Arthrosisis a dystrophic disease of the joints, which leads to the destruction of the intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, arthrosis manifests itself as the main disease.It can also appear as a result of trauma - secondary, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
More often, arthrosis of the joints of the lower limbs and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is detected.Among the joints of the upper limbs, arthrosis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from arthrosis more often than men, but after 65 years this difference is hardly noticeable.
The causes of osteoarthritis include:
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary predisposition to cartilage tissue diseases;
- old age;
- overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Joint operations.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Even if seemingly minor symptoms bother you, don't ignore them.
- Pain that subsides at rest (appears when loading the joint and walking up stairs);
- Limited mobility and crunch 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 exacerbation 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.
Please note that without treatment, a joint susceptible to arthrosis can not only collapse, but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.Because of this, herniation of the intervertebral discs or arthrosis of other joints occurs.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of arthrosis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (with arthrosis, ESR sharply increases);
- 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 recovery is the taking of drugs containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you need to take drugs according to an individually selected scheme for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetotherapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the period of remission;
- Courses of intra-articular injections.
Prevention of arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than to treat.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.