Arthrosis occurs quite often and takes the 3rd place in the ranking of the most frequent diseases, after cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects people of both sexes equally.Approximately 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The possibility 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 joints and some diseases.
There are two types of joint arthrosis: primary or secondary.With primary arthrosis, without identifying any other abnormality in the body, the restoration processes in cartilage tissue are interrupted.Secondary arthrosis always appears in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.
The progressive destruction of the cartilage tissue leads to pain and limited movement of the diseased joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time, joint arthrosis can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of arthrosis
When the metabolic processes in a joint are interrupted or the lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.With aggravated sliding and increased and excessive loads, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joints.
Arthrosis of the joints is caused by hereditary disorders, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of arthrosis due to joint overload and, accordingly, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by incorrect posture or surgical intervention, which can damage the joint structure.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and trace elements, lack of vitamins, 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, lack of estrogen 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:
- interruption of tissue blood supply;
- decreased collagen synthesis (with insufficient liver function);
- various inflammatory processes;
- nutritional deficiency in tissues;
- hypothermia;
- deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.
Symptoms of joint arthrosis
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, the changes and extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may vary:
- joint pain;
- stiffness in the morning (or after rest);
- decreased performance;
- lameness;
- squeaking noise when walking;
- limited movement;
- joint immobility;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- periarticular muscle atrophy.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis consists of several stages:
- pain reduction,
- reducing inflammation,
- strengthening of regenerative processes in cartilage tissue.
Any load on the affected joint, long walking or standing or heavy lifting 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.
During the treatment of arthrosis, medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and a balanced diet are used.To restore damaged cartilage and improve the composition of intra-articular lubrication, the use of chondroprotectors is recommended.
Treatment is prescribed individually, depending on the diagnosis, after conducting several studies to assess the condition of periarticular tissues and structures, as well as to determine the degree of cartilage tissue destruction.
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 moxas (wormwood cigar or charcoal).Moxotherapy ensures blood flow and good heating of tissues, improves metabolic processes.
Proper balanced nutrition and physical therapy are of great importance for improving the condition.
Complications of arthrosis
Without treatment for arthrosis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, inflammation and deformation of 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 patient's risk of disability increases and his quality of life deteriorates.
Dietary food for 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;you should also not drink alcohol and fatty fish.
To restore the strength of bones and cartilage, mobility in joints and elasticity in tissues, it is recommended to consume jelly meat - a storehouse of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid in the menu.For arthrosis, mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver are very useful.
The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:
- partial meals;
- exclusion of heavy meals (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- continuous weight control.