What is arthrosis: types, symptoms and treatment methods

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, expressed in damage to cartilaginous tissue and joints.About a third of older adults are diagnosed with this condition.Therefore, it is worth knowing which specialist to turn to and how to treat this disease.

Types of osteoarthritis

The parameter by which arthrosis is divided into types is localization.Based on this, experts have compiled the following classification of the disease:

• Spondyloarthrosis.Spinal arthritis affects one or more vertebrae of the spine.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is excessive stress on a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as well as other postural disorders.
• Noncovertebral arthritis.Cervical arthrosis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, therefore it is most often diagnosed in the elderly.

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder osteoarthritis is quite common among the population, especially in men.Two-thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis have deformities of the arm joints.
• Arthritis of the hands.Osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of osteoarthritis.The disease is also called Heberden's nodes.More common in women during menopause.
• Coxarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the hip joints usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.However, if joint dysplasia (congenital disorders of bone structure) is present, the disease can also be found in young people.
• Gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joints is one of the most common types.People over the age of 45 are more sensitive to it.The disease is more common among women than among men.
• Ankle arthritis.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises and similar problems are harbingers of this group of diseases.It occurs in all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary polyosteoarthritis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by a general weakening of the ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause against the background of general arthrosis of the extremities.

The mechanism of development of arthrosis

In its normal state, cartilage has a smooth surface and is also quite flexible.Thanks to this, the joint surfaces can move relative to each other without difficulty.In other words, healthy cartilage provides the necessary level of shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles and ligaments.

Due to osteoarthritis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes increasingly rough and friction occurs when the joints move.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage, eventually entering the joint cavity and fluid.

Furthermore, the cartilage becomes increasingly rigid, until it ossifies.Cysts form in the central and deep areas, coming into direct contact with the joints.

This ensures constant injury to the capsule and synovium of the joint, causing it to thicken.Over time, the structure of the bones itself is also damaged: they become deformed and particular protrusions appear at the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the appearance of fibrous lesions.Increases the likelihood of damage to the ligament-muscular system (sprains, tears, breaks).With significant cartilage destruction, movements are severely limited, and the formation of ankylosis is a common occurrence.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of osteoarthritis are various and multifaceted.However, there are groups of factors that increase the chances of developing the disease:

• age over 60;
• obesity and high body weight, which create greater stress on the joints;
• failure to comply with safety precautions and working standards;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• poisoning with some toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions in the place of residence and work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

Primary osteoarthritis

Primary arthrosis is a consequence that occurs as a result of disruption of regenerative processes, increased degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the joint without accompanying anomalies in the functioning of the body as a whole.

As a rule, primary arthrosis occurs due to hereditary factors:

• Composition of cartilaginous tissue.A direct prerequisite for arthrosis is a genetic disease in the composition of the tissue that makes up cartilage, which accelerates destruction.The faster the cartilage is affected, the more likely the disease is to occur.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it leads to traumatization of a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe articular cartilage tissue, which, in turn, leads to disease.
• Inheritance.Osteoarthritis has a high probability of being hereditary.If at least one of the parents has this disease, it is worth paying more attention to the child's joints.

Secondary arthrosis

As already mentioned, secondary arthrosis does not occur on its own;is always preceded by some factor:

• Mechanical damage to the joint.Trauma, intra-articular bone fractures, constant excessive loads and many other factors have a very high probability of causing a subsequent disease.An aggravating factor is insufficient or no treatment.
• Surgery.It is not so much the surgery itself, but rather the medical error that can cause damage to the joint or cartilage.
• Joint disease.Osteoarthritis often occurs as a result of an inflammatory process: arthritis, synovitis.Also, read how osteoarthritis differs from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system that interrupt the blood supply to the joint can lead to osteoarthritis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, endarteritis obliterans, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also a prerequisite for the disease.

Secondary arthrosis occurs as a result of pathological processes or as a result of partial destruction of the joint surface due to damage from external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary arthrosis is expressed in the dynamics and conditions of the disease: in the primary type the disease manifests itself slowly and naturally, while in the secondary type a trigger factor is necessary for development.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is the hallmark of the disease.With arthrosis, pain occurs during movement or when there is a strong load on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but tolerable.However, as time passes, the symptoms become more intense and over time the pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Crunch.Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by a crunching sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom occurs as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilaginous layer and subsequent friction of the bones.If a person's joints crack, this is not yet a reason for panic.With arthrosis, the crunch is quite specific: rough and dry.Therefore, you should not make an appointment with a specialist, barely popping your joints.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Rigidity of movements.As osteoarthritis develops, it increasingly limits movement due to ossification and destruction of the cartilage.
• Change in the appearance of the joint.One of the associated symptoms is deformation of the inflamed joint.A person with osteoarthritis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that have been sharp all their life have become more rounded.
• Inflammation of soft tissues.However, osteoarthritis can cause not only joint deformation, but also inflammation of the soft tissues, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid around the cartilage (effusion).

