Arthrosis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, resulting in deformed bone tissue. The joints of the big toes, hips and knees are most often affected.
Symptoms of the disease
- The first clinical symptom of arthrosis is pain in the affected joint during excessive physical activity. Painful sensations may occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pain bothers a person even at rest and causes insomnia.
- Joint fractures. Due to the destruction of the cartilage layer, bone friction occurs, and when moving in the joint, there is a sound of clicking and cracking. As the disease progresses, the disease progresses.
- Decreased mobility. If the joint is damaged, movement in it is limited, with severe arthrosis, the patient experiences limb cramps in the morning.
- Joint deformities. If adequate and timely treatment, the joint is deformed, its appearance changes.
- With an increase in the inflammatory process, patients experience a decrease in the sensitivity of the toes and numbness in the fingertips.
The cause of the disease
The main reason for the development of arthrosis is the growth of a layer of cartilage between the joints and bones. Contributing factors are:
- Vigorous physical activity;
- Microtrauma of the joints;
- Frequent cracking
- Wear tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
Diagnostics
The primary method for diagnosing arthrosis is a carefully collected patient history (professional history).
Diagnosis is made based on patient examination and additional studies, including joint X-rays, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography.
- Ultrasound. This research method is reliable and harmless. Since ultrasound diagnostics refers to a non -invasive method, this study had no contraindications. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose thinning of cartilage tissue, degenerative changes in the articular menisci, thickening of the joint membranes, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to choose a method to treat arthrosis accurately.
- MRI and computed tomography. With the help of computed tomography and MRI, it is possible to assess the condition of the joints: the thickness of the cartilage, the presence of erosions or cysts in the bone tissue, to determine the amount of intra-articular fluid.
- Arthroscopy. These studies are more frequently conducted to determine the cause of the development of arthrosis.
Complications
In the absence of timely medical treatment, arthrosis develops and threatens complications such as:
- Inflammation of the tissues around the joints;
- Restriction of movement of the affected joint;
- Degenerative changes in the hip joint;
- Changing the shape of the joint.
Disease treatment
Treatment is prescribed to the patient depending on the degree of joint damage. Therapy for arthrosis begins with pain relief.
In parallel with analgesics, patients are given anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to drug treatment, patients undergo a course of physiotherapy.
Massage of the affected limb after a form of acute inflammatory process has subsided can reduce pain, normalize joint mobility, and relieve muscle spasms.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve cramps in the muscles, warm them up and strengthen the general condition of the patient. Exercise helps maintain proper body posture and smooth running.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated in a stable remission period. Mud baths, applications and other procedures help restore joint motor function and relieve pain.
If conservative treatment methods do not bring the expected effect, then the patient is prescribed surgical joint replacement. Endoprostheses are made from materials that are not rejected by the human body. They allow you to fully restore the physiological function of the affected joint.
Unique treatment: radio frequency ablation and disruption of the integrity of the method by disrupting the integrity of nerves causing pain.
Risk groups
Risk groups include people:
- Overweight;
- Varicose veins;
- Athlete;
- Pianist;
- Programmer.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of arthrosis is as follows:
- Good diet;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limiting the load on the joints with hereditary tendencies;
- Weight control;
- Wear appropriate shoes.
Diet and lifestyle
With a hereditary predisposition to the development of arthrosis, as well as during the exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to adjust the diet. Recommended to include fish seafood (sardines, salmon, tuna), fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals. Limit fuel, fatty meats, chocolate, and alcohol.
It is recommended to spend more time in the fresh air and not expose the joints to increased physical activity.