Arthrosisis 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 a primary disease.It can also appear 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 detected more often.Among the joints of the upper extremities, arthrosis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from arthrosis more often than men, but after the age of 65 this difference is hardly noticeable.
Causes of arthrosis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply in the joint;
- Hereditary tendency to cartilage tissue diseases;
- Old age;
- Excessive weight;
- Various injuries;
- Joint operations.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Even if you are troubled by seemingly trivial symptoms, do not ignore them.
- Pain that subsides at rest (manifested by stress on the wrist and walking up stairs);
- Limited mobility and creaking in the joint;
- 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 pain, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Contact your doctor!He will diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.
Keep in mind that without treatment, an arthritic joint may not only collapse on its own, but may also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.This causes herniation of intervertebral discs or arthrosis of other joints.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (in arthrosis, ESR is suddenly increased);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis includes:
- Taking painkillers (analgesics);
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The stage of cartilage tissue renewal is taking drugs containing chondroprotectors.In order to achieve results, you must take medication 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 in the period of remission;
- Courses of intra-articular injections.
Prevention of arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the occurrence of arthrosis of the joints, you should: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high heels, do not sit with your legs crossed, get rid of excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.