Arthritis

Arthrosis is a disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the joint due to the development of dystrophic changes in the tissues.According to the WHO, every tenth resident of the planet faces this problem.After 50 years, the risk of the onset of the disease is about 30%, and with 70 years reaches 80-90%.

Healthy and affected by arthritis

General information

Arthrosis is a chronic, long -term process that affects not only the joints.As it progresses, dystrophic and degenerative changes are also amazing auxiliary apparatus.In this process, the patient is cope with the inflammation of the cartilage and bone tissue, the joint capsule and the periosemantic bag, as well as the muscles, ligaments and subcutaneous tissues that contact them.

Regardless of localization, the pathological process passes according to a single scheme.First, in the thickness of the fabric, the balance between the growth processes and the destruction of the cartilage is disturbed, and the equilibrium is shifted in favor of dystrophy and reverse development (degeneration).At this time, invisible eye changes occur in the cartilage microstructure, which leads to its thinning and cracking.

As the disease progresses, the union loses its elasticity and becomes denser.This reduces its ability to depreciate, the rate of tissue damage is constantly increasing due to vibration and microtra during movements.Cartilaginous layer regulation provokes the active growth of bone structures, as a result of which the points and harnesses develop on the smooth surface of the joint - osteoarthrosis.Movements become increasingly limited and painful.The muscle spasms surrounding the affected area develop, which exacerbates the pain and deform the limb.

The stages of the disease

Arthrosis of the joints develops gradually and in the process three sequential phases that determine the severity of the disease:

  • Stage 1: Pathology is not detected in an X -Ray or ultrasound, but the processes of destruction are already launched;The composition of the common fluid varies, as a result of which the tissues are taken less than the nutritional creatures and become more sensitive;Increased load on the damage area causes inflammation (arthritis) and pain;
  • Phase 2 is characterized by active destruction of the cartilage fabric, and bone points and growths appear along the edges of the common platform (surface contact area);At this time, the pain becomes known and the inflammatory processes go stronger or weaker;Muscle -related spasms are periodically observed;
  • Stage 3: Zones of destruction affect almost the entire surface of the cartilage, the common platform is deformed, the damaged limbs deviate from its axis;The volume of movements is reduced, and the ligaments are weakening and becoming short.

Some experts also distinguish phase IV of arthrosis development.It is characterized by an almost complete union immobility.

The types

Depending on the cause of the disease, primary and secondary arthrosis is distinguished.In the first case, the pathology arises independently against the backdrop of a comprehensive effect of predisposing factors.The secondary form is the result of other diseases and is divided into the following groups:

  • damage to the joints that occurred due to metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases (gout, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism);
  • Destruction associated with congenital pathology (Pedget's disease, displacement of congenital lips, scoliosis, hemophilia, etc.);
  • Post -traumatic arthritis, which was raised against the backdrop of fractures, cracks, necrotic processes or surgical operations, as well as arising due to the features of the profession.

The most demanding is the classification of osteoarthritis, depending on the localization of the pathological process:

  • Gonartrosis: knee lesion, one of the types of which is pallet arthrosis - destruction of the joint between the femoral bone and the patella;
  • Ankle joint arthrosis: occurs against the backdrop of a large load and frequent damage;
  • Arthrosis of the foot joints: the thumb most often suffers at the intersection with the foot;Loss develops against the background of gout or valgus deformation;
  • Shoulder arthritis is characterized by shoulder damage and is often found at a young age against a background of increased physical activity (moving, athlete, builder);
  • Coxarthrosis: damage to the hip joint;Perhaps both one -sided and bilateral and is one of the frequent causes of disability in people over 50;
  • Vertebral arthritis: destruction of cartilage discs between vertebrae, most often affects the spine of the cervix and lumbar;
  • Brush arthritis: finger joints are most often affected, pathologies are particularly susceptible to women in menopause;
  • Temporary temporary joint arthritis: is quite rare, most often against the background of chronic inflammation due to bite disorders or improper prosthetics;
  • Elbow arthritis: a rare form of the disease, most often associated with damage to this area.

The reasons for the development

The main factor in the development of arthrosis is the discrepancy between the test and the joint ability of the union to withstand this load.Acute or chronic, this process inevitably leads to tissue destruction.

