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 joints of the big toe, hip and knee are most commonly affected.
Symptoms of the disease
- The first clinical symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint during excessive exercise. Painful sensations may occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pain bothers a person even at rest and causes insomnia.
- Crunching of the joints. Due to the destruction of the cartilage layer, there is friction of the bones and when moving in the joint, clicks and crunch are heard. As the disease progresses, cartilage increases.
- Reduced mobility. If the joint is damaged, movements in it are limited, with severe osteoarthritis, the patient has stiffness of the limbs in the morning.
- Deformation of the joints. In the absence of adequate and timely treatment, the joint is deformed, its appearance changes.
- With exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the patient has a decrease in the sensitivity of the toes and tingling in the fingertips.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the growth of the cartilage layer between the joint and the bone. The contributing factors are:
- Intense physical activity;
- Joint microtrauma;
- Frequent fractures
- Wearing tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
Diagnosis
The main method of diagnosing osteoarthritis is a carefully collected history of the patient (occupational history).
The diagnosis is made on the basis of examination of the patient and additional examinations, including X-ray of the joints, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography.
- Ultrasound. This method of research is reliable and harmless. As ultrasound diagnosis 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 in the joint menisci, thickening of the joint membranes, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to accurately choose a method of treating 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 performed more often to determine the cause of osteoarthritis.
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 the affected joints;
- Degenerative changes in the hip joint;
- Changing the shape of the joints.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment is prescribed to the patient depending on the degree of joint damage. Osteoarthritis therapy begins with pain relief.
Along with analgesics, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to medical treatment, the patient undergoes a course of physiotherapy.
Massage of the affected limbs after weakening the acute form of the inflammatory process can reduce pain, normalize joint mobility and relieve muscle spasm.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve muscle stiffness, warm them and strengthen the general condition of the patient. Exercise helps maintain proper posture and even gait.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated in the 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 joints. Endoprostheses are made of a material that is not rejected by the human body. 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 that causes pain.
Risk group
The risk group includes people:
- Overweight;
- Varicose veins;
- Athletes;
- Pianists;
- Programmers.
Prevention
The prevention of osteoarthritis is as follows:
- Good nutrition;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limiting the load on the joints with hereditary predisposition;
- Body weight control;
- Wearing shoes that fit.
Diet and lifestyle
In 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 baked goods, 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.