Osteoarthritisis a dystrophic disease of the joints, which results in the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, arthrosis occurs as the primary disease.It can also arise as a result of trauma - secondary, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Arthrosis of the joints of the lower extremities and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is most often detected.Among the joints of the upper extremities, arthrosis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from osteoarthritis more often than men, but after the age of 65 this difference is barely noticeable.
The causes of osteoarthritis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary predisposition to cartilaginous tissue diseases;
- Old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Joint operations.
Additionally, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis symptoms
Even if you feel bothered by seemingly trivial symptoms, don't ignore them.
- Pain that subsides with rest (appears with loads on the joint and when climbing stairs);
- Restricted mobility and crushing in the joints;
- Muscle tension in the joint region;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied by pain, not sharp pain).
All of this could be a manifestation of a serious illness - osteoarthritis!Contact your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Note that without treatment, a joint susceptible to osteoarthritis can not only collapse but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.Because of this, intervertebral disc herniations or arthrosis of other joints occur.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- TC;
- Blood test (with arthrosis, ESR increases sharply);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment involves:
- Taking analgesics (painkillers);
- Take anti-inflammatories;
- The stage of restoring cartilaginous tissue is taking medications containing chondroprotectors.To obtain results, you must take medications according to an individually selected regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetic therapy).It must be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the period of remission;
- Courses of intra-articular injections.
Osteoarthritis prevention
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the appearance of arthrosis of the joints, you need to: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high heels, don't sit with your legs crossed, get rid of excess weight, don't lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.