List of causes that increase the risk of arthrosis of any localization includes:

  • inheritance;
  • Endocrine pathology (diabetes);
  • Articular apparatus injuries: bruises, displacements, fractures or bone cracks within the common bag, full or partial breaks of ligaments penetrating the wound;
  • regular adult load associated with the profession;
  • Obesity;
  • hypothermia;
  • Common transferred inflammatory diseases: acute arthritis, tuberculosis, etc.;
  • Blood diseases in which hemorrhage often occurs in the joint (hemophilia);
  • sharp changes in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
  • circulatory disorders related to atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, etc.;
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, etc.);
  • Connective tissue dilasia (congenital pathology, associated, including excessive joint movement);
  • Congenital pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, dysplasia or congenital displacement of the hip joint, etc.);
  • Age over 45-50 years (increased risk is associated with a decrease in collagen synthesis);
  • osteoporosis (bone vacuum);
  • chronic intoxication of the body (including heavy metal salts, drugs, alcohol);
  • Surgical interventions in the joints.

Symptoms

Symptoms of arthrosis practically independent of its cause and localization, as changes in the joints go according to the same scenario.The disease develops gradually and begins to manifest, already when the cartilage is seriously damaged.

One of the first signs of dysfunction is the crisis in the problem area during movement.Most often, it occurs when the knee or shoulder is damaged.At the same time, a person can feel a slight decrease in mobility after prolonged inaction, for example, in the morning.

When asked what symptoms appeared with arthrosis, most patients first call pain.At first, irrelevant and weak, gradually gaining strength, preventing it from moving normally.Depending on the scene and the localization of the pathology, a person can feel:

  • Starting pain: occur during the first movements after prolonged inaction of the joint and are associated with the formation on the surface of the thin film cartilage from the destroyed fabric;After the work begins, the film is moved and the discomfort disappears;
  • Pain with prolonged physical exercises (standing, walking, jogging, etc.): presents due to a decrease in the shock of the union shock;
  • Weather pain: provoked by low temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure changes;
  • Night pain: associated with venous stagnation and increased blood pressure inside the bones;
  • Joint blockade: sharp, severe pain associated with violation of a piece of cartilage or bone located in the joint cavity.

As arthritis develops, the symptoms become more noticeable, the patient notes the following signs:

  • an increase in morning rigidity;
  • strengthening and increasing the duration of pain;
  • reduction of mobility;
  • joint deformation due to bone growth;
  • Deformation of the bones and surrounding tissues: the process is well visible on the limbs and fingers of the hands, which become significantly curved.

When inflammation is attached, the affected area swells, reds and heats up.Pressure on it causes a sharp increase in pain.

The pain of the joints in the arthrosis

Analyzes and diagnoses

Diagnosis of arthrosis is engaged in the orthopedic doctor.He conducts a detailed study of the patient to identify complaints and anamnesis.The doctor in detail about the time of appearance of the first signs and the speed of their development, injuries and illnesses, the presence of similar problems among relatives.

A general blood test allows you to identify an inflammatory process, which often accompanies arthrosis.

The main method of diagnosis is radiography.In the picture, the following signs are clearly visualized:

  • narrowing of the common gap;
  • Change of contact bone contours;
  • Disturbed bone structure in the affected area;
  • Bone growths (osteophytes);
  • curvature of the axis of the limbs or finger;
  • Subluxation of union.

For more detailed diagnosis, they can be described:

  • calculated tomography (CT);
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
  • Union ultrasound;
  • arthroscopy (internal examination of the joint cavity using a camera presented through a small puncture);
  • Skintigraph (evaluation of bone and metabolism in them with the introduction of radiofarmic drugs).

In case of suspicion of the secondary nature of the disease, appropriate tests and consultations of close specialists are determined.

Treatment of arthrosis of the joints

The choice of methodology for the treatment of arthrosis of the joints depends on the cause of the disease, its stages and symptoms.In the arsenal of doctors there are:

  • drugs;
  • non -drug treatment;
  • Surgical methods.

Moreover, the patient should strictly observe a diet and adjust his lifestyle in order to minimize further damage to the joints.

Treatment

The appointment of arthritis medicines follows two main goals:

  • removal of pain and inflammation;
  • Restoring the cartilage fabric or, at least, stop further degeneration.

Different types of medicines are used to ease the patient's condition:

  • non -inflammatory drugs non -inflammatory in the form of tablets, injections, ointments or candles;They relieve pain and inflammation well;
  • Hormones (corticosteroids): shown in severe pain and, most often, are introduced directly into the joint cavity;
  • Other analgesics, for example, antispasmodic action: help reduce the level of pain by relaxing muscles;

It is important to remember: all types of sedatives are used only to relieve the patient's condition.They do not affect the condition of the cartilage, and with prolonged use they accelerate its destruction and cause serious side effects.

