Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease in which dystrophic degenerative changes occur in the joints.Osteoarthritis can disrupt the function of the joint and, in the last stages, the complete destruction of the joints and the loss of motor functions can occur.
Osteoarthritis in women
The predisposition to osteoarthritis is genetically transmitted.The innate characteristics or defects of the structure of the connective tissue and joints (dysplasia) can affect the development of the disease, in particular in combination with acquired factors.Among these, there may be injuries, obesity and other diseases.
At the age of 45, osteoarthritis was diagnosed in 2 to 3% of women, but this percentage increased by more than 10 times in the age of 45 to 60.After reaching 65 years, symptoms of osteoarthritis are in 70% of women.Men suffer from this disease a little less often.
Osteoarthritis in pregnant women
Osteoarthritis in pregnant women can considerably complicate a child.And not only because because of the inevitable increase in body weight, the load on the joints increases considerably.During pregnancy, it is necessary to considerably exclude or reduce the use of certain drugs used to treat osteoarthritis.
Consequently, pregnancy in a woman suffering from articulation osteoarthritis is carried out in the narrow interaction of a gynecologist, orthopedics and a rheumatologist.Doctors resolve jointly problems with osteoarthritis treatment plan, taking medication, prescribing a special diet.Perhaps a pregnant woman will have to wear special orthopedic devices designed to facilitate the course of osteoarthritis and not interfere with the fetal bearing.
Osteoarthritis in menopause women
Women whose body is included in the menopause period falls into danger of joints due to changes in the hormonal context.The health of bones, joints and ligaments depends on the level of estrogen.A decrease in the level of female hormones, associated with the start of menopause, can not only lead to osteoporosis, but also the start of degenerative changes in joints and the development of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis in men
Often, articulation osteoarthritis develops in adulthood in men who abuse certain types of physical exercises.Above all, this happens after a long break in sport.To return the previous physical form, a man can try to engage in the previous intensity.But an excessive load leads to osteoarthritis faster than the relief muscles appear.
Osteoarthritis in children
At an early age, articulation osteoarthritis is rare, but, however, such a diagnosis in children is also found.
Osteoarthritis in young children
The probability of osteoarthritis at an early age increases if the child has congenital disorders of the structure of the bone system.It may be dysplasia of the hip joint or defects of the structure of the joints of the spine, elbow or knee.A change in the geometry of the articulation causes overload, acting negatively on the components of the joint.At the same time, the muscles are not yet sufficiently developed to compensate for the defects of the structure.
Osteoarthritis in adolescents
In adolescence, osteoarthritis can be associated with injuries received during sports or outdoor matches.Another reason is not a balanced diet, hormonal restructuring of puberty, rapid growth of bones with the offset of increasing the mass and strength of the muscles.
Osteoarthritis of the lower limbs
Most often, the large joints of the lower limbs suffer from osteoarthritis.But there are also damage to the smallest joints: for example, osteoarthritis of the finger joints on the foot.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (Gonarthrosis)
Knee osteoarthritis is often found in men who have done sports with heavy loads.A wise squats, with or without weighting, can quickly carry the cartilage layer and cause osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The first alarming signs of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are characteristics and clicks in the joint during the move.The pain comes later, because of which the patient does not notice the degenerative changes in progress for a long time.
With a timely treatment, osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be defeated, or at least suspend the development of the disease.
Arthritis of the ankle joint (Cruzartrose)
The ankle joint is very mobile and fulfills important functions during walking, racing and jumping.Arthrosis of the ankle articulation is able to lead a person to a handicap in a few years, if the treatment has not started in a timely manner.
But the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint remains problematic, because there are no nerve endings in the cartilage itself, and for a long time, the pain is not felt.The pathological changes are developing, almost in no case be felt.In the early stages of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, as a rule, is detected by accident.
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint (Coxarthrosis)
Coksartrose, or osteoarthritis of the hip joint, belongs to the most common and serious lesions of the lower limbs of the lower limbs.As a rule, pain is absent for a long time.The pain already appears when the joint is considerably destroyed.It is very dangerous, because it is the hip joint that carries the main load associated with body mass.
Foot arthritis
Although osteoarthritis often affects large joints, smaller joints can also suffer.The reason for the development of the arthritis of the foot joints can be injuries, congenital disorders in the structure of the limbs, flat feet, uncomfortable shoes, a work in which a person spends a lot of time on their feet.Often, the development of osteoarthritis of the foot can cause vascular diseases, due to which the blood supply of the limb is disturbed, as well as endocrine and metabolic diseases.
A protruding bone at the base of the thumb appears very often precisely due to the arthritis of the finger joints.After the deformation of the first joint, the propagation of the process to other fingers can follow.
Osteoarthritis of the upper limbs
Although the upper limbs represent a load below the decline, the arthritis of the hand joints causes many problems to the patient.
Articulation of the brush joints
Statistics say: this type of osteoarthritis is found in women much more often than in men.And it manifests itself, as a rule, after the start of menopause, although the first symptoms of osteoarthritis can appear earlier.
It is precisely the osteoarthritis of the finger joints that distinguishes the hands, making the joints with mound, swollen curves and the fingers.
