Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints, in which their nutrition is disturbed and their structures are destroyed. This disease develops slowly and is associated with gradual wear and tear of the joints and slower recovery processes throughout life. It most often develops in people older than 40 years, and by the age of 80 it manifests itself to one degree or another in almost every person. The resulting limitations in mobility lead to disability over time.
Timely contact with specialists will help maintain freedom of movement for many years.
About the disease
Arthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of movable bone joints. When it appears, tissue nutrition is disrupted and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the destruction, and the bone tissue becomes harder and begins to grow. Of course, compensatory growth leads to deformation of the joint, disruption of its function and pain.
In different regions of our planet, 10-20% of people suffer from arthrosis. It often turns out that a person is treated independently, without the help of a doctor. This leads to deterioration of the condition and disability. While a well-chosen treatment alleviates suffering and slows down the development of the disease.
Causes of the appearance and development of arthrosis
- the habit of moving around a bit,
- extended stationary position (found in some professions),
- increased physical activity (some sports, professional sports),
- age,
- unhealthy diet
- overweight,
- bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking),
- disorders in the work of the endocrine and reproductive system (thyroid diseases, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- blood flow disorders (venous insufficiency),
- heredity.
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage that covers the surfaces of the articular bones. There is less cartilage tissue, the cartilage becomes thinner and begins to crack, and the secretion of synovial (lubricant) fluid decreases. The surfaces of the bones begin to rub against each other where the cartilage tissue has broken down. In response, bone tissue grows and the joint deforms and loses mobility.
Classification
Depending on the origin, arthrosis is divided into
Most often, this disease affects the legs (knee, first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, hip) and fingers. Apart from them, arthrosis of the spine is widespread. It is considered that the most severe disease is in the hip joint (coxarthrosis), and the most common in the knee joint (gonarthrosis).
Stages of development
Stages of disease development according to the Kellgren-Lawrence clinical and radiological classification:
- Stage I: There is discomfort and pain when walking. No radiological changes.
- Stage II: There is a slight dull pain when walking for a long time, rarely crunching when bending the limbs. On X-ray: barely noticeable narrowing of the joint space, questionable small osteophytes (growths along the edges of the joint).
- Stage III: Pain and stiffness increase in the morning. The pain intensifies when moving. X-ray: slight narrowing of the joint space, rare osteophytes.
- Stage IV: Muscle and bone pain occurs at any time of the day. Swelling may occur and pain may increase. On X-ray: moderate narrowing of the joint space, pronounced osteophytes, changes in bone surfaces, compaction of bone tissue under cartilage tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Painful, dull pains constantly, intensifying when moving, strong "crunching" when moving, joint deformations, muscle atrophy. On X-ray: the joint space is sharply narrowed, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, marked deformation of the surfaces.
Doctors will help alleviate the discomfort, conduct a complete examination and select an individual treatment, taking into account the sex, age, level of metabolism, accompanying diseases and other characteristics of each client.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Arthrosis progresses gradually: discomfort may first appear within a few years from the beginning of the destruction process or when inflammation occurs.
The first signs include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After a long rest (at night), a slight stiffness is felt in the morning. Painful, dull "initial pains" appear, i. e. movements that occur at the beginning after a pause and recede after some activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not very pronounced, people at this stage rarely visit specialists. Although right now it is easiest to stop the development of arthrosis.
Over time, the pain intensifies and ceases to subside, interferes with night sleep and intensifies with the change of weather. There is a feeling of pain in the bones, muscles and joints start to hurt. This disease most often affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue occurs quickly while walking, mobility decreases (stiffness).
Often people lose the sense of security in their hands and feet, and their gait becomes uncertain. During movement, there is a strong "crunch" in the legs (the exposed surfaces of the bones rub against each other). Joints are deformed. Due to the restriction of movement, the adjacent muscles are less strained, which leads to atrophy of the latter (volume decreases). Weakened muscles lead to an increasingly unsteady gait.
The hands most often suffer from arthrosis after injuries or chronic inflammation. The deformity of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square, and outgrowths form on the fingers (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes).
Clear signals of the need for therapy for arthrosis are joint deformities, persistent pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function and instability in walking.
If you experience the described symptoms, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to help, perform a complete examination and give detailed answers to all your questions. Thanks to the recommendations of competent doctors, you will be able to maintain the usual rhythm of life.
Diagnostics
Instrumental diagnostic methods are usually used to assess the condition of joint surfaces and cartilage. The most informative are: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
Diagnostic examination for doctors does not present any difficulty - changes in the joints are clearly visible in the photographs. Using them, the doctor determines the stage of arthrosis and the degree of its progression.
Arthroscopy (joint endoscopy using a flexible probe) can be prescribed as an additional diagnostic method. The doctor examines the surface of the joint from the inside, can take material for synovial fluid analysis, and perform a minimally invasive intervention (remove small bone fragments).
For laboratory diagnostics, general, biochemical and immunological blood tests are performed. They determine the patient's general condition, the presence of an inflammatory process, metabolic disorders and exclude other joint diseases.
