Arthrosis occurs quite often and ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most common diseases, after cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects both sexes equally.Approximately 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The probability of developing arthrosis increases with age.
Arthrosis is considered a chronic joint pathology, in which destructive processes in the cartilage and joint capsule gradually occur.If the treatment of arthrosis is neglected, deformation and destruction of the bone itself is possible.
When the metabolic processes in the joint are disturbed, the cartilage loses its elasticity and eventually arthrosis develops.There are various reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: excessive load, injuries, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joint, and some diseases.
There are two types of arthrosis of the joints: primary and secondary.With primary arthrosis, without identifying other abnormalities in the body, the processes of cartilage tissue renewal are disturbed.Secondary arthrosis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.
Progressive destruction of cartilage tissue leads to pain and limited mobility of the affected joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time, arthrosis of the joints can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of arthrosis
When the metabolic processes in the joint are disturbed or the lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.In the case of aggravated sliding and increased and excessive loading, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.
Arthrosis of the joints is encouraged by hereditary disorders, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of arthrosis due to overloading of the joints, and thus their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by improper posture or surgical intervention, which can damage the joint structure.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and microelements, lack of vitamins, metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to the interruption of the regenerative process in the joint and its further destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, lack of estrogen and hormonal disorders that occur in the female body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissue and their destruction.
The causes of arthrosis are also:
- disorder of tissue blood supply;
- reduced collagen synthesis (with insufficient liver function);
- various inflammatory processes;
- nutritional deficiency in tissues;
- hypothermia;
- deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.
Symptoms of arthrosis of the joints
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, the changes and extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may differ:
- joint pain;
- morning (or after rest) stiffness;
- reduced performance;
- lameness;
- creaking when walking;
- restricted movement;
- immobility of the joints;
- deformation of the affected joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- atrophy of periarticular muscles.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis consists of several stages:
- pain reduction,
- reducing inflammation,
- strengthening of regenerative processes in cartilage tissues.
Any loading of the affected joint, long walking or standing, or heavy lifting are contraindicated.
Treatment of arthrosis is a set of measures that help improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, remove inflammation, activate blood circulation and nutrition in tissues.
Medicines, physiotherapeutic procedures and a balanced diet are used in the treatment of arthrosis.To restore damaged cartilage and improve the composition of intra-articular lubrication, the use of chondroprotectors is recommended.
Treatment is prescribed individually, depending on the diagnosis, after conducting some studies to assess the condition of periarticular tissues and structures, as well as determining the degree of cartilage tissue destruction.
Acupressure and acupuncture are recommended for improving blood circulation in joint tissues and their condition.
You can also perform moxibustion (cauterization) with pain relief.This procedure involves heating biologically active points on the body using moxas (wormwood or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood flow and good tissue heating, improves metabolic processes.
A proper balanced diet and physical therapy are of great importance for improving the condition.
Complications of arthrosis
Without treatment of arthrosis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, to inflammation and deformation of bone or cartilage tissue.Deformation of the affected joint contributes to a decrease in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankylosis).
Complications of arthrosis of the joints:
- stiffness of movement;
- deformation or destruction of the joint.
As a result of arthrosis complications, the risk of disability and deterioration of the patient's quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition for arthrosis
Since excess weight contributes to the development of arthrosis of the joints, it is necessary to reduce it.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude flour products and sweets from the diet;you should also not drink alcohol and oily fish.
In order to restore bone and cartilage strength, joint mobility and tissue elasticity, it is recommended to consume jelly - a storehouse of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is recommended to include foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid in the menu.Mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver are very useful for arthrosis.
The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:
- fractional meals;
- exclusion of heavy food (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- constant weight control.