Arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints, in which their nutrition is disturbed and their structures are 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 40 years of age, and by the age of 80 it manifests itself to one degree or another in almost every person. The resulting limitations in mobility lead to disability over time.
Timely contact with specialists will help preserve 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 disrupted and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the destruction and the bone tissue becomes harder 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 damage. While well-chosen treatment relieves suffering and slows the progression of the disease.
Reasons for the appearance and development of arthrosis
- habit of moving a little,
- prolonged stationary standing position (occurs in some professions),
- increased physical activity (some sports, professional sports),
- age,
- unhealthy diet
- Overweight,
- bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol);
- disorders in the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive system (thyroid disease, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- blood flow disorders (venous insufficiency),
- heredity.
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage that covers the surfaces of the joint bones. There is less cartilage tissue, the cartilage thins 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 tissue has broken down. In response, bone tissue grows and the joint deforms and loses mobility.
Classification
Depending on the origin, arthrosis is divided into
Most often, this disease affects the legs (knee, first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, thigh) and fingers. In addition to them, arthrosis of the spine is widespread. The disease in the hip joint (coxarthrosis) and most often in the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is considered the most severe.
Stages of development
Stages of disease development according to the clinical and radiological classification of Kellgren-Lawrence:
- Stage I: There is discomfort and pain when walking. No radiological changes.
- Stage II: There is a slight dull pain when walking for a long time, a rare crunch when bending the limbs. On X-ray: barely noticeable narrowing of the joint space, suspicious small osteophytes (growths on the edges of the joint).
- Stage III: Pain and stiffness are worse in the morning. Pain worsens with movement. X-ray: slight narrowing of the joint space, rare osteophytes.
- Stage IV: 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, densification of bone tissue occurs under the cartilage tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Aching, constant dull pain that increases with movement, strong "creaking" with movement, joint deformation, muscle atrophy. X-ray: the joint space is sharply narrowed, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, marked deformation of the surfaces.
Doctors will help relieve discomfort, conduct a complete examination and select an individual treatment, taking into account the gender, age, metabolic level, concomitant diseases and other characteristics of each client.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Arthrosis progresses gradually: discomfort may appear for the first time within a few years from the beginning of the destruction process or when inflammation occurs.
The first signs include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After prolonged relaxation (at night) a slight stiffness is felt in the morning. Pains appear, dull "starting pains", i. e. movements that occur at first after rest and subside after some activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not strongly expressed, people at this stage rarely come to specialists. Although exactlynow is the easiest time to stop the development of arthrosis.
Over time, the pain increases and ceases to subside, interferes with sleep at night and intensifies when the weather changes. There is a feeling of pain in the bones, muscles and joints begin to hurt. Most often, this disease affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue occurs quickly when walking, mobility decreases (stiffness).
People often lose the sense of security in their hands and feet, 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 movements, the neighboring muscles are strained less, which leads to the atrophy of the latter (the volume decreases). Weakened muscles lead to an increasingly unsteady gait.
The hands are most often affected by arthrosis after injuries or chronic inflammation. The deformity of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square and outgrowths form on the fingers (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes).
Clear signals for the need to treat arthrosis are joint deformities, constant pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function and instability in gait.
If you get the described symptoms, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to help, conduct a complete examination and give comprehensive answers to all your questions. Thanks to the recommendations of competent doctors, you will be able to maintain your usual rhythm of life.
Diagnosis
Instrumental diagnostic methods are usually used to assess the condition of joint surfaces and cartilage. The most informative are: radiography, nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
Diagnostic examination for doctors does not present any difficulty - the joint changes are clearly visualized in the photographs. Using them, the doctor determines the stage of arthrosis and the degree of its progression.
As an additional diagnostic method, arthroscopy (endoscopy of the joint using a flexible probe) can be prescribed. The doctor examines the surface of the joint from the inside, can take material for synovial fluid analysis and perform a minimally invasive intervention (removal of small bone fragments).
For laboratory diagnosis, general, biochemical and immunological blood tests are performed. They determine the general condition of the patient, the presence of an inflammatory process, metabolic disorders and exclude other joint diseases.
Treatment
To relieve pain, slow down the destruction process and, if possible, establish restorative processes in the tissues of the joint, conservative therapy is used. It 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. In any case, the choice of drugs is made individually, based on the characteristics of the person and the disease.
Correction of nutrition: it is necessary to organize nutritious and regular meals. With the help of the doctor, the client draws up a list of products and a detailed diet. It remains only to follow the chosen path.