Treatment
Conservative therapy is used to relieve pain, slow down the destruction process and, if possible, restore the joint tissue. Can be used:
Drug therapy: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers are prescribed to reduce and relieve inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants (to relieve muscle tension), vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors can be used. In any case, the choice of drugs is made individually, based on the characteristics of the person and the disease.
Nutrition correction: it is necessary to organize nutritious and regular meals. With the help of the doctor, the client creates a list of products and a detailed diet. All that remains is to follow the chosen path.
Injection therapy: injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint space, PRP therapy (injection of human plasma into the joints to speed up the recovery process), etc.
Ozone therapy in various forms and methods of application to stimulate metabolic processes in cells and improve oxygen absorption. It is particularly effective for relieving pain, reducing inflammation and stimulating natural tissue renewal and repair.
Physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis (combination of drugs with ultrasound waves), thermal baths, massage, etc.
Application: application of special gels, ointments and other drugs to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of basic therapy.
Therapeutic exercise: the doctor offers the client a set of exercises aimed at restoring joint function. Exercises in the pool have a beneficial effect.
Hirudotherapy: use of leeches. Their saliva contains substances that activate the expansion of blood vessels, which improves metabolism. Other substances in saliva can clean the joint cavity by dissolving dead tissue.
Orthotics: wearing and using special constructions - orthotics (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Taping: fixing with adhesive tapes.
In some cases, surgery is necessary. The clinic successfully performs such effective operations in the area of hip and knee joints as:
- arthroscopy
- endoprosthetics
In most cases, after this operation, the signs disappear, the pain disappears, and the freedom of movement gradually returns. Signs of the disease decrease and usually do not return in the absence of provoking factors.
The modern clinic has modern operating rooms in which complex operations are performed with a top-class endoscope. Our doctors have the opportunity to help even in difficult cases.
Advantages of visiting a professional clinic
- Specialist qualification. Experienced and competent doctors are specialists of the highest category, candidates of medical sciences. They monitor the latest developments in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experiences with colleagues abroad, and conduct scientific activities.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory equipment. Modern clinics have installed the most modern, efficient and safe equipment for successful diagnosis, treatment and implementation of preventive measures. The clinical-diagnostic laboratory enables rapid performance of laboratory tests.
- Fast and efficient diagnosis. The excellent equipment of the clinic allows us to perform a wide range of diagnostic methods: magnetic resonance, CT, radiography and other highly informative studies are performed, which allows us to make a diagnosis and obtain detailed information about the condition of the joints, in particular, and the body in general.
- A complex approach. In the modern clinic, the practice of consultation between doctors of different specialties is widespread in order to achieve the best result of treatment.
- Effective therapy. An integrated, comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a large number of state-of-the-art methods.
- Individual approach. Prescribing therapy taking into account the gender and age of the client, as well as other characteristics.
Prevention of arthrosis
To reduce pain and maintain a normal working condition, you should:
- follow the doctor's recommendations,
- control body weight (each additional kilogram of weight increases the risk of worsening the condition),
- eliminate or minimize heavy physical activity,
- does physical therapy regularly,
- avoid injuries: use special elements for protection (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and increase the load gradually,
- use corrective devices and treatment methods (bands, orthoses) as recommended,
- undergo regular examinations, preventive courses and monitor the state of the disease.
Proper treatment and adherence to the doctor's recommendations will help stop the progression of the disease and maintain mobility. If you have joint problems, go to the hospital. Our doctors will help you get rid of pain and creaking in the joints, and choose therapy to restore motor function. The timely start of therapy enables the complete restoration of the joints, and preventive treatments will help you lead a normal life without pain in the joints!
FAQ
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?
In arthrosis, the cause of tissue destruction is insufficient nutrition (disorder of metabolic processes) and, as a consequence, compensatory compaction and proliferation of joint bone surfaces. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, which is the main cause of tissue damage.
The chronic inflammatory process gradually turns into nutritional and metabolic disorders, i. e. arthritis with frequent exacerbations progresses to arthrosis through a mixed middle stage, in which there are signs of both diseases.
Is arthrosis a curable disease?
The later the disease is detected, the less chance there is of complete recovery. But in any case and at any stage, you can stop the disease and relieve pain and other unpleasant sensations as much as possible.
Is it worth warming up in a sauna/tub if you have osteoarthritis?
Warming up is useful and is part of the complex treatment of arthrosis. But you must consult your doctor first. If there is a local or general inflammatory process in the body, then heating procedures are contraindicated - they will increase the inflammation, and dilated blood vessels will spread the inflammation throughout the body.
Is arthrosis a contraindication for military service?
It depends on the severity of the disease. A contraindication may be reduced mobility and joint function.
Can children suffer from arthrosis?
Yes, it is possible after injuries and other joint diseases.
Is it possible to cure arthrosis at home using folk remedies?
There is a possibility, but without a specialized examination and qualified recommendations, there is a much greater chance that your condition will worsen.
What is the most dangerous in arthrosis?
Tissue destruction leads to constant pain, reduced motor function and disability. Is it possible to independently determine whether you have arthrosis?
Knowing the symptoms, the presence of the disease can be assumed, but the doctor makes the diagnosis after an instrumental and laboratory diagnostic examination.