The joint deformation is very poorly affected by fine motor skills.It becomes difficult not only to hold small objects in your hands, to put a wire in a needle, to knit and write.During periods of exacerbations, the painful fingers are not able to hold the spoon, and the cup of tea must be raised with two hands, then it can slide.
Articulation of the elbow joint
This type of joint osteoarthritis is relatively rare.As a rule, the cause of the development of the disease lies in injuries, inflammatory diseases, hard work, excessive enthusiasm for certain sports.
Although the elbow joint generally does not have significant loads, the changes caused by osteoarthritis can interfere thoroughly with normal lifespan.Mobility violation can even deprive a person of the capacity to carry out the usual action in life, including meeting their own needs.
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
The osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is not too common.If at the beginning of the development of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, the pain appears relatively rarely, while the joint destroys the situation, the situation worsens.
The hand becomes painful to lift and turn, the pain intensifies when it is strongly lifted and the weather changes.The pain in walking does not allow you to sleep: the patient cannot find the position of the body in which the shoulder would not hurt.
Osteoarthritis of temporomandibular joint
If the arthritis of the hand joints can interfere with the patient to transmit a spoon with food to the mouth, then the osteoarthritis of the temporo-mandibular joint (MSD) prevents the mouth.But it is at the last stage of the disease, when the jaw joint underwent significant destruction and bone growth deprive it of mobility.
The cause of the disease is a bite violation, congenital or acquired due to destruction or loss of teeth.The development of osteoarthritis can cause an injury and inflammatory processes in the joint.
Osteoarthritis of the spine joints (spondylarthrosis)
The arthritis of the neck joints develops due to a violation of the bone structure and cartilage;Due to a long stay in poor position of the body during operation.The reason may be injuries, inflammation, hard work, a violation of blood supply to the spine and many other factors.
The arthritis of the joints of the spine is dangerous insofar as the deformation of the joints can cause a compression of the nerve fibers, the blood vessels, which, in turn, can cause various pathological symptoms.These are frequent headaches, migraine (that is to say the syndrome of the vertebral artery or "cervical migraine" if called), hypertension, weakness and rapid fatigue, etc.Compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers can occur with 2nd degree spondylar osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the legs
Pain, as a rule, is absent in the early stages of the disease.But you can see that by moving, the seal can click, crack and sometimes very strong.
If osteoarthritis is not treated, movement without cane or crutch can become problematic.And in the most serious cases, the patient completely loses the ability to move independently.Gonarthrosis, osteoarthritis of the hip and ankle joints are particularly difficult.
Joint osteoarthritis symptoms
The arthritis of the joints of the hand manifests in the deformation of the fingers: they can bend, the joints swell, the thickening and the mounds appear on them.During exacerbation, the painful joints become warm and painful.Fingers' osteoarthritis prevents exact movements, the fingers obey badly.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are expressed, among other things, in the limitation of mobility.If a healthy shoulder joint has the ability to make a variety of movements with a large amplitude, then with the osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, it can become impossible even the hand.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the jaw charter are not too different from the others.These are crackling during movement, limiting the mobility of the joint.In addition, in the absence of treatment, the patient can usually lose the ability to open their mouths and even speak clearly.As the disease develops, the pain appears, increasing from the load and in cold and cold weather.
Symptoms of spondylrosis
At first, spondyl osteoarthritis manifests itself only by some discomfort at the back.Unpleasant sensations make the patient more often than usual, change the position of the body.As the disease develops, pain appears.At the beginning, it is not strong, but very stubborn and intrusive, then it can become constant and exhausting.
Osteoarthritis
Primary and secondary osteoarthritis
Primary, or idiopathic, is called osteoarthritis, the causes of development that cannot be detected.This applies to the hereditary forms of osteoarthritis, including.
Secondary osteoarthritis develops following various pathological processes in the body which can cause changes in the joints.It may be injuries, a bad lifestyle, hard work or illness.In particular, osteoarthritis can develop after joint inflammation suffers, as well as because of vascular system diseases, endocrine disorders and autoimmune diseases.Osteoarthritis can lead to diabetes mellitus, drop, erasure endarterite, etc.
Localized and generalized osteoarthritis
Localized osteoarthritis is characterized by the propagation of the process by 1-2 joints.Localized osteoarthritis includes osteoarthritis of hip joint, gonarthrosis, cruarthrosis, osteoarthritis of temporomandibular joint, etc.
The causes of osteoarthritis
The causes of primary osteoarthritis
Primary osteoarthritis can develop for obscure reasons, which are not always possible to detect.Famous risk factors include congenital and genetically transmitted characteristics of the body.
Construct anomalies
The structure of the skeleton, bones and ligaments plays an important role in the development of osteoarthritis.This may be due both to violations of the bone, cartilage and connective tissue structure, and poor bone and joint formation.
Hereditary predisposition
Genetic disorders can cause disorders in the synthesis processes of substances that are cartilage, connective tissue or joint fluid.
