones weaken, the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body provokes the development of diseases, including arthrosis. This disease significantly reduces the quality of human life, leads to pain and discomfort in the joints. How does arthrosis develop and manifest itself?

Osteoarthritis is a complex disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type that destroys cartilage inside the joint, which leads to pain and difficulty in moving. When this disease occurs, the ends of the bones are restructured. Additionally, it is possible to detect an inflammatory process that provokes the degeneration of periarticular tissues.

Arthrosis is one of the most common diseases. Over time, it develops in more than 35% of people, more often in old age. But recently, it has been increasingly found in young people whose age does not exceed 35 years.

There is no cure for arthrosis. However, if detected in the initial stages, it can be stopped. This will allow the patient to feel like a full-fledged person and give freedom of movement.

Aging is not the only cause of osteoarthritis. The development of the disease is also provoked by: a hereditary factor, place of residence, lifestyle, and more. All these points must be taken into account at the stage of preliminary examination of the patient and the appointment of treatment.

Reasons for the appearance

Often arthrosis is caused by failures of metabolic processes in the body. This leads to the fact that the cartilage begins to gradually lose elasticity. Hence, pain in the joints, impaired mobility, frequent fractures appear. The loss of proteoglycans during the development of the disease causes the formation of cracks that affect the functionality of the joint.

Deformation of tissues is also caused by such factors:

• hormonal disorders;
• malfunctions in the blood flow;
• heredity;
• injuries (fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments, other injuries);
• excess weight;
• unbalanced diet;
• inflammatory processes inside the joints;
• avitaminosis;
• frequent hypothermia;
• regular colds;
• blood incoagulability;
• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• tuberculosis;
• encephalitis;
• disorders of the thyroid gland;
• autoimmune ailments;
• regular heavy loads on the joints;
• intoxication of the body;
• dysfunction of the blood supply to the head of the femur;
• advanced age.

This is just a short list of factors that provoke the development of arthrosis. In addition to them, experts identify a number of genetic causes that lead to the development of the disease.

1. Bouchard's and Heberden's nodules are inherited from parents to children. They are arthrosis of the hands and fingers.
2. Violations of the formation of the associated apparatus that occurred at the stage of the formation of the fetus in the womb. This results in dysplasia, which leads to rapid wear of the joints.
3. Uncontrolled mutation of collagen. It causes disturbances in the structure of the fibrillar type protein, one of the most important elements of the connective tissue. So, there is a rapid loss of cartilage performance.

At risk are people with difficult professions. This includes miners, metallurgists, masons. Increased physical labor provokes premature failure of the joints and bones. Arthrosis also appears from long-term injuries, which gave complications.

Development mechanism

The process of development of arthrosis is complex, and it is completely impossible to stop it. The fact is that the normal physiological exchange inside the joints begins to be disturbed. Irreversible changes in cartilage tissue occur, the rate of cartilage destruction exceeds the rate of regenerative processes.

The central place in the process of destruction of the joints is occupied by chondrocytes, which are transformed under the influence of specific factors. There is an excessive production of collagens and proteoglycans that are not able to form aggregates with hyaluronic acid in sufficient quantities. The cartilage of the joint loses its natural elastic properties.

As the disease progresses, the cartilage becomes thinner, drier, and rough. Elasticity is lost, movements become more problematic. Thus, the surface of the cartilage is polished and compacted over time.

Pathological processes affect not only cartilage tissue. The negative effect also goes on the joint capsule, subchondral bone, musculo-ligamentous apparatus. Violations are reflected in passive and active patronage. The deformity of the joints is actively developing, which aggravates the degenerative processes in the cartilage. In this regard, the disease becomes progressive.

The first signs of the disease

It does not matter for what reason arthrosis develops, since it almost always manifests itself in the same way. Symptoms are divided into 4 stages. With progression, the signs become more obvious, and the pain syndrome is pronounced.

Click on the image to enlarge it

The degree of progression of the disease is determined by x-ray, which helps to assess the condition of the joint and the presence of gaps.

1. Stage 1 - the joint space is narrowed, but not completely. Osteophytes are not observed. The patient's condition is satisfactory.
2. Stage 2 - the appearance of osteophytes is planned. There is also a narrowing of the gap. The patient may feel the first negative symptoms - pain, crunching, malaise.
3. Stage 3 - narrowing and multiple osteophytes are visible to the naked eye. Active deformation of the joint begins.
4. Stage 4 - the joint space is virtually absent. Severe tissue deformity is diagnosed.

