Osteoarthritis: symptoms, treatment

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is characterized by slow and progressive destruction of articular cartilage. Arthritis includes a group of joint diseases destructive and inflammatory nature, which have different causes and similar development mechanisms.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in the world, which occupies a leading position in women and men over the age of 30, and with age the risk of developing the disease only increases.

The causes of pathology

Osteoarthritis develops as a result of a violation of metabolic processes in the joints, against which intra-articular cartilage begins to lose water and becomes elastic. Contributing factors of such changes in cartilage can be internal and external reasons:

• hormonal changes;
• age features;
• genetic predisposition;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• excessive load on the joints;
• the trauma and injuries – sprains, fractures, bruises, torn ligaments;
• changes in metabolism within the joint, associated with obesity, diabetes;
• hypothermia;
• inadequate and unbalanced nutrition, causing the body loses calcium, omega-3 and 6 fats and proteins;
• the inflammatory process in the joint;
• violation of blood supply of the femoral head – Perthes disease;
• problems with blood clotting, inherited disease;
• autoimmune diseases – lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis.

To trigger the development of osteoarthritis can also specific diseases, which have nothing to do with joints, namely:

• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• hyperthyroidism;
• thyroiditis.

At risk are people who engage in heavy physical labor, constantly forced to SuperCool and to feel an increased load on the musculoskeletal system – miners, Smiths, athletes, movers and pregnant women.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis

The first symptom of osteoarthritis phenomena is pain at the slightest loading on the diseased joint, which passes quickly, as soon as the joint is left alone. Osteoarthritis is characterized by 4 major clinical signs:

1. Pain – the pain in osteoarthritis may some peculiarities in contrast to the hell of pain by accidental impact of the joint or inflammation in it. First of all, you should pay attention to the occurrence of discomfort and pain at any movement and load on the affected joint. There is a person to stop the movement and remove the strain, as the pain goes away just like that, why not google + in trauma or inflammation of the joint. In the night, collapsing the joint almost does not cause discomfort to the patient, and pain is possible only by changing the position of the whole, but they quickly pass. In severe progression of destructive processes in joints at night may experience sharp shooting pains that z bounds become stronger and make adjustments to lifestyle. Acute pain occurs with any change in weather I the changing phases of the moon, the slightest exertion.
2. Crunch is the sound phenomenon is the result of a decline in the softness of the rotation of the bones around the joint, which leads to friction of the bones against each other and accompanied by the characteristic crunch. Progression of degenerative processes in the joint, the crunch becomes more pronounced and is accompanied by pain.
3. Limitation of joint mobility – at the initial stage of development of the pathological process the expressed restriction of mobility there, but as the progression of the destruction of the joint inside the patient harder to do simple actions. Eventually the affected joint is completely immobilized.
4. Deformation of the joint – on the bone surfaces are beginning to grow osteophytes and synovial fluid accumulates. Deformation of the joint is observed in the running extent of the pathological process.

Degenerative processes in the joint do not develop quickly, the disease is characterized by stages of exacerbation and remission, hell what patients are reluctant to seek medical help, thereby contributing to the progression of destructive processes within the joint.

Stage

The stage of progression of the pathological process in the joint is determined by using x-rays. There are 4 stages of the disease:

1. The first is characterized by a slight narrowing of the joint space, with no pathological growths on the bone there;
2. The other is a slight narrowing of the joint space on the surface of the bone osteophytes are formed;
3. Third – the joint space is narrowed, on the surface of the bone multiple osteophytes, has a deformation of the joint;
4. Fourth – articular slits are almost there, there are multiple osteophytes, severe deformation of the joint.

Degree

Osteoarthritis manifests itself in the form of degenerative and destructive processes in the joint which affects the cartilage, develop changes in the capsule and synovial membrane of the joint and the ligaments around it and bone structures. According to ad severity and intensity of these destructions it is accepted to allocate 3 degrees of osteoarthritis.

The first step

The identified deformation or change in the joint no, Hello disturbed synovial fluid – this also leads to the insufficient provision of joint tissues with nutrients, water and minerals, causing the cartilage quickly becomes not flexible and not adapted Yes loads. With the clock that causes inflammation and is accompanied by pain when moving and the load on the joint.

