Arthrosis -A disease that has many factors and related to degenerative-dystrophic damage to the joints. One of it is a violation of metabolic processes in the body. The development of the disease by arthrosis is associated with circulatory disorders in the capillaries of the layers of the periosteum and, as a result, a violation of the nutrition of the cartilage tissue of the joint. At the same time, the structure of the cartilage itself is changing, and it becomes thinner, becoming less elastic, the smoothness of the surface of the joint also decreases. A decrease in the quality of tissues of the cartilage leads, in turn, to a significant reduction in the volume of synovial fluid and a deterioration in the lubrication of the affected joint.
The folk name of the disease by arthrosis is "deposition of salts", which is not true, since in case of arthrosis disease, the cartridge and joint capsules are destroyed, which entails an increase in the load on the affected joint and, as a result, the deformation of the bone. As a result of all this, a crunch appears in the joint, often accompanied by pain, since osteophytes (bone spikes) form along the edges of the joint surface - hence the folk name of the disease by arthrosis.
Arthrosis, as a rule, affects mainly older people. Inexorable statistics indicate that more than 30% of people over sixty years old and about half, at the age of more than seventy years, get arthrosis.
Although this disease is based on the lesion of the cartilage of the joint, the process of the disease is also striking in the neighboring tissues - the synovial membrane, the periarticular muscles, the inner layers of the joint bag, bone structures and ligaments.
Symptoms of arthrosis
The disease arthrosis is symptomatic, first of all, the occurrence of severe night pain during a change in body or other movement. Pain, at rest with arthrosis, usually do not appear. One of the symptoms of arthrosis can be considered a characteristic crunch in the joints with pain. Also, often, arthrosis is characterized by excessively pronounced meteo sensitivity of the sick - the manifestation of pain depending on the changes in the weather.
Basically, arthrosis affects the hip and knee joint. A little less often - it affects the joints of the fingers on the arms and legs, as well as the ankle joint. At the initial stage of the disease, the common symptoms of arthrosis are short -term and weak pains that do not have a clear localization, and intensify precisely during physical activity. Poor mobility of the joint is noted, after a state of rest, and a feeling of increasing discomfort. With the development of arthritis, the clinical picture can deteriorate and over time the pain becomes more pronounced, the characteristic crunch of the joint acquires a constant character, and the ever -increasing pain leads to muscle spasm related to the limitation of the amplitude of movements in the affected joint. In the later stages of arthrosis, with damage to the joints of the lower extremities, lameness appears and the patient has to use crutches or cane.
Stages of arthrosis
In accordance with a classification based on radiological features, four stages of development of arthrosis are distinguished:
- I degree - dubious arthrosis: The pain is almost not felt, manifests itself periodically and only at the beginning of the movement and quickly passes with its beginning. In the joint, there is a slight limited movement after a state of rest, quickly passing with the beginning of movement. At the beginning of bending in the joint there is a pronounced crunch, but without pain, so patients rarely come to a specialist for help.
- II degree - soft arthrosis: It is characterized by an increase in pain after large physical exertion - they become more acute and longer. Cartilage fabrics in the joint begin to lose their depreciation qualities, osteophytes (bone spikes) are noticeable in x -rays and the joint gap is narrowed. The patient cannot already perform some work and his ability to work is reduced. At this stage, usually the patient is already seeking a doctor.
- III degree - moderate arthrosis: It is characterized by its severity and neglect of arthrosis. An increase in the accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity and the subsequent growth of bone tissue, as a result, entails the deformation of the joint itself. The patient is tormented by pain even at rest due to spasm nearby muscle joint, while a decrease in motor amplitude is observed. The slightest load on the joint cause suffering to the patient.
- IV degree - severe arthrosis: It is characterized by a significant narrowing of the joint gap, large osteophytes, as well as irreversible bone deformations. The patient can no longer move and only implantation of the artificial joint prosthesis can help to avoid disability through surgery.
The causes of arthrosis
Arthrosis is a consequence of impaired functions of cartilage tissue due to changes in its structure. The cartilage fabric of the joint is softened and becomes loose, while in the joint, which carries the load, ulcers begin to form.
The occurrence of the disease by arthrosis is divided into two methods:
- Primary Arthrosis (idiopathic) occurs without any visible causes. They can be, as hereditary factors: genetic disturbances in cartilage, congenital defects of the musculoskeletal system, as well as others, somehow: hypermiors of the joints, flat feet and so on.
- Secondary Arthrosis is caused by the development of pathological processes: congenital disorders of joints, injuries, metabolic disorders, a number of endocrine diseases, specific and non -specific and specific inflammations.
Treatment of arthrosis
Effective treatment of arthrosis is possible only comprehensively and must be carried out after consultations with a specialist. The main stages of treatment of arthrosis include:
- Anesthesia by taking analgesics.
- Removal of inflammation with anti -inflammatory drugs.
- The restoration of the cartilage tissue of the joint with the help of drugs containing in their composition of drugs selected individually by the course for several months.
In combination with these three stages, physiotrosis is an integral part of the treatment of arthrosis - magnetotherapy for arthrosis, electrophoresis, acupuncture, as well as massage. It is not unimportant, at the same time, and compliance with a correctly selected diet.
Prevention of arthrosis
For the prevention of arthrosis, it is necessary to minimize the static load on the joints. Constant wearing of high -heeled shoes should be avoided. It is not recommended to sit in the position "Putting the leg on the leg. "More often, the provisions of sitting and standing should be alternated. If there is excess weight, then you need to get rid of it. The best diet for the prevention of arthrosis is food for foods with a predominance of carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, limiting the intake of protein and calcium. Try to avoid weight lifting. In the summer, arrange a "vacation" to your joints - swim as much as possible!