Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that occurs in adulthood.A characteristic sign of the disease is the destruction of cartilage and changes in bone structure.Most often, people over the age of forty are susceptible to various types of arthrosis, but today it is increasingly found in younger generations.
Causes of the disease
The main cause of osteoarthritis is age-related changes.Over time, bones and ligaments weaken, fewer vitamins and trace elements are supplied, all this negatively affects the entire organism.According to doctors, every year the symptoms of arthrosis appear earlier and earlier, due to an inadequate environment, an unbalanced diet and bad habits.Other factors, conditionally divided into two groups (primary and secondary), also contribute to arthrosis.Among these are:
- Excess weight leads to stress on the joints, which contributes to arthrosis and its rapid development.
- Difficult working conditions that put stress on the joints.Miners, metallurgists, bricklayers and others are at risk.
- Violation of the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Repeated joint injuries.
- Hereditary predisposition.
The most common causes of the secondary type include injuries, autoimmune diseases, blood incoagulability, inflammatory processes inside the joints, hormonal disorders, impaired blood supply, hypothermia and others.Osteoarthritis is promoted by constant stress on the hands, playing professional sports, arthritis and congenital disorders in the structure of the joints.
Symptoms of the disease
The development of arthrosis occurs gradually.Initially no signs indicate its presence in the body.Creaking of the joints becomes the first symptom, so it is worth paying attention to the damage.Pain syndrome is absent or manifests itself in a weak form without clear localization.Gradually stiffness of the joints appears, the nature of the pain becomes brighter and more intense.Most often, symptoms of the disease appear after a long period of rest or heavy physical work.
Osteoarthritis is indicated by morning stiffness, but after light training it disappears.Gradually, the picture is completed by night pain and the reaction of the joints "to the elements".A creaking sound is constantly heard, movements are limited and painful.Patients often complain of unpleasant sensations in the back and spine;it is difficult for them to find a comfortable position during sleep, as movements are accompanied by spasms and pain.The acute attacks are replaced by periods of relief, but then the symptoms return.
Types and degrees of disease
Doctors distinguish four degrees of osteoarthritis.Danger of the first degree is the absence or slight sensation of pain.Even with a medical examination it is not always possible to diagnose the disease.Palpation of the area gives a good result;in this case, an experienced attending physician will detect minor changes in the area of the damaged joint.This phase is characterized by a satisfactory condition of the patient;any painful symptoms are attributed to weather conditions or fatigue.
The second degree manifests itself with evident symptoms.The pain syndrome becomes stronger, but remains tolerable.In this phase, the destruction of the joint and the appearance of osteophytes begins.Creaking and general malaise are now the patient's constant companions.At this stage it is important to recognize and start treating arthrosis in time with special drugs.
With third-degree arthrosis, the cartilage noticeably thins, large foci of destruction appear, and tissue nutrition is disrupted.Numerous osteophytes are visible to the naked eye and severe deformation is noted.
Fourth degree arthrosis is characterized by severe changes and deformations.There is no common space.
Diagnostic measures and treatment
Treatment of arthrosis is impossible without making a diagnosis.In this case a rheumatologist is involved.
The first phase involves collecting information from the patient.The specialist asks when the first symptoms appeared, the nature and location of the pain and determines the associated factors.The following diagnostic steps before osteoarthritis treatment include:
- X-ray is the main diagnostic method.
- Puncture of the joints to determine the degree of change.
- Biopsy: Determines the condition of the joints at the time of the examination.
A blood test and a series of additional tests are also necessary.
The necessary treatment regimen for arthrosis is selected based on the information received and the results of laboratory tests.Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to defeat osteoarthritis in the final stages.But regular courses of medications and prevention will help the patient improve the quality of life.
In other cases, the treatment of arthrosis consists of a number of measures and depends on the degree of development of the disease.Possible treatments:
- Painkillers, injections and anti-inflammatory and restorative drugs.
- Sanatorium procedures.
- Massages and physiotherapy.
- Electrophoresis, etc.
Along with the basic treatment regimen for arthrosis, it is recommended to adjust the diet, lose weight and reduce physical activity.
In some cases, folk remedies are used to treat arthrosis, but only as prescribed by a specialist.At home, during treatment you can use ointments, gels, herbs prescribed by the doctor.In more severe cases, surgical methods are used to treat osteoarthritis.Depending on the stage of the disease, damaged areas are replaced with analogues.This helps restore mobility and relieve pain.
Preventive measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than cure.Compliance with simple rules and regular examination will help reduce the possibility of developing various types of arthrosis.
It is recommended to avoid excessive physical activity, but do not forget about preventive sports.It is better to choose gentle sports as sports.Walking, swimming and light jogging are ideal.It is worth abandoning bad habits and leading a healthy lifestyle.If you are overweight, change your diet and introduce foods rich in vitamins and minerals into your diet.If you have problems with the endocrine system, do not neglect treatment, but visit an endocrinologist.