At the first degree of osteoarthritis one of their patients do not seek medical care, writing off the discomfort and pain in an uncomfortable position during sleep, fatigue, unhealthy lifestyle. Hours, the patient may notice a characteristic crunch in the affected joint, but this is not accompanied by severe pain, but only discomfort, again, no one pays much attention.

If the osteoarthritis is diagnosed by accident in the first stage, disease is easily treatable.

Other degree

At this stage, the disease is accompanied by destructive processes in cartilage tissue in joints. On the surface of the bone osteophytes grow strongly, and the more intense the load on the affected area, the more clearly will progress destruction.

This patient complains of constant aching pain and shooting character, which are held periodically by themselves and can a long time to make itself felt. Then the disease progresses again. Against the background of pathological process the muscles that surround the inflamed joint, gradually lose their functions, hell what the patient tires easily and cannot withstand the physical stress that easily endured before. While some degree of osteoarthritis, the patient gradually progressing deformity of the cartilage and joint.

The third stage

Phenomenon is most severe. Intra-articular cartilage of the affected joint thins and hard breaks, which leads clearly visible deformation and dysfunction of the affected limb. Located next to joint ligament and missty experiencing a shortage of nutrients and oxygen and gradually atrophy that is accompanied by severe loss of mobility. In this case, patient suffer from the hell of acute pain, which increases with any attempt to change the position of the body, with changes in weather conditions and the phases of the moon and gradually leads full loss of working capacity.

Types of arthritis

According to the ad which cause triggered by a pathological process inside the joint there are primary osteoarthritis, secondary and idiopathic.

Primary develops as an independent disease, secondary as a consequence of trauma or infection, and the cause of the idiopathic form is not known. In addition to classification of the disease based on the hell of the causes of the pathological process distinguish osteoarthritis at the site of localization of destructive changes:

1. Gonarthrosis is the most common type of pathology, which is characterized by damage to the knee joints. Osteoarthritis most often detected in people with obesity, chronic diseases of metabolism in the body, weak immune system. Knee osteoarthritis progresses a long time and gradually causes and complete loss of motor function.
2. Osteoarthritis ankle – the main reasons of development of degenerative processes in the ankle are injuries, sprains, strains, fractures. In some cases the pathological process may trigger autoimmune disease – rheumatoid arthritis. Ankle osteoarthritis-prone dancers, women who wear high heels, athletes.
3. Shoulder joint arthrosis is the main cause of degenerative processes in this phase are congenital abnormalities of the shoulder joint or excessive load on the zone, for example, when carrying heavy Luggage on shoulders.
4. Coxarthrosis, or arthrosis of the hip joint – the main cause of the phenomenon are age-related changes in the tissues of the joint. At risk are people over 45 years old.
5. Encountres or arthrosis cervical – the causes are injuries to the neck, progressive low back pain, obesity, sedentary lifestyle. At risk are people who work at the computer in the office. In addition to expressed pain in the neck in patients with marked vertigo, jump of consciousness, impaired memory and fatigue. These symptoms are caused by compression of the vertebral artery, through which the brain receives nutrients and oxygen.
6. Spondiloarthrosis – destructive destruction of the affected tissue of the spine, namely his lumbar. At-risk women in the period of menopause, as the spondylosis progresses on the background of deficiency of female sex hormones.
7. Osteoarthritis of the fingers – develops for the same reason that the spondylosis.
8. The polyarthrosis – characterized by involvement of multiple joints with progressive degenerative processes in them, while in the pathological process involved ligaments, muscles and the tissues around the joint.

Possible complications

In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment osteoarthritis will progress to involve other joints, promote the development of gruzevich protrusions and development total polyarthrosis.

Complications of osteoarthritis of the phenomenon are such States:

• the destruction of the integrity of the joint;
• shape deformation;
• the limitation;
• disability of the patient.

All of these complications lead to a significant decline in the quality of life of the patient, accession related diseases and disorders, fully immobilize the patient.

Diagnostic methods

For the diagnosis of the disease the patient must seek help Yes, the traumatologist-orthopedist. In order to differentiate the arthritis ad other pathologies of the joints and musculoskeletal system is prescribed x-ray in 2 projections. This study allows to accurately determine changed areas of tissue surrounding the affected joint Yes, the presence of damage in the bones and ligaments, osteopenia sprawl.

If necessary, the doctor may additionally prescribe MRI, CT scan and arthroscopy. In some cases, produce arthrocentesis for the raft of the sample is synovial fluid.