Arthrosis from each concomitant factor may be accompanied by a number of additional symptoms. These include weakness, malaise, immobility of the limbs, aching sensations in the region of the diseased joint.

At the initial stages, the disease manifests itself poorly: there are virtually no unpleasant sensations. The patient occasionally feels a slight tingling pain during active exertion. Over time, the symptoms become more pronounced.

Danger

Arthrosis is a complex, chronic disease. If its progression is not prevented in a timely manner, irreparable consequences await a person. Ignoring the symptoms and lack of treatment can lead not only to the destruction of the diseased joint, but also to the appearance of changes in the biomechanics of the spine. This can provoke the spread of arthrosis to healthy cartilage, as well as cause an intervertebral hernia.

Complications:

• destruction of diseased and healthy joints;
• deformation;
• decrease in working capacity and quality of life of the patient;
• disability;
• spinal biomechanics dysfunction.

Complications are best avoided, as their elimination will require a lot of effort, time and patience. Regardless of what caused arthrosis, it must be dealt with promptly and comprehensively.

Types of disease

There are two types of arthrosis: primary and secondary. Primary arthrosis appears due to age-related changes that occur in the body of each person. This is an irreversible process. However, a special supportive treatment technique can prolong the youthfulness of the joints and restore their mobility for a long time.

Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of past injuries and manifests itself at any age. It also occurs due to chronic diseases that are transmitted genetically through parents.

Diagnostics

To find out what caused arthrosis, you need a competent diagnosis using the following methods:

• radiography is the main method for diagnosing deformation of cartilage tissues and bones;
• radionuclide method - allows you to identify pathology in the early stages;
• puncture of the joint - allows you to trace and identify changes in the tissues;
• biopsy - helps to assess the condition of the cartilage at the current moment.

Additional laboratory tests:

• general blood analysis;
• determining the level of sugar in the blood;
• rheumatic tests;
• protein fractions;
• electrolytes.

The necessary treatment is prescribed based on indicators of the patient's health status. In some cases, the disease can be so advanced that standard diagnostics are powerless, which is why computed tomography is prescribed.

It is possible to identify the disease in the early stages if you resort to analysis from the secular fluid. Histological analysis of the biopsy will be no less useful.

What treatment can be prescribed?

Treatment of arthrosis gives good results if therapy is started in the early stages of the disease. However, this does not work out in all cases. Treatment must be comprehensive. Self-medication is unacceptable, since in all cases it will only lead to deterioration.

The treatment method is prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the medical history, complaints and analyzes of the patient. Therapy that relieves the patient of pain and other unpleasant symptoms includes:

• limitation of loads;
• adhering to the orthopedic regimen;
• pharmacotherapy;
• adherence to proper nutrition and daily routine;
• undergoing sanitary-resort treatment;
• mandatory physiotherapy exercises;
• physiotherapy;
• saturation of the joints with oxygen;
• intraosseous blocks.

Also, treatment necessarily includes taking medications that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Osteoarthritis is treatable with hormonal corticosteroids, which are used when the disease is in the acute stage. Chondroprotectors will not be superfluous, the action of which is aimed at restoring cartilage and improving the quality of synovial fluid.

With arthrosis, it is better to use a diuretic of natural plant origin. So, birch sap, elderberry juice, cowberry and cranberry juice have a good effect.

How to save yourself?

Often arthrosis provokes a wrong lifestyle, therefore, in order to avoid it or prevent complications, you need to follow simple, uncomplicated rules:

• rule out injury
• do not resort to excessive physical activity;
• monitor nutrition;
• monitor weight;
• timely treat diseases of the endocrine system;
• consult a doctor at the first suspicious symptoms;
• accustom yourself to engaging in a suitable sport (walking, swimming).

Arthrosis is called dystrophic changes in the joints, which are characterized by the destruction of cartilage. With such a disease, inflammatory processes slowly develop and degeneration of the periarticular tissues occurs. According to statistics, arthrosis is the most common disease in people aged 30 years and older, affects all segments of the population, regardless of gender, at the moment, 80% of the total population of our planet has this pathology.

