What is osteoarthritis: its types, symptoms and treatment methods.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, expressed in damage to cartilage tissue and joints.About a third of older people suffer from this condition.Therefore, it is important to know which specialist to go to and how to treat this disease.

Types of osteoarthritis

The parameter by which osteoarthritis is divided into types is location.Based on this, experts have developed the following classification of the disease:

• Spondylarthrosis.Spinal osteoarthritis affects one or more vertebrae in the spine.The cause of spondylarthrosis is too much stress on a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as are other postural disorders.
• Uncovertebral osteoarthritis.Cervical osteoarthritis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, which is why it is most often diagnosed in elderly people.

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder osteoarthritis is quite common among the population, especially in men.Two-thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis experience deformities in the arm joints.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of osteoarthritis.The disease is also called Heberden's nodes.More common in women during menopause.
• Coxarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the hip joints usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.However, if joint dysplasia (congenital bone structure disorders) is present, the disease can also be found in young people.
• gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joints is one of the most common types.People over 45 years of age are the most susceptible to it.The disease is more common among women than men.
• Ankle osteoarthritis.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises and similar problems are harbingers of this group of diseases.It occurs among all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary poliosteoarthritis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by general weakening of the ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause against the background of general osteoarthritis of the extremities.

The mechanism of development of osteoarthritis.

In its normal state, cartilage has a smooth surface and is also quite flexible.Thanks to this, the articular surfaces can move relative to each other without difficulty.In other words, healthy cartilage provides the necessary level of shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles and ligaments.

As a result of osteoarthritis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes increasingly rougher and friction occurs when the joints move.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage and eventually enter the joint cavity and fluid.

In addition, the cartilage becomes increasingly rigid, until it ossifies.Cysts form in the central and deep areas, coming into direct contact with the joints.

This ensures constant injury to the capsule and synovial membrane of the joint, causing its thickening.Over time, the structure of the bones is also damaged: they become deformed and peculiar protuberances appear on the edges.

The increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the appearance of fibrous lesions.Increases the likelihood of damage to the ligamentous-muscular system (sprains, tears, ruptures).With significant cartilage destruction, movements are drastically limited and the formation of ankylosis is common.

Causes and risk factors.

The causes of osteoarthritis are varied and multifaceted.However, there are groups of factors that increase the chances of developing the disease:

• age over 60 years;
• obesity and high body weight, which places greater stress on the joints;
• failure to comply with safety precautions and work standards;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• poisoning with certain toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions at the place of residence and work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

primary osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis is a consequence that arises as a result of a disruption of regenerative processes, further degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the joint without accompanying abnormalities in the functioning of the body as a whole.

As a rule, primary osteoarthritis arises as a result of hereditary factors:

• Composition of cartilaginous tissue.A genetic disorder in the composition of the tissue that forms cartilage, which accelerates destruction, is a direct prerequisite for osteoarthritis.The faster the cartilage is affected, the greater the chance of the disease occurring.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it leads to traumatization of a specific area of joint cartilage tissue, which, in turn, ultimately leads to disease.
• Inheritance.Osteoarthritis has a high probability of being hereditary.If at least one of the parents has this disease, then it is worth paying increased attention to the child's joints.

secondary osteoarthritis

As already mentioned, secondary osteoarthritis does not occur on its own;It is always preceded by some factor:

• Mechanical damage to the joint.Trauma, intra-articular bone fractures, constant excessive loading and many other factors have an extremely high probability of provoking subsequent disease.An aggravating factor is insufficient or absent treatment.
• Surgical intervention.It is not so much the operation itself, but the medical error that can cause damage to the joint or cartilage.
• Joint disease.Osteoarthritis often arises as a result of an inflammatory process: arthritis, synovitis.Also, read how osteoarthritis is different from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system that disrupt the blood supply to the joint can lead to osteoarthritis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, endarteritis obliterans, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also a prerequisite for the disease.

Secondary osteoarthritis arises as a result of pathological processes or as a consequence of partial destruction of the articular surface due to damage from external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary osteoarthritis is expressed in the dynamics and preconditions of the disease: in the primary type, the disease occurs slowly and naturally, while in the secondary type a trigger is necessary for development.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is the hallmark of the disease.In osteoarthritis, pain occurs when moving or when there is a strong load on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but tolerable.However, over time, the symptoms become more intense and eventually the pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Crunch.Osteoarthritis is usually accompanied by a crunching sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom arises as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and the subsequent friction of the bones.If a person's joints creak, this is still not a reason for panic.In osteoarthritis, the creaking is quite specific: rough and dry.Therefore, it is not advisable to go to a specialist, just making the joints creak.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Stiffness of movements.As osteoarthritis develops, it increasingly limits movement due to ossification and destruction of cartilage.
• Change in appearance of the joint.One of the accompanying symptoms is the deformation of the inflamed joint.A person with osteoarthritis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that have been sharp all their life have become more rounded.
• Soft tissue inflammation.However, osteoarthritis can cause not only deformation of the joints, but also inflammation of soft tissues, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid around the cartilage (effusion).