Treatment of osteoarthritis

The treatment of arthritis is best done in the early stages, then the disease better responds to conservative therapies. It is important to establish the cause of progressive destructive changes in the joint and in time to arrest these factors.

Treatment of osteoarthritis is complex and involves the elimination of the inflammatory process, relief of pain, stop the progression of the pathological process and the restoration of the lost functions of the joint. Conservative therapy includes the selection of drugs and physiotherapeutic methods of treatment.

Medication

Treatment of osteoarthritis varies in different areas of localization of the pathological process:

1. Osteoarthritis of the fingers and hands – the patient to reduce pain prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments, cream, gel. To prevent the progression of pathological process is shown receiving chondroprotectors. After relief of the acute inflammatory process prescribed massage and physiotherapy treatments.
2. In case of arthrosis of the shoulder joint – the inside of the joint are to the patient injecting painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Orally may prescribe taking antispasmodic medication that will relax the muscles and reduce some of the intensity of the pain. After the relief of acute inflammation and pain shown therapeutic physical training and massage.
3. Osteoarthritis of the knee – administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs topically in the form of compresses, ointments, gels. On the affected joint shown physiotherapeutic therapies.
4. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint – to the affected area apply compresses soaked in the ointment or gel from the NSAID group, and inside of the joint is injected with painkillers injection.
5. Osteoarthritis of the knee on the affected area is applied creams and gels with the analgesic effect, and after the relief of acute pain and inflammation shown physical treatment methods.
6. Osteoarthritis of the ankle – the patient is recommended strict bed rest with confidence of the affected joint. With the subsiding of acute inflammatory process are assigned physiotherapy, baths and massages.

Physiotherapy treatment

Yes effective physiotherapeutic method often used with varying degrees of severity of osteoarthritis include:

• Shock wave treatment effectively relieves the patient of ad of growths osteophytes, thereby eliminating the pain and limitation of joint mobility;
• Stimulation of the muscles around the affected joint by electric currents, this procedure is very effective for patients with severe reduced mobility and helps to improve blood circulation in the joint, accelerate regenerative processes, improve muscle tone;
• Ozone therapy, in the cavity of the affected joint gas mixture is introduced, thereby decreasing the patient pain, normal joint flexibility, fade the signs of inflammation. For maximum effect, ozone therapy courses are conducted;
• Phonophoresis – the impact on the affected area by ultrasonic waves with the use of drugs. This app use drugs much more efficiently as ultrasonic waves deliver the drug directly to the lesion.

In addition, the physiotherapy treatment includes physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, mechanotherapy.

Diet

Diet for osteoarthritis should be balanced and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, trace elements. It is recommended to include in the diet fresh fish, vegetable oils, cheese, dairy products, meat, fresh vegetables and fruits.

From the diet should exclude flour products and "fast" carbohydrates, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, pork, fatty and spicy dishes.

Surgical treatment

If conservative treatment failed, and the expected result or osteoarthritis diagnosed at an advanced stage, when there are pronounced degenerative changes of the joint with severe mobility limitation, then the patient is prescribed surgery.

Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis is carried out in several ways:

1. Puncture of the affected joint – this method phenomena is both diagnostic and therapeutic. The raft of the sample synovial fluid allows to define precisely the nature of the origin of the disease and to select effective drug. During the operation of the puncture into the joint cavity administered corticosteroids and various anti-inflammatory drugs, which instantly eases the pain and relieves the load on the joint.
2. Arthroscopy in the joint cavity, the arthroscope for a thorough examination of the joint from the inside. During the operation, the doctor can remove growths on the bones and various neoplasms.
3. Osteotomy – the operation of the joint bones a little special adjusting devices fixed in correct position, which allows not only to restore motor function, but also to relieve the patient of ad of discomfort and severe pain.
4. Joint replacement is a destroyed joint is removed and in its place install a prosthesis of high quality material which will completely take over the functions of the lost joint, to ensure the full mobility of the limb and save the patient from pain.

Prevention

Prevention of osteoarthritis involves a comprehensive approach:

• maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle;
• rational and adequate nutrition;
• elimination of bad habits;
• prevention of injuries and damage to the joints;
• timely treatment of inflammatory processes.

People from risk groups should be especially careful to be yeah the slightest changes in the joints and phenomena Alen pain, crunching and creaking immediately seek the advice of Yes, the traumatologist-orthopedist.