Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints, where their nutrition is disturbed and their structure is destroyed. The disease progresses slowly and is associated with gradual wear and tear on the joints and a slower recovery process throughout life. Most often it develops in people over the age of 40, and at the age of 80 it manifests itself to one degree or another in almost any person. The resulting limitations in mobility lead to disability over time.
Timely contact with a specialist will help maintain freedom of movement for many years.
About the disease
Arthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the movable bone joints. When it happens, tissue nutrition is disrupted and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the destruction and bone tissue becomes harder and begins to grow. Of course, compensatory growth leads to joint deformation, functional impairment 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 and deformity. Although well-chosen treatment relieves suffering and slows the progression of the disease.
Causes of the appearance and development of arthrosis
- little movement habits,
- prolonged stationary standing position (found in some professions),
- increased physical activity (some sports, professional sports),
- age,
- unhealthy diet
- overweight,
- bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking),
- disorders in the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems (thyroid disease, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- blood flow disorders (venous insufficiency),
- descent
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage that covers the surface of the articular bone. There is less cartilage tissue, the cartilage becomes thinner and begins to crack, and the secretion of synovial fluid (lubricant) decreases. The surfaces of the bones begin to rub against each other where the cartilage tissue has been damaged. In response, bone tissue grows, and joints become deformed and lose mobility.
Classification
Depending on the origin, arthrosis is divided into
Most often, the disease affects the legs (knees, first metatarsophalangeal joints of the legs, hips) and fingers. In addition to them, arthrosis of the spine is widespread. The most severe disease is considered to be in the hip joint (coxarthrosis), and the most common is in the knee joint (gonarthrosis).
Stage of development
Stages of disease progression 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, a rare crunch when bending the limb. On X-ray: barely noticeable narrowing of the joint space, questionable small osteophytes (growths along the edge of the joint).
- Stage III: Pain and stiffness increase in the morning. The pain is worse 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 appear and pain may increase. On X-ray: moderate narrowing of the joint space, obvious osteophytes, bone surface changes, and compaction of bone tissue under the cartilage tissue occurs (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Pain, constant dull pain, intensifies with movement, strong "crushing" when moving, joint deformation, muscle atrophy. On X-ray: the joint space narrows sharply, subchondral sclerosis, coarse osteophytes, significant surface deformation.
The doctor will help reduce discomfort, conduct a full examination and select an individual treatment, taking into account the gender, age, metabolic level, concomitant diseases and other characteristics of each client.
Arthritis symptoms
Arthrosis develops gradually: discomfort may first appear in several 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), some stiffness is felt in the morning. Pain, a dull "beginning pain" appears, i. e. movements that arise at the beginning after rest and subside after some activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not very noticeable, people at this stage rarely come to a specialist. Although now is the easiest time to stop the development of arthrosis.
Over time, the pain increases and ceases to subside, disrupts sleep at night, and increases with weather changes. There is pain in the bones, muscles and joints begin to ache. This disease most often affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue appears quickly when walking, reduced mobility (stiffness).
Often people lose the sense of security in their hands and feet, and their gait becomes unstable. During movement, a strong "crunching" occurs in the legs (the exposed bone surfaces rub against each other). Joints become deformed. Due to restriction of movement, adjacent muscles are less tense, causing the latter to atrophy (decreased volume). Weak muscles lead to an increasingly unstable gait.
Hands are most often affected by arthrosis after injury or with chronic inflammation. Deformation of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square, and tumors form on the fingers (Heberden and Bouchard nodes).
A clear signal of the need for therapy for arthrosis is joint deformity, constant pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function, and instability in walking.
If you experience the symptoms described, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to provide assistance, conduct a full examination and provide comprehensive answers to all your questions. Thanks to the competent doctor's recommendations, you will be able to maintain your normal rhythm of life.
Diagnostics
Instrumental diagnostic methods are usually used to assess the condition of the articular surface and cartilage. The most informative are: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
Diagnostic examination for the doctor does not present any difficulties - joint changes can be clearly seen in the picture. Using it, the doctor determines the stage of arthrosis and the level of its development.
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 analysis of synovial fluid, and perform a minimally invasive intervention (removal of small bone fragments).
For laboratory diagnostics, general blood, biochemical and immunological tests are performed. They determine the patient's general condition, the presence of inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders, and exclude other joint diseases.