Causes of arthrosis

Arthrosis of the joints begins due to a violation of metabolic processes directly in the joints. This may be due to habitual hormonal disorders, a hereditary factor, and old age. But doctors also identify the most possible reasons for the development of the process in question:

• dislocations, bruises, sprains in the joints, and in general any history of trauma;
• too much body weight - this increases the load on the joints at times;
• previously transferred arthritis of an acute form and purulent nature;
• diseases related to the autoimmune classification - for example, scleroderma or lupus erythematosus;
• colds that occur frequently and severely;
• regular hypothermia - this may be due to the specifics of work;
• inflammatory processes in the body that are specific in nature - for example, syphilis, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, tick-borne encephalitis;
• impaired blood supply to the femoral head - Perthes disease;
• hemophilia - impaired blood clotting.

You should not exclude the fact of malnutrition - this can lead to metabolic disorders, which is the main cause of the development of arthrosis. Miners, blacksmiths, metallurgists and all people who regularly experience heavy physical exertion have a high probability of the occurrence of the pathological process under consideration. The doctor tells about the mechanism of development of deforming arthrosis of the joints:

Symptoms of arthrosis and degree of arthrosis

Pain is considered the main symptom of the disease under consideration - it occurs with excessive physical exertion on specific joints, it can subside at rest, and periodically, against the background of pain in the area of ​​​​the joint affected by the inflammatory process, hyperemia (reddening of the skin) and swelling may occur. In general, doctors distinguish 4 main groups of signs of developing arthrosis:

1. Pain. Of course, this symptom is characteristic of many diseases, but with arthrosis there are some features of the pain syndrome in the joint:

• discomfort occurs only when making a movement;
• as soon as a person brings the joint to rest, the syndrome disappears.

note: the pathological process in question develops very slowly, therefore, at the beginning of its course, arthrosis is only disturbed by intermittent joint pains exclusively with excessive loads. At night, the pain of patients does not bother, sleep is not disturbed. Then, as arthrosis progresses, morning pains begin to appear - they are characterized by patients as “lumbago”, they are short-lived and occur only in the early morning.

If arthrosis is in a neglected state, then the pain syndrome becomes acute and permanent - even potent painkillers cannot reduce its intensity.

1. Reduced joint mobility. This is also considered one of the characteristic symptoms of arthrosis, but it appears already at the stage of active progression of the disease. During the development of arthrosis, growth / germination of bone neoplasms occurs, which leads to spasms of muscle tissue, a decrease in the lumen in the joint capsule - restriction of movement in this place is guaranteed.
2. Crunch. The joints crunch even in absolutely healthy people, but for arthrosis there is a distinctive feature of the crunch - it is “dry”, not clicking, and is always accompanied by acute pain.
3. Joint deformity. This phenomenon occurs during the growth of osteophytes and is considered one of the latest signs of arthrosis, appearing at the stage of decompensated development of the pathological process in question.

The X-ray picture of arthrosis in each of the 4 degrees is shown below:

A specialist tells in more detail about the symptoms of arthrosis:

Note: the course of the disease in question is very slow and at the first stage may not be characterized by any symptoms at all, and intermittent pain in the joints and increased fatigue can be inherent even in healthy people with great physical exertion. Therefore, self-diagnosis of arthrosis is almost impossible.

The processes occurring in the tissues of the joints at each stage of arthrosis are shown in the diagram:

Principles of treatment of arthrosis

Medical treatment

In the complex of drug therapy, it is necessary to use the following drugs:

1. Anti-inflammatory. This group of drugs performs two functions at once: it relieves pain and relieves the inflammatory process. Doctors use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthrosis, and they do not prescribe them orally (in tablets) - this category of drugs irritates the gastric mucosa. Considering that the course of therapy for arthrosis is quite long, the patient can get rid of the underlying disease, but “earn” gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) and even peptic ulcer. Therefore, depending on the specific drug chosen, they are prescribed intravenously or intramuscularly. In pharmacy chains, you can buy non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical drugs - such ointments can be used, but they do not give a powerful effect or a long-term result.
2. Hormonal corticosteroids. This group of drugs is most effective during an exacerbation of arthrosis. Most often, doctors prescribe Diprospan or Hydrocortisone - intramuscular injections are made. But a similar category of drugs in pharmacies is also presented in the form of patches, ointments - they are used only externally, you can expect a fairly quick and powerful effect.
3. Chondroprotectors. These drugs contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue. Most often, doctors use Glucosamine or Chondroitin Sulfate in the treatment of arthrosis. Note: the course of therapy with these drugs is very long, but if there are no positive results within 6 months, then chondroprotectors are either completely canceled or their dosage is adjusted.