Stages of osteoarthritis

The development process of arthrosis includes three phases:

• First-stage arthrosis is characterized by mild pain during movement and light loads on the affected joint.However, already from the first phase a change begins in the structure and composition of the cartilaginous tissue.
• Starting from the second stage, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.Manifestations of pain become more and more noticeable, a loud, distinct crunch appears.
• The most serious stage of arthrosis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the joints also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: pain disturbs the joints even at rest, the person can no longer perform usual movements and visually the joints become less and less attractive.

The third stage of arthrosis leads to complete destruction of the joint, accompanied by neoarthrosis (unnatural partial mobility) or even complete loss of mobility.As a rule, at the end of the third stage of arthrosis, specialists decide on a radical intervention - endoprosthesis of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Premature, incorrect (or no) treatment of arthrosis can lead to many unpleasant consequences.This is not only the complete destruction of the affected joint, but also a change in the biomechanics of the spine, which can lead to the appearance of herniations in the intervertebral discs and the spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of the disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformity;
• joint destruction;
• violation of the biomechanics of the spine and other joints;
• herniated intervertebral discs;
• inability to make movements;
• decrease in the patient's standard of living;
• the patient becomes disabled.

Specialist and diagnostics

If symptoms inherent in osteoarthritis are discovered, the first specialist a person should visit is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will collect the medical history, conduct a general examination and refer the patient for examination, including:

• X-ray (usually in two projections), necessary to detect specific signs of osteoarthritis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to study the bone structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), necessary to determine the condition of soft tissues.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedist can prescribe treatment himself or, if aggravating circumstances are detected, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Treatment of osteoarthritis rarely includes only one therapeutic method.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a whole range of measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases in which surgery is indicated are also not uncommon.

General recommendations

The treatment of arthrosis, in addition to specific measures, includes several fundamental recommendations:

• reduce the load on the painful joint to the minimum possible;
• literal adherence to the regime established by the orthopedist;
• a rational and adequately formulated diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Drugs

Drugs for arthrosis are indicated quite often.As a rule, these are the following types of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.At the initial stage of treatment, the first tasks to be solved are the elimination of pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which involve intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Hormonal corticosteroids.Hormonal corticosteroids are indicated in the exacerbation phase of arthrosis.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes there are patches, ointments and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main purpose of the group of drugs is to restore cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of synovial fluid.The patient must take the drug for a long time, as the recovery process takes a long time.In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, drugs may not have the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases of the disease, analgesics, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

Therapeutic exercise

Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients with osteoarthritis, especially in combination with drug treatment.The orthopedist selects a set of exercises that must be performed according to the following principles:

• No rush.The load and volume of training should increase gradually;there is no need to rush, no matter how much you would like to speed up the onset of a positive result.
• No pain.Physiotherapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise can cause discomfort, feelings of tension and fatigue, but in no case pain.If the pain is still present it means that the exercises are being performed incorrectly.
• No overvoltage.The exercises should be intense, but do not force the patient to overexert themselves.It is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation.
• No breaks.Only regular exercise can really benefit the joints and help overcome the disease.Classes held once a month based on your mood will not bring any effect.
• No flare-ups.Exercises should be performed only during periods of remission of osteoarthritis.
• No concessions.Both problem and healthy joints should be loaded equally.

Physiotherapy

The initial stage of osteoarthritis is usually treated with medications.However, in combination with drugs, physiotherapeutic procedures are often prescribed to enhance the effect of drugs.Also, with this prescription you can reduce the dosage and side effects of medications.

The following procedures are indicated for osteoarthritis:

• Electrophoresis.An absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed drug to act locally and in high concentrations, minimizing any side effects.It allows you to quickly relieve pain, inflammation, improves joint nutrition and promotes a number of other beneficial effects of drugs.
• Exposure to ultrasound.It causes a series of beneficial effects (heating, micromassage, improves capillary blood flow and metabolism in the tissues).In other words, the physiotherapy procedure aims to improve the condition of the joint and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to magnetic field.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in the damaged joint and improves metabolic processes within it.The orthopedist can prescribe general and (or) local magnetotherapy depending on the type of arthrosis and the patient's general state of health.
• Exposure to radiation.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications to other physiotherapeutic methods, but also in addition to others, as a means of speeding up recovery.

Massage

Massage is an effective way to treat osteoarthritis by improving peripheral blood circulation in the joint.The better the blood circulation, the better the nutrition of the joints and cartilage with nutrients.

For arthrosis, the following massage techniques are often prescribed:

• Japanese.In the Japanese technique, specific loading is practiced on certain hard and painful areas of the joint.Loads must be strictly dosed, so you need to contact a masseur specializing in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish.The technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are performed with the thumbs, which also has a targeted but soft effect.
• Swedish.The Swedish technique involves stroking and rubbing movements, as well as direct kneading of the painful joint.