Stages of osteoarthritis

The development process of osteoarthritis includes three stages:

• Osteoarthritis of the first stage is characterized by mild pain during movement and light loads on the affected joint.However, already from the first stage a change in the structure and composition of the cartilage tissue begins.
• From the second stage onwards, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.Manifestations of pain become more and more noticeable, a loud and distinctive crunch appears.
• The most severe stage of osteoarthritis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the joints also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: the pain bothers the joints even at rest, the person can no longer perform the usual movements, and visually the joints become less and less attractive.

The third stage of osteoarthritis leads to complete destruction of the joint, accompanied by neoarthrosis (unnatural partial mobility) or even complete loss of mobility.As a rule, at the end of the third stage of osteoarthritis, specialists decide on a radical intervention - endoprosthesis of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences.

Untimely, incorrect (or absent) treatment of osteoarthritis can have many unpleasant consequences.This is not only the complete destruction of the affected joint, but also a change in the biomechanics of the spine, which can lead to the appearance of herniations of the intervertebral discs and the spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of the disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformity;
• joint destruction;
• violation of the biomechanics of the spine and other joints;
• herniated intervertebral discs;
• inability to perform movements;
• decrease in the patient's standard of living;
• the patient becomes disabled.

Specialist and diagnosis.

If you discover symptoms inherent to osteoarthritis, the first specialist a person should visit is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will collect a history, conduct a general examination and refer the patient for examination, which includes:

• X-ray (usually in two projections), necessary to detect specific signs of osteoarthritis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to study the bone structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), necessary to determine the condition of the soft tissues.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedist can prescribe treatment himself or, if aggravating circumstances are detected, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Osteoarthritis treatment rarely includes only one method of therapy.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a wide range of measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases in which surgical intervention is indicated are also not uncommon.

General recommendations

The treatment of osteoarthritis, in addition to specific measures, includes several fundamental recommendations:

• reduce the load on the sore joint to the minimum possible;
• literal adherence to the regimen established by the orthopedist;
• a rational and properly formulated diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Drugs

Medications for osteoarthritis are indicated quite frequently.As a rule, these are the following types of medications:

• Anti-inflammatory medications.At the initial stage of treatment, the first tasks that need to be solved are the elimination of pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which involve intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Hormonal corticosteroids.Hormonal corticosteroids are indicated in the exacerbation stage of osteoarthritis.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes there are patches, ointments and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main goal of the group of drugs is to restore cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of the synovial fluid.The patient needs to take the medicine for a long time, since the recovery process takes a long time.In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, medications may not have the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases of the disease, pain relievers, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

therapeutic exercise

Physiotherapy is often prescribed for patients with osteoarthritis, especially in combination with drug treatment.The orthopedist selects a set of exercises that must be performed according to the following principles:

• No rush.Training load and volume should be increased gradually;There is no need to rush, no matter how much you would like to speed up the appearance of a positive result.
• Painless.Physiotherapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise may cause discomfort, a feeling of tension and fatigue, but in no case pain.If the pain is still present, it means that the exercises are being performed incorrectly.
• No surge.The exercises should be intense, but without forcing the patient to exert themselves too much.It is worth remembering that everything is fine in moderation.
• No breaks.Only regular exercise can truly benefit the joints and help overcome the disease.Classes held once a month depending on your mood will not produce any effect.
• No exacerbations.Exercises should be performed only during periods of osteoarthritis remission.
• Without concessions.Both problem and healthy joints should be loaded equally.

Physiotherapy

The initial stage of osteoarthritis is usually treated with medications.However, in combination with medications, physiotherapy procedures are often prescribed to increase the effect of medications.In addition, with this prescription the dose and side effects of the drugs can be reduced.

For osteoarthritis, the following procedures are indicated:

• Electrophoresis.An absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed drug to act locally and in high concentrations, minimizing side effects.It allows you to quickly relieve pain, inflammation, improves joint nutrition and promotes other beneficial effects of medications.
• Ultrasound exposure.It causes a series of beneficial effects (warming, micromassage, improves capillary blood flow and metabolism in tissues).In other words, the physiotherapy procedure aims to improve the condition of the joint and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to the magnetic field.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in the damaged joint and improves metabolic processes in it.An orthopedist may prescribe general and (or) local magnetic therapy depending on the type of osteoarthritis and the patient's general health.
• Radiation exposure.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications to other physiotherapy methods, but also in addition to others, as a means of accelerating recovery.

massage

Massage is an effective way to treat osteoarthritis due to improved peripheral blood circulation in the joint.The better the blood circulation, the better the nutrition of the joint and cartilage with nutrients.

For osteoarthritis, the following massage techniques are often prescribed:

• Japanese.During the Japanese technique, point loading is practiced in certain areas of the joint, in a hard and painful way.The loads must be strictly dosed, so it is necessary to contact a masseuse specializing in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish.The technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are performed with the thumbs, which also has a specific but gentle effect.
• Swedish.The Swedish technique involves stroking and rubbing movements, as well as direct kneading of the sore joint.

