Arthrosisis a dystrophic disease of the joints, which results in the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, arthrosis occurs as the main disease.It can also appear as a result of trauma - secondary, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Arthrosis of the lower and pelvic joints (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is more often detected.Among the upper joints, arthrosis of the phalangeal joints of the fingers occurs.
Women suffer from arthrosis more often than men, but after 65 years this difference is almost not significant.
Causes of arthrosis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Decreased blood supply to the joints;
- Hereditary tendency to cartilage tissue diseases;
- old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Joint operations.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can cause arthrosis.
Arthritis symptoms
Even if you are bothered by seemingly trivial symptoms, do not ignore them.
- Pain that subsides with rest (manifests itself with loads on the joints and walking up stairs);
- Limited mobility and stiffness in the joints;
- Muscle tension in the joint area;
- The periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied by pain, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Call your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
Please note that without treatment, joints prone to arthrosis can not only collapse on their own, but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.Because of this, a herniated intervertebral disc or other joint arthrosis occurs.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (with arthrosis, ESR rises sharply);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis involves:
- Taking painkillers (analgesics);
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The stage of recovery of cartilage tissue is to take drugs containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you must take the medicine according to an individually selected regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetic therapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the period of remission;
- Intra-articular injection course.
Prevention of arthrosis
Arthritis is easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the appearance of arthrosis of the joints, you need to: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high heels, do not sit with your legs crossed, lose excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.