Arthrosis occurs quite often and ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most common diseases after oncological and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects both sexes equally.Approximately 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The likelihood of developing arthrosis increases with age.
Arthrosis is considered a chronic joint pathology, in which destructive processes gradually occur in the cartilage and joint capsule.If the treatment of arthrosis is neglected, deformation and destruction of the bone itself is possible.
When the metabolic processes in the joint are disturbed, the cartilage loses its elasticity and eventually arthrosis develops.There are various reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: excessive load, injury, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, old age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joint and some diseases.
There are two types of joint arthrosis: primary and secondary.In primary arthrosis, without identifying other abnormalities in the body, the repair processes in the cartilage tissue are impaired.Secondary arthrosis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.
The progressive destruction of cartilage tissue leads to pain and limited mobility of the affected joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time, arthrosis of the joints can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of arthrosis
When the metabolic processes in the joint are disturbed or the lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.With worsened sliding and increased and excessive loads in the joint, an irreversible destructive process occurs.
Arthrosis of the joints is promoted by hereditary diseases, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of arthrosis due to overloading of the joints and, accordingly, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by incorrect posture or surgery, which can damage the structure of the joint.
The insufficient amount of calcium and trace elements, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to disruption of the regenerative process in the joint and its further destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disorders that occur in a woman's body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissues and their destruction.
The causes of arthrosis are also:
- disruption of tissue blood supply;
- reduced synthesis of collagen (with insufficient liver function);
- various inflammatory processes;
- deficiency of nutrients in tissues;
- hypothermia;
- deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.
Symptoms of arthrosis of the joints
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, the changes and the degree of the process, the symptoms of the disease may differ:
- joint pain;
- morning (or after rest) stiffness;
- reduced productivity;
- lameness;
- crunching sound when walking;
- limited movement;
- immobility of the joint;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- atrophy of periarticular muscles.
Treatment of arthrosis
The treatment of arthrosis consists of several stages:
- pain reduction
- reducing inflammation,
- strengthening of regenerative processes in cartilage tissues.
Any loads on the affected joint, prolonged walking or standing, lifting weights are contraindicated.
The treatment of arthrosis is a set of measures that help improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, eliminate inflammation, activate blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
Medicines, physiotherapy procedures and a balanced diet are used in the treatment of arthrosis.To restore the damaged cartilage and improve the composition of the intra-articular lubrication, the use of chondroprotectors is recommended.
Treatment is prescribed individually, depending on the diagnosis, after conducting some research to assess the condition of the periarticular tissues and structures, as well as determine the degree of destruction of the cartilage tissue.
To improve blood circulation in joint tissues and their condition, acupressure and acupuncture are recommended.
You can also perform moxibustion (cauterization) with pain relief.This procedure involves heating biologically active points on the body using moxa (wormwood or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy provides blood flow and good tissue heating, improves metabolic processes.
Proper balanced nutrition and physical therapy are of great importance to improve the condition.
Complications of arthrosis
Without treatment of arthrosis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, to inflammation and deformation of the bone or cartilage tissue.Deformation of the diseased joint contributes to a decrease in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankylosis).
Complications of joint arthrosis:
- stiffness of movements;
- deformation or destruction of joints.
As a result of the complications of arthrosis, the risk of damage to the patient and deterioration of his quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition in arthrosis
Since excess weight contributes to the development of joint arthrosis, it is necessary to reduce it.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude flour products and sweets from the diet;also you should not drink alcohol and fatty fish.
To restore the strength of bones and cartilages, the mobility of joints and the elasticity of tissues, the consumption of jellied meat is recommended - a storehouse for trace elements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is recommended to include in the menu foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid.Mushrooms, eggs, dairy products, liver are very useful for arthrosis.
The principles of nutrition in arthrosis should be:
- partial meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- permanent weight control.