Osteoarthritis occurs quite frequently and ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most common diseases, behind cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects people of both sexes equally.Approximately 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
Osteoarthritis 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 metabolic processes in the joint are disrupted, the cartilage loses its elasticity and eventually osteoarthritis develops.There are several reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: excessive load, injuries, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, old age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joint and some diseases.
There are two types of joint arthrosis: primary or secondary.With primary arthrosis, without identifying other abnormalities in the body, the processes of restoration of cartilaginous tissue are disrupted.Secondary arthrosis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.
The progressive destruction of cartilaginous tissue causes pain and limited mobility in the diseased joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time, osteoarthritis of the joints can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis
When metabolic processes in a joint are disrupted or lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.With deteriorated sliding and increased and excessive loads, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.
Arthrosis of the joints is promoted by hereditary disorders, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of osteoarthritis due to overload on the joints and, consequently, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by incorrect posture or surgical intervention, which can damage the structure of the joint.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and microelements, vitamin deficiency and metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to the interruption of the regenerative process in the joint and its subsequent destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disorders that occur in a woman's body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissue and its destruction.
The causes of osteoarthritis are also:
- interruption of blood supply to tissues;
- 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 the extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may be different:
- joint pain;
- morning stiffness (or after rest);
- decreased performance;
- lameness;
- crunching sound when walking;
- limited movement;
- joint immobility;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- greater sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- atrophy of the periarticular muscles.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment consists of several stages:
- pain reduction,
- reduced inflammation,
- strengthening regenerative processes in cartilaginous tissues.
Any load on the affected joint, long walks or standing, or heavy lifting are contraindicated.
Osteoarthritis treatment 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 osteoarthritis, 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 carrying out certain studies to assess the state of periarticular tissues and structures, as well as determine the degree of destruction of cartilaginous tissue.
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 with moxa (wormwood or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood flow and good tissue heating, improves metabolic processes.
Adequate and balanced nutrition and physiotherapy are of great importance for improving the condition.
Complications of osteoarthritis
Without treatment for osteoarthritis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, inflammation and deformation of bone or cartilaginous tissue.Deformation of the diseased joint contributes to a decrease in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankelosis).
Complications of joint arthrosis:
- stiffness of movements;
- deformation or destruction of joints.
As a result of complications from osteoarthritis, the patient's risk of disability and deterioration of their quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition 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 and sweet products from the diet;you should also not drink alcohol and fatty fish.
To restore strength to bones and cartilage, mobility to joints and elasticity to tissues, it is recommended to consume jellied meat - a storehouse of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid in your menu.For arthrosis, mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver are very useful.
The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:
- fractional meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- constant weight control.