Very often, in the process of treating arthrosis, specialists prescribe Diacerein - it contributes to the degradation of cartilage tissue. But doctors warn their patients that a quick effect after taking Diacerein should not be expected - noticeable positive changes will begin no earlier than two weeks after taking the drug.

Note: if the patient was hospitalized with arthrosis at the most severe stage of development and doctors cannot relieve the pain syndrome with any painkillers, then narcotic analgesics may be prescribed as an exception, but this is done extremely rarely.

Diet

The importance of proper nutrition in arthrosis is difficult to assess - if the patient ignores the recommendations of nutritionists, then the treatment of the pathological process in question can drag on for years, and the results will not be very high.

What you need to remember for those patients who are forced to undergo therapy against arthrosis:

Alternative treatment of arthrosis

There are several dozen folk methods for the treatment of arthrosis, but all of them will only relieve unpleasant symptoms, but will not eliminate either inflammation or the main cause of the development of the disease. Of course, compresses and applications, ointments and gels with horse chestnut, cabbage leaves and lilac tinctures will have an analgesic effect and even allow the patient to return to the usual rhythm of life for a while.

Arthrosis is a non-inflammatory dystrophic change in the articular cartilage. This process occurs in most cases as a result of the natural aging of the body.

According to statistics, arthrosis is considered a fairly common disease, since according to various estimates, from 10% to 15% of the inhabitants of different countries suffer from it.

This disease is typical for the age category of 45 years or more. Although, there are exceptions when arthrosis is observed in a lesser age group of people, as a result of injuries, serious illnesses, fractures, which are more typical for athletes.

The most common arthrosis of the knee, hip and phalangeal joints. At the same time, two types of arthrosis are traditionally distinguished: primary - arising against the general background of age-related changes in the body, and secondary - developed as a result of injury, excessive physical exertion, an infectious or other disease, such as diabetes mellitus.

As a rule, patients experience arthrosis pain in a state of exertion, but as soon as they sit down or lie down in a comfortable position for the affected limb, the pain subsides. As the disease progresses, the characteristic crunch of the joints increases, the amplitude of the usual movements of the joints decreases, and deformation of the articular components is observed.

Arthrosis - what is it?

Why does arthrosis occur, and what is it? The disease develops due to a metabolic disorder in the joint, which in turn leads to the fact that the cartilage begins to lose elasticity. This can be facilitated by a complete or partial loss of proteoglycans from the composition of the cartilage, this usually occurs due to fairly deep cracks in the cartilage itself.

The loss of proteoglycans can also occur for another reason: due to the failure of their production by the cells of the joint.

1. Arthrosis primary- begins for no apparent reason and affects unchanged articular cartilage simultaneously in many joints; more common in people over 40 years of age. Primary arthrosis is also a consequence of a violation of the ratios in the cartilage tissue of the processes of synthesis and degeneration, and is accompanied by a breakdown in the function of chondrocytes. In cartilage with arthritic changes, destruction processes predominate.
2. Main reasons secondary arthrosis there are significant changes in metabolic processes: blood supply, salt metabolism and lymph outflow, hormonal disorders in the absorption of substances necessary for the joint. Hormonal changes leading to arthrosis are often found in women of older and advanced age, when regular changes in hormonal levels occur.

The risk group includes people:

• with overweight;
• with hereditary disorders;
• old age;
• with specific professions;
• with metabolic disorders in the body;
• with micronutrient deficiencies;
• suffered injuries on the spine;
• involved in certain sports.

The insidiousness of arthrosis lies in the fact that pathological changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the affected joint do not show any symptoms for a long time - pain and difficulty in movements become noticeable only at the moment when the destruction reaches the periosteum located under the cartilage.