The main preparations for resetting nodes today are chondroprotectors.They contribute to the saturation of nutrient cartilage, stop the monument and begin cell growth processes.Tools have an effect only in the early and average stages of the development of the disease and are subject to regular long -term use.

Preparations that improve microcirulation in the tissue and anti -meanet help to improve the effect of chondroprotectors.The former provides good supply of the affected area with oxygen and nutrients, and the latter slows down the processes of tissue destruction.

The selection of specific medicines, their dosage and the administration regime are engaged in the doctor.

Treatment not -drug

Non -Drug Treatment includes the following methods:

  • Physiotherapy:
    • Shock wave therapy: destroys bone growth and stimulates blood circulation due to the effects of ultrasound;
    • Automated electromyostimulation: exposure to electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contraction;
    • Ultrafonophoresis: the effect of ultrasound in combination using medication;
    • Ozonotherapy: inserting a special gas mixture into the joint capsule;
  • Physical education of physiotherapy;
  • Mechanicotherapy: Exercise therapy using simulators;
  • Joint traffic to reduce load;
  • massage

Surgical treatment

Most often, the help of a surgeon is required in the severe stages of the disease.Depending on the localization of the pathological process and the degree of lesion, it can be described:

  • Puncture: a puncture puncture with the removal of a portion of the fluid and, according to indications, the administration of medicines;
  • Corrective osteotomy: removing a part of the bone, followed by fixing from a different angle to remove the load from the joint;
  • Endoprostetics: replacement of damaged prosthesis fusion;Used in extremely neglected cases.

Arthritis in children

Arthrosis is considered a disease of the elderly, but can also be found in children.The most common cause of pathology is:

  • Congenital connective tissue pathology;
  • serious injuries;
  • inheritance;
  • metabolic disorders and work of internal secretion glands;
  • orthopedic disorders (flat feet, scoliosis, etc.);
  • Overweight.

Children's arthritis is rarely associated with pronounced symptoms: the pain is hurting, and there is virtually no stiffness and limitation of function.Monothestic changes are detected in an X -Ray, MRI and ultrasound.In the treatment process, the same products are used as in adults.Maximum attention is paid to exercise therapy and physiotherapy, as at a young age they are particularly effective.Without treatment, the disease sooner or later passes through the advanced phase with a complete loss of mobility.

Diet

Diet is one of the most important factors in the treatment of arthrosis.In the presence of excess weight, it is necessary to reduce it to reduce the load on the joints.In this case, a balanced diet with calorie deficiency is described.Regardless of the body mass index, doctors recommend to completely abandon:

  • rapid carbohydrates (sugar, cakes, flour);
  • alcohol;
  • spices;
  • legumes;
  • strong tea and coffee;
  • Excessively greasy and sharp dishes.

Canned and Offal are not excluded, but significantly limited, as well as salt.Ideal food for osteoarthritis includes:

  • low meat varieties;
  • fish and seafood;
  • eggs;
  • Dairy products;
  • Lin and olive vegetable oils;
  • vegetables and fruits, a large amount of greens;
  • Moderate cereals, pasta from strong pasta;
  • Products with a high collagen content (jelly, spill, jelly).

PREVENTION

Arthrosis is easier to warn than to be treated.To maintain common health for many years, recommended:

  • Run an active lifestyle;
  • regularly exercise and visit the pool;
  • Eat properly, use enough omega-3 and collagen;
  • prevent the overcoming of BMI;
  • Wear comfortable shoes.

If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, it is recommended to regularly suffer bath treatment, as well as exclude professional risk factors: long -term standing, severity of lifting, tremor.

Consequences and complications

Arthrosis progresses very slowly.When you perform a doctor's prescription, its current slows down significantly, which allows you to maintain joint mobility much longer.Irreversible consequences take place without treatment:

  • Common deformation pronounced;
  • decreased mobility to its full loss (ankylosis);
  • shortening of limbs (with knee damage or femur joint);
  • Bone deformity, curvature of the limbs and fingers.

Predict

The prognosis for arthrosis depends on the form of the disease, its degree and the quality of treatment.Pathology is one of the frequent causes of disability, and in advanced cases, the ability to move and self -service.In severe forms of damage to the knee and hip joints, the patient receives the first or second group of disability (depending on the stage and volume of damage).