Treatment
To relieve pain, slow down the destruction process and, if possible, create a recovery process in the joint tissue, conservative therapy is used. It 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 each case, the choice of medicine is made individually, based on the characteristics of the person and the disease.
Nutritional correction: it is necessary to organize nutritious and regular food. With the help of the doctor, the client makes a detailed list of products and 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 joint to speed up the recovery process), etc.
Ozone therapy in various forms and routes of administration to stimulate metabolic processes in cells and increase oxygen absorption. It is highly effective in relieving pain, reducing inflammation and stimulating natural tissue renewal and repair.
Physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis (combination of drugs with ultrasonic waves), thermal baths, massage, etc.
Application: the use of special gels, ointments and other medicines to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of basic therapy.
Therapeutic exercises: the doctor offers the client a set of exercises aimed at restoring joint function. Exercise in the pool has a good effect.
Hirudotherapy: the use of leeches. Their saliva contains substances that activate the dilation of blood vessels, and this increases metabolism. Other substances in saliva can clean the joint cavity by dissolving dead tissue.
Orthotics: wearing and using special structures - orthoses (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Taping: fixing with adhesive tape.
In some cases, surgery is required. This clinic successfully performs effective operations in the hip and knee joint areas such as:
- arthroscopy
- endoprosthetics
In most cases, after this operation, the symptoms disappear, the pain disappears, and freedom of movement gradually returns. Symptoms of the disease decrease and usually do not return if there are no provoking factors.
Modern clinics have modern operating rooms where complex operations are performed using specialist class endoscopes. Our doctors have the opportunity to help even in difficult cases.
Advantages of visiting a professional clinic
- Expert qualifications. Experienced and competent doctors are specialists of the highest category, candidates of medical science. They follow the latest advances in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experiences with colleagues and abroad, and carry out scientific activities.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory facilities. Modern clinics have the most modern, effective and safe equipment installed to successfully diagnose, treat and carry out preventive measures. The clinical diagnostic laboratory allows you to perform laboratory tests quickly.
- Fast and effective diagnosis. Excellent clinic equipment allows us to perform various diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, radiography and other informative studies are carried out, allowing us to diagnose and obtain detailed data on the condition of the joints, in particular, and the body in general.
- A complex approach. In modern clinics, the practice of consultation between doctors of different specialties is widespread to achieve the best treatment results.
- Effective therapy. An integrated and comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a large number of advanced methods.
- Individual approach. Prescribe therapy taking into account the client's gender and age, as well as other characteristics.
Prevention of arthrosis
To minimize pain and maintain normal working conditions, you should:
- follow the doctor's advice,
- controlling body weight (each additional kilogram of weight increases the risk of deterioration),
- eliminate or minimize strenuous physical activity,
- regularly do physical therapy exercises,
- avoid injuries: use special elements for protection (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and gradually increase the load,
- use correction devices and treatment methods (tapes, orthoses) as recommended,
- undergo regular examinations, preventive courses and monitor the condition of the disease.
Correct treatment and following the recommendations of treating specialists will help stop the progression of the disease and maintain mobility. If you have problems with your joints, go to the hospital. Our doctor will help you get rid of pain and stiffness in the joints, and choose therapy to restore motor function. Timely initiation of therapy allows the complete recovery of joints possible, and the preventive course of treatment procedures will help you lead a normal life without joint pain!
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?
In arthrosis, the cause of tissue destruction is insufficient nutrition (disruption of metabolic processes) and, as a result, compensatory compaction and proliferation of the articular bone surface. 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 develops into arthrosis through a mixed intermediate stage, where there are signs of both diseases.
Is arthrosis a disease that can be cured?
The longer the disease is detected, the less chance there is of a full 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/bathtub if you have arthrosis?
Warming up the body is useful and is part of the complex treatment of arthrosis. But you must first consult with your doctor. If there is a local or general inflammatory process in the body, then heating procedures are contraindicated - they will increase the inflammation, and the dilated blood vessels will spread the inflammation throughout the body.
Is arthrosis a contraindication to military service?
Depends on the severity of the disease. Contraindications may be impaired mobility and joint function.
Can children have arthrosis?
Yes, this 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 specific examination and qualified recommendations there is a higher chance of making your condition worse.
What is the most dangerous thing about arthrosis?
Tissue destruction leads to persistent pain, decreased motor function and disability. Is it possible to independently determine whether you have arthrosis?
Knowing the symptoms, one can assume the presence of the disease, but the diagnosis is made by the doctor after instrumental and laboratory diagnostic tests.