Arthrosis 1, 2 and 3 degrees

There are three degrees of arthrosis of the joints:

1. 1 degree of the disease proceeds almost without tangible symptoms. Only occasionally pain is possible during movement or other types of physical activity. Already at the first stage of arthrosis, pathological changes occur in the synovial fluid of the joint, while the muscular apparatus weakens, but does not undergo modifications.
2. The 2nd degree of arthrosis is marked by the beginning of the destruction of the joint, the first osteophytes appear. The pain becomes tolerable, but pronounced. A crunch is clearly audible in the affected joints. There is a violation of muscle functions due to a violation of reflex neurotrophic regulation.
3. 3 degree arthrosis- the articular cartilage is thinned, there are extensive foci of destruction. There is a significant deformation of the articular area with a change in the axis of the limb. Due to a violation of the normal relationship between the anatomical structures of the joint and extensive pathological changes in the connective tissue, the ligaments become insolvent and shorten, as a result of which pathological joint mobility develops in combination with a limitation of the natural range of motion. There are contractures and subluxations. The periarticular muscles are stretched or shortened, the ability to contract is weakened. The nutrition of the joint and surrounding tissues is impaired.

The course of the disease is characterized by stages of exacerbation and stages of remission. This significantly complicates the self-diagnosis of arthrosis, relying only on one's own feelings. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor for clarification of the diagnosis.

signs

Arthrosis has certain first signs, based on its classification, but there is also a generalized list:

1. Pain syndrome, which is aggravated in wet weather and from freezing;
2. The joint increases in volume due to deformities and osteophytes;
3. The temperature of the skin around the diseased joint increases. There may be a general increase in temperature.
4. The joint begins to swell, swelling and seals are observed;
5. With tension and work of the joint, a crunch or creak from the friction of bone formations is heard and felt.

In later stages, pain may also occur at rest due to stagnation of blood and increased intraosseous pressure.

Symptoms of arthrosis

Arthrosis belongs to the category of chronic diseases. Sometimes the disease can go unnoticed for years, only occasionally resembling pain with a load on the joint or awkward movement.

But it also happens that the disease develops rapidly to a severe stage in just a few months. In any case, it is important to remember that if arthrosis is not treated, its symptoms will increase over time, worsening the quality of life, and in severe cases, leading to disability and immobilization.

So, with osteoarthritis, the main symptoms are as follows:

1. Aching pain in the joint. It is especially manifested with various kinds of loads on the diseased joint, while walking up the stairs.
2. Aching and crunching in the joint. The aches appear during hypothermia. The crunch is not strong at first, but if left untreated, others will hear it over time.
3. The appearance of swelling. This symptom is characteristic of another disease of the joints - arthritis. But with arthrosis, swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied not by acute pain, but by aching. It is very noticeable and causes considerable inconvenience.

Sometimes the pain may get worse in the evening. Sometimes pain in the joint is very active, its manifestation depends on the load. In youth, arthrosis can develop from heavy physical exertion or after an injury.

Diagnosis of arthrosis

Diagnosis is based, first of all, on the determination of such a predisposing factor as the appearance of pain and discomfort in the movements of the joints. If the symptoms of the disease described above occur, it is possible to conduct an x-ray, radionuclide and morphological study.

All studies are conducted only in clinical conditions and only qualified specialists should give conclusions on them. On our website, you can always ask your questions about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of arthrosis in the comments below.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent arthrosis are available to everyone. These include moderate exercise (which should not cause joint pain), a balanced diet, and a daily intake of all essential micronutrients and vitamins.

Often overweight interferes with getting rid of arthrosis, so you should be very careful about your diet and, if necessary, follow a diet.

It is also necessary to remember that arthrosis belongs to the category of chronic diseases. In other words, the main criterion for the effectiveness of treatment is the achievement of a long-term remission and improvement in the patient's condition.

Treatment of arthrosis

With diagnosed arthrosis, treatment at the moment is a serious and urgent problem. And although the number of drugs used for arthrosis is constantly increasing, they have only a symptomatic effect. And so far, none of the drugs has become a panacea in the treatment of joints.

The plan and methods of treatment depend on the stage and symptoms of arthrosis, often initially relieve pain, since in the second and third stages of the disease they can be very painful. Anti-inflammatory therapy is also possible with concomitant inflammation of the joint.

The main scheme of drug treatment of arthrosis involves the use of:

1. : Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, Diclofenac to reduce pain and eliminate the inflammatory process.
2. medicines from the group of chondroprotectors, which include active ingredients such as glucose and chondroitin.
3. In severe cases, it may be necessary intraarticular administration of corticosteroids: Hydrocortisone, Diprospan. These drugs quickly eliminate the inflammatory process and normalize the mobility of the affected joint.
4. After the elimination of the inflammatory process, it may be necessary to intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricant and prevents the process of joint friction, eliminates pain, improves mobility and stimulates the production of its own hyaluronate.

