Arthrosisis a dystrophic disease of the joints, which causes the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases arthrosis presents itself as a primary disease.It can also occur following secondary trauma, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Osteoarthritis of the joints of the lower extremities and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is detected more often.Among the joints of the upper limbs, arthrosis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from arthrosis more often than men, but after 65 years this difference is almost imperceptible.
Causes of osteoarthritis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of the blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary predisposition to cartilaginous tissue diseases;
- Old age;
- Overweight;
- Various wounds;
- Operations on the joints.
Additionally, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Even if you are bothered by seemingly trivial symptoms, don't ignore them.
- Pain that eases with rest (occurs with loads on the joint and climbing stairs);
- Limited mobility and joint creaking;
- Muscle tension in the joint area;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied by aching, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Contact your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Please note that without treatment, a joint susceptible to arthrosis can not only collapse, but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.For this reason, intervertebral disc herniations or arthrosis of other joints occur.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CT;
- Blood tests (with arthrosis, ESR increases significantly);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis includes:
- Taking painkillers (analgesics);
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The cartilaginous tissue restoration phase involves taking drugs containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you need to take drugs according to an individually selected regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetotherapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the remission period;
- Courses of intraarticular injections.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than cure.To prevent the appearance of arthrosis of the joints, it is necessary: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high heels, do not sit with crossed legs, eliminate excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.