The purpose of the massage achieves the following objectives:

• stretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the sore joint;
• muscles free of venous blood;
• remove deposits from the joint;
• stimulate lymph outflow and blood flow;
• relieve tension;
• improve the motor function of the joint.

meal

In case of osteoarthritis, the star dish that should be in the diet is jellied meat: its consumption leads to the intake of gelatin in the body, which is so necessary for the normal functioning of cartilage.However, the consumption of other animal dishes that contain cartilage is also recommended.

Additionally, there is a list of dietary rules that patients with osteoarthritis must follow:

• do not eat a lot at night, as this can provoke not only weight gain, but also an attack of the disease;
• try to eat fractionally: proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• If you have a heavy body weight, reduce the weight so as not to add stress to an already painful joint;
• The daily diet should be balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.

spa treatment

Depending on the stage of osteoarthritis, the patient may be indicated for sanatorium-resort procedures using special mud:

• Local sludge applications.It consists of applying hot healing mud (about 40 degrees) to the affected joints for 15 to 20 minutes.The course takes place every other day and consists of 10 to 15 procedures.
• General sludge applications.General application of hot mud to the human body.About 10 procedures are required, which are performed every two days.
• Mud baths with mineral water.Immersion of a person in a specific bath consisting of healing mud mixed with mineral water at elevated temperatures (36-37 degrees).The course is carried out by analogy with applications.
• Compresses.Mud compresses of various compositions are applied to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long period of time (starting from half an hour).Courses vary from 10 to 20 procedures.

You should not make a decision about spa treatment on your own.Before visiting the establishment, be sure to consult with your treating specialist.

In addition, other procedures are also shown:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• underwater limb traction with hanging weights;
• vibration massage;
• reflexology;
• medicinal baths.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to improve joint mobility, as well as to remove some of the damaged cartilage or meniscus.

Surgery for osteoarthritis is a last resort, which should be resorted to only if conservative treatment methods have not given a positive result and the patient suffers from pain or partial or total immobility of the joint.

During the operation, a fragment of cartilage affected by osteoarthritis is removed, polished to give it a smooth surface, cartilage growths are removed, and part of the damaged ligaments is cut.

The most common surgery is:

• hip joint: partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue of the femur and pelvic bone;
• knee joint - replacement of the articular surface of the joint with metal or combined prostheses.

Folk remedies

Home remedies alone cannot combat osteoarthritis, but they can be an excellent adjuvant.The main thing is to consult with your orthopedist before use.

The most effective in folk medicine to combat the disease are ointments, compresses and baths.

Ointments

To have an effect, ointments must be applied with massaging movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example, overnight.

Ointment No. 1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 teaspoon turpentine;
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Application method.The sore joint should be lubricated at night and wrapped well.Use it three times a week.

Ointment No. 2:

• 100 g of honey;
• 3g mummy.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Application method.Apply daily at night for a week.

Compresses

In case of osteoarthritis, they should be warm and moist.The compress applied to the joint is covered with a film and a warm cloth.

Compress No. 1:

• water;
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The stacked leaves should be held briefly over a saucepan of hot water to steam.

Application method.The diseased joint is lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped in leaves, wrapped in cling film and a warm scarf.You must keep it for several hours.

Compress No. 2:

• 2 egg shells;
• 1 tablespoon l.fatty kefir.

The powdered peels are mixed with kefir until a thick paste is formed.

Application method.The product is distributed over the sore joint, covered with a linen cloth and cling film, after which the joint needs to be warmed (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

Bathrooms

If a large joint suffers from osteoarthritis, warming is indicated and a bath is an excellent remedy for this.

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• several pine branches;
• 3 Jerusalem artichoke tubers, chopped;
• 2 tablespoons l.Honey;
• 1 teaspoon turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a hot water bath.This bath lasts up to half an hour.

You should not take healing baths every day;the interval between procedures should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tablespoons l.nettle;
• 3 tablespoons l.St. John's wort;
• 2 tablespoons l.calendula;
• 3 tablespoons l.oregano;
• 1 tablespoon l.hemlock;
• 1 tablespoon l.burdock root;
• 500 grams of clay.

Pour boiling water over the herb mixture and let it sit for an hour.After some time, clay is added, the solution is mixed well and poured into a hot bath.It takes about 20 minutes to lie in the bathroom.

Preventive measures

Despite the many reasons that cause the disease, there are also effective measures designed to protect a person from the onset of osteoarthritis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with proper technique, will not only help in the fight against excess weight, but will also increase blood microcirculation around the articular cartilage, enriching it with the nutrients necessary for its normal functioning.
• Warm.Hypothermia of the joints should be avoided.
• Nutrition.An adequate and balanced diet that contains the daily needs of nutrients, as well as vitamins and microelements, will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal weight throughout life minimizes the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that many people can get: from athletes (among whom this is the most common ailment) to lovers of an absolutely unhealthy lifestyle.But taking preventive measures, timely contacting an orthopedist and following all instructions allows, if not to completely eliminate the possibility of getting sick, then at least reduce the damage to a minimum.