To return a joint affected by arthrosis to a large extent is possible only with the help of a surgical operation to replace the joint; it is still impossible to do this without surgery.

Surgery

At advanced stages of arthrosis of the knee joints, medication treatment may no longer be effective, and then a decision should be made on surgical methods of recovery.

There are several types of surgery:

1. Arthroplasty. Replacement of articular cartilage with an artificial lining. After surgery, pain is significantly reduced and mobility is increased.
2. Arthroscopy. Does not require a long recovery period, well suited for patients of all ages. It is needed to prevent the destruction of the joint. During the operation, inflamed areas are removed - this happens with the help of a thin probe and auxiliary instruments.
3. Prosthetics. Replacement of all joint components with artificial analogues. By the way, modern prostheses are made of a special metal that is not rejected by the body. Such grafts last on average about ten years. After such an intervention, patients can lead a full life.

At home, as prescribed by the doctor, the patient can use distractions in the form of ointments, rubbing, gels, herbal infusions. Good results are obtained by physiotherapy, acupuncture, hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches), as well as sanatorium treatment in remission (attenuation of the disease) using natural mud and mineral baths.

Exercises for the treatment of arthrosis

An indispensable condition in the treatment of arthrosis is the use of various types of exercises in order to prevent muscle atrophy and weakening of the ligaments.

Exercises for the treatment of arthrosis are selected individually for each patient by the attending physician and a specialist in physical therapy. Exercises are started only after the exacerbation is removed, but not later than 5-6 days after the pain syndrome is removed.

The purpose of exercises for the treatment of arthrosis is to restore joint mobility, aerobic training, increase strength and flexibility of muscles and joints.

How to treat arthrosis with folk remedies?

With arthrosis, drug treatment cannot be avoided, but usually the doctor prescribes a complex treatment, advising the use of folk remedies. But you need to know that the treatment of arthrosis, including alternative medicine, is based on a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, folk recipes are added to all this.

1. Birch leaves, nettle leaves and calendula inflorescence taken in equal parts. As a result, you need to get two tablespoons. We arrange the resulting crushed collection in a thermos, pour a liter of boiling water and leave overnight. Starting the next morning, take half a glass of decoction four to five times a day. The course of taking this recipe is two to three months.
2. Egg solution is prepared from fresh egg yolk, which is mixed with turpentine and apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1:1:1. The liquid must be thoroughly mixed and rubbed with it on the affected joint all night. Then you need to wrap everything with a woolen scarf. It is recommended to perform rubbing for 1 month 2-3 times a week.
3. Celery. Drink 1-2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed celery juice up to 3 times a day. You can use a decoction. Brew 1 tbsp. a spoonful of fresh roots with 2 cups of boiling water and let it brew under the lid for 4 hours. Drink 2 tbsp. spoons up to 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
4. You will need a piece of soft wool fabric, without synthetic impurities and a head of cabbage. First you need to grind the head of cabbage, after which it is good to crush it with a mortar or with your hands, it is advisable to use non-oxidizing dishes. After that, you can squeeze the juice in a juicer. Now we take the prepared cloth and moisten it in cabbage juice, put this compress on the sore joint. I would also like to note that the squeezed juice can be stored for no more than three days from the moment of extraction.
5. The use of boiled oatmeal also gives good results. Take three to four tablespoons of oatmeal, pour boiling water over it and cook over low heat for five to seven minutes. The amount of water used should provide a thick porridge that should be cooled and used as a compress overnight. Use only freshly boiled flakes. Yesterday's porridge for a compress is not suitable.
6. In a pharmacy, the root of elecampane is purchased. As a rule, it is packaged in packs of 50g. To prepare the tincture, you will need half a pack of plant roots and 150 ml of high-quality vodka. The ingredients are mixed, placed in a dark bottle and infused for 12 days. Rubbing is performed before bedtime, and if possible in the morning.

In general, the treatment of arthrosis with folk remedies is not able to completely replace standard therapies (medicines, physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy), but can significantly alleviate the symptoms of the disease, enhance the effect of other therapies and speed up recovery.