Injection therapy: injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint gap, PRP therapy (injection of human plasma into the joints to accelerate the recovery processes), etc.
Ozone therapy in various forms and methods of application to stimulate metabolic processes in cells 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: application of special gels, ointments and other drugs to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of the main therapy.
Therapeutic exercise: the doctor offers the client a set of exercises aimed at restoring the function of the joints. Exercising in the pool has a beneficial effect.
Hirudotherapy: the use of leeches. Their saliva contains substances that activate the expansion of blood vessels, and this improves metabolism. Other substances in saliva can clean out the joint cavity by dissolving dead tissue.
Orthoses: wearing and using special constructions - orthoses (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Taping: fixing with stickers.
In some cases, surgery is necessary. The clinic successfully performs such effective operations in the field of hip and knee joints as:
- arthroscopy
- endoprosthetics
In most cases, after this operation, the symptoms disappear, the pain disappears and the freedom of movement gradually returns. The signs of the disease decrease and usually do not return in the absence of provoking factors.
The modern clinic has state-of-the-art operating theaters where complex operations are performed with expert grade endoscopes. Our doctors are able to help even in difficult cases.
Advantages of visiting a professional clinic
- Qualification of specialists. Experienced and competent doctors are specialists of the highest category, candidates of medical sciences. They monitor the latest achievements in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experience with colleagues and abroad, conduct scientific activity.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory facilities. Modern clinics are equipped with the most modern, effective and safe equipment for successful diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures. The clinical diagnostic laboratory allows you to quickly perform laboratory tests.
- Fast and effective diagnostics. The excellent equipment of the clinics allows us to perform a wide range of diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, radiography and other highly informative studies that allow us to make a diagnosis and obtain detailed data on the condition of the joints, in particular, and the body as a whole.
- A comprehensive approach. In the modern clinic, the practice of consultations between doctors of different specialties is widespread in order to achieve the best result of the treatment.
- Effective therapy. The integrated, comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a large number of cutting-edge methods.
- Individual approach. Appointment of therapy, taking into account the gender and age of the client, as well as other characteristics.
Prevention of arthrosis
To reduce pain and maintain a normal working condition, you should:
- follow the doctor's recommendations,
- control body weight (each additional kilogram of weight increases the risk of deterioration),
- eliminating or minimizing strenuous physical activity,
- do physical therapy exercises regularly,
- avoid injuries: use special protective elements (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and gradually increase the load,
- use corrective devices and treatment methods (tapes, orthoses) as recommended,
- undergo regular examinations, preventive courses and monitor the condition of the disease.
Correct treatment and compliance with the recommendations of the treating specialist will help stop the progression of the disease and preserve mobility. If you have joint problems, go to the hospital. Our doctors will help you get rid of the pain and crunch in the joints and you will choose therapy to restore motor function. Timely initiation of therapy makes full recovery of the joints possible, and preventive courses of treatment procedures will help you lead a normal life without joint pain!
FAQ
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?
In arthrosis, the cause of tissue destruction is insufficient nutrition (disruption of metabolic processes) and, as a consequence, compensatory compaction and proliferation of the articular bone surfaces. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, which is the main cause of tissue damage.
The chronic inflammatory process gradually passes into nutritional and metabolic disorders, i. e. arthritis with frequent exacerbations progresses to arthrosis through a mixed intermediate stage in which there are signs of both diseases.
Is arthrosis a curable disease?
The later the disease is detected, the smaller the chance of a full recovery from it. But in any case and at any stage, you can stop the disease and relieve pain and other unpleasant sensations as much as possible.
Is it worth it to warm up in a sauna / bath if you have arthrosis?
Warming up is useful and is part of the complex treatment of arthrosis. But first you should consult your doctor. If there is a local or general inflammatory process in the body, then warming procedures are contraindicated - they will increase inflammation, and dilated blood vessels will spread inflammation throughout the body.
Is osteoarthritis a contraindication for military service?
It depends on the severity of the disease. Impaired joint mobility and function may be a contraindication.
Can children suffer from arthrosis?
Yes, this is possible after injuries and other joint diseases.
Is it possible to treat arthrosis at home with folk remedies?
There is a possibility, but without a specialized examination and qualified recommendations, there is a much greater chance of worsening your condition.
What is the most dangerous in arthrosis?
Tissue destruction leads to persistent pain, reduced motor function and disability. Is it possible to independently determine whether you have arthrosis?
Knowing the symptoms, one can assume the presence of a disease, but the diagnosis is made by a doctor after instrumental and laboratory diagnostic testing.