Osteoarthritis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, as a result of which the bone tissue is deformed. The most commonly affected joints are the big toes, the hip and knee joints.
Symptoms of the disease
- The first clinical symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint during excessive physical exertion. Painful sensations may occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pain bothers a person even at rest and causes insomnia.
- Crunching joints. Due to the destruction of the cartilage layer, there is friction of the bones, and when moving in the joint, clicks and crackles are heard. As the disease progresses, the crunchiness increases.
- Reduced mobility. If the joint is damaged, the movements in it are limited, with severe arthrosis, the patient has stiffness of the limbs in the morning.
- Joint deformity. In the absence of adequate and timely treatment, the joint is deformed, its appearance changes.
- With the worsening of the inflammatory process, the patient has a decrease in the sensitivity of the fingers and numbness of the fingertips.
Causes of disease
The main reason for the development of arthrosis is the growth of the cartilage layer between the joint and the bone. Contributing factors are:
- Intense physical activity;
- Joint microtrauma;
- Frequent fractures
- Wearing tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
Diagnosis
The main method for diagnosing osteoarthritis is carefully collected patient history (professional history).
The diagnosis is made on the basis of examination of the patient and additional studies, including X-ray of the joints, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography.
- Ultrasound. This research method is reliable and harmless. Since ultrasound diagnostics refers to non-invasive methods, this study has no contraindications. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose thinning of cartilage tissue, degenerative changes of the joint menisci, thickening of the joint membranes, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to choose the right method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
- MRI and computed tomography. With the help of computed tomography and MRI, it is possible to assess the condition of the joint: the thickness of the cartilage, the presence of erosions or cysts in the bone tissue, to determine the amount of intra-articular fluid.
- Arthroscopy. This study is more often conducted to determine the cause of the development of arthrosis.
Complications
In the absence of timely medical care, osteoarthritis progresses and threatens complications such as:
- Inflammation of the tissues around the joint;
- Restriction of mobility of affected joints;
- Degenerative changes in the hip joint;
- Changing the shape of the joints.
Treatment of diseases
Treatment is prescribed to the patient depending on the degree of joint damage. Osteoarthritis therapy begins with pain relief.
In parallel with analgesics, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to drug treatment, the patient also undergoes physiotherapy.
Massage of the affected limbs after calming the acute form of the inflammatory process can reduce pain, normalize joint mobility and relieve muscle spasms.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to alleviate muscle stiffness, warm them up and strengthen the general condition of the patient. Exercise helps maintain proper posture and even gait.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated in a period of stable remission. Mud baths, applications and other procedures help to restore the motor function of the joints and relieve pain.
If conservative methods of treatment do not bring the expected effect, then the patient is prescribed surgical replacement of the joint. Endoprostheses are made of a material that the human body does not reject. They allow you to fully restore the physiological functions of the affected joint.
Unique treatments: radiofrequency ablation and disruption of the integrity of the method by disrupting the integrity of the nerve causing the pain.
Risk group
The risk group includes people:
- Overweight;
- Varicose veins;
- Athletes;
- Pianists;
- Developers.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of osteoarthritis is as follows:
- Good nutrition;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limiting the load on the joints by hereditary predisposition;
- Weight control;
- Wear matching shoes.
Diet and lifestyle
With a hereditary predisposition to the development of osteoarthritis, as well as during the exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to adjust the diet. It is recommended to include in the diet sea fish (sardines, salmon, tuna), fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals. Limit pastries, fatty meats, chocolate and alcohol.
It is recommended to spend more time in the fresh air and not to expose the joints to increased physical activity.