The purpose of the massage achieves the following objectives:

• stretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the painful joint;
• muscles free from venous blood;
• remove deposits from the joint;
• stimulate lymphatic outflow and blood flow;
• relieve tension;
• improve the motor function of the joint.

Food

In case of arthrosis, the typical dish that should be in the diet is jellied meat: its consumption leads to the intake of gelatin in the body, so necessary for the normal functioning of the cartilage.However, the consumption of other animal dishes containing cartilage is also recommended.

In addition, there is a list of dietary rules that patients with osteoarthritis should adhere to:

• do not eat heavily at night, as this can lead not only to weight gain, but also to an attack of the disease;
• try to eat fractionally: proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• if you have a high body weight, reduce weight so as not to add stress to an already sore joint;
• The daily diet should be balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.

Spa treatment

Depending on the stage of arthrosis, the patient may be indicated for sanatorium-resort procedures using special mud:

• Local sludge applications.This involves the application of warm healing mud (about 40 degrees) on the affected joints for 15-20 minutes.The course takes place every other day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.General application of hot mud to the human body.Approximately 10 procedures are required, performed every other day.
• Mud with mineral water.Immersion of a person in a specific bath consisting of healing mud mixed with mineral water at a high temperature (36-37 degrees).The course is carried out by analogy with applications.
• Compresses.Mud compresses of various compositions are applied to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long period of time (from half an hour).Courses range from 10 to 20 procedures.

You should not make the spa treatment decision alone.Before visiting the establishment, be sure to consult with your treating specialist.

Furthermore, other procedures are also shown:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• traction of limbs underwater with suspended weights;
• vibration massage;
• reflexology;
• medicinal baths.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to improve joint mobility and to remove some of the damaged cartilage or menisci.

Surgery for arthrosis is the last resort, which should be resorted to only if conservative treatment methods have not brought a positive result and the patient suffers from pain, partial or complete immobility of the joint.

During the operation, a fragment of cartilage affected by arthrosis is removed, it is polished to obtain a smooth surface, cartilaginous growths are removed, and part of the damaged ligaments are cut.

The most common intervention is:

• hip joint: partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue of the femur and pelvic bone;
• knee joint – replacement of the articular surface of the joint with metal or combined prostheses.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies alone are not able to defeat arthrosis, but they can be an excellent adjuvant.The main thing is to consult your orthopedist before use.

The most effective in folk medicine in the fight against the disease are ointments, compresses and baths.

Ointments

For the ointments to have an effect, they must be applied with massage movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example overnight.

Ointment no.1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 tsp.turpentine;
• 1 tsp.apple cider vinegar.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Application method.The sore joint should be lubricated overnight, wrapped well.Use three times a week.

Ointment no.2:

• 100 g honey;
• 3 g of mum.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Application method.Apply every day at night for a week.

Compresses

For osteoarthritis, they should be warm and moist.The compress applied to the joint is covered with film and a warm cloth.

Compress no.1:

• waterfall;
• 1 tsp.vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The stacked leaves should be held briefly over a pan of hot water to steam.

Application method.The diseased joint is lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped in leaves, wrapped in cling film and a warm scarf.You need to keep it for several hours.

Compress no.2:

• 2 eggshells;
• 1 tbsp.the.fatty kefir.

The pulverized shells are mixed with kefir until a thick paste forms.

Application method.The product is distributed to the sore joint, covered with a linen cloth and cling film, after which the joint needs heat (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

Bathrooms

If a large joint suffers from arthrosis, warming is indicated, and an excellent remedy is bathing.

Salt and pine bath:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• several pine branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers;
• 2 tbsp.the.Honey;
• 1 tsp.turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a hot water bath.This bath lasts up to half an hour.

You should not take healing baths every day: the interval between procedures should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tbsp.the.nettle;
• 3 tbsp.the.St. John's wort;
• 2 tbsp.the.marigold;
• 3 tbsp.the.oregano;
• 1 tbsp.the.hemlock;
• 1 tbsp.the.burdock root;
• 500 g of clay.

Pour boiling water over the mixed herbs and let it brew for an hour.After the time clay is added, the solution is mixed well and poured into a warm bath.Lying in the bathroom costs about 20 minutes.

Prevention measures

Despite the numerous reasons causing the disease, there are also effective measures designed to protect a person from the onset of arthrosis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with proper technique, will not only help in the fight against excess weight, but also increase blood microcirculation around the articular cartilage, thereby enriching the cartilage with nutrients necessary for normal functioning.
• Heat.Hypothermia of the joints should be avoided.
• Nutrition.A correct and balanced diet that contains the daily requirement of nutrients, as well as vitamins and microelements, will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal weight throughout your life minimizes the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that can be contracted by many people: from athletes (among whom this is the most common disorder) to lovers of an absolutely unhealthy lifestyle.But taking preventive measures, timely contact with an orthopedist and compliance with all instructions allow, if not to completely eliminate the possibility of getting sick, then at least to minimize the damage.