The causes of secondary osteoarthritis
Wounds
Due to fractures, cracks and incorrect fusion, the natural form of the joint may change, its blood intake can be disrupted.This is why the reason for the development of osteoarthritis of large and small joints in 20 to 30% of cases is injuries.
Excessive load
With too much physical activity of the surface of the joint joints during displacement, the microtrauma is obtained, which over time leads to a change in quality of the cartilage and its destruction.
Obesity
Excess weight considerably increases the load on the joints of the spine and the lower limbs.It is this factor that accelerates and weighs the course of coxarthrosis, osteoarthritis of the ankle and knee of the legs.
Joint joints
Inflammatory processes in the joints are called arthritis and often precede the development of osteoarthritis.Joint inflammation occurs with rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, with drop and psoriasis.
Endocrine diseases
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important factors in the development of osteoarthritis.But other endocrine diseases and conditions may have a negative effect.In particular, hormonal changes associated with menopause considerably increases the risk of osteoarthritis in mature women.
Metabolic processes violations
Metabolism diseases also contribute to arthritis disease of joints.It is gout, osteoporosis and others.The wrongly metabolic processes play a negative role in the absorption of calcium, the synthesis of proteins and other elements necessary to preserve the normal structure of bones, cartilage, ligaments, etc.
Blood supply disorders
Atherosclerosis, varicose veins and other blood vessels lead to a violation of blood supply and nutrients of bones and joints.Due to the lack of nutrition, their strength is reduced and the risk of osteoarthritis appears.
Hypodynamics
The lack of movement is harmful for the entire organism and for the musculoskeletal system as well.The absence of physical activity negatively affects blood supply to individual organs and systems, and also often leads to obesity and congestive phenomena.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be similar to other diseases that require a different treatment methodology.The correct diagnosis is very important for the appropriate start to the treatment of osteoarthritis and the choice of optimal methodology.
The suspicion of osteoarthritis occurs during the initial examination on the basis of a set of patient complaints.But that is not enough to establish a precise diagnosis.
One of the most visual methods remains an examination of X -rays: the changes that occur in the joint are clearly visible on radiography.The degree of visible changes in the image allows you to determine the degree of development of the disease.
In addition to radiography, thermographic examination, ultrasound, calculated and magnetic imagery are used.
Other studies are carried out for differential diagnoses.In particular, rheumatoid samples, a detailed blood test, determining the level of uric acid, etc.
Osteoarthritis
How to treat osteoarthritis?
The main thing that the patient suffering from osteoarthritis must be recalled: the treatment must be carried out under the supervision of specialists.With domestic methods, osteoarthritis cannot be healed.In addition: if the disease has already developed up to 2-3 steps, it will not work to completely restore the affected joint.
Osteoarthritis treatment: drug
The treatment of arthritis of the joints must be complete.The basis of drug therapy is chondroprotectors - drugs that help maintain their elasticity and strength that improve the structure of the cartilage fabric.
Chondroprotectors are available in different forms:
- in capsules and tablets;
- In solutions for intramuscular and intra-articular injection.
Chondroprotectors are particularly effective with a degree of early osteoarthritis, but their use is also recommended in the treatment of advanced stages of the disease.
To relieve pain, various anesthetics and analgesic are prescribed in the form of creams, gels for local use or in the form of injections.
To relieve inflammation in the affected joint, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on sodium diclofenac, speech therapy and Mendol are used.
Muscle cramps are back under the influence of miorelaxing drugs.
In addition, drugs are prescribed which contribute to improving blood microcirculation.As auxiliary substances, the use of vitamins is possible.
Osteoarthritis treatment with surgical methods
In late stages of osteoarthritis, when the joint is already significantly destroyed and not approved to medical treatment, surgical operations on the joint can be carried out.
Types of surgical treatment of osteoarthritis:
- Artroplasty, in which mobility can be returned to the affected articulation;
- Arthrodesis aimed at ensuring the immobility of the articulation;
- Joint resection, that is to say the complete or partial elimination of the affected elements of the joint;
- The prostheses, in which the damaged and destroyed parts are replaced by artificial elements.
Massage, physiotherapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Physiotherapeutic treatment plays a very important role in the fight against the symptoms of osteoarthritis.The patient is prescribed by massage, laser and magnetic therapy, acupuncture and other types of treatment.
Treatment courses should be repeated regularly.
Treatment of osteoarthritis under the sanatorium
Many sanatoriums specialize in the treatment of osteoarthritis, in particular those located near the deposits of therapeutic mud and specialize in mud.
Osteoarthritis patients are indicated by therapeutic baths and heating, but all of this must be done under strict medical control.Mudlit has restrictions and contraindications.
Degree of osteoarthritis
1st degree osteoarthritis
The first degrees of osteoarthritis are manifested by insignificant symptoms which cannot be easily noticed:
- A certain rigidity of the movements, especially after being in relative immobility;
- Pain at the start of the movement, disappearing after a few minutes;
- Light, crunchy hook, click in the joint when making movements;
- Pain after and during physical effort, after rest, passes.
On radiography, minor changes in the structure of the joint may be visible, including the appearance of small bone growths along the edges of the joint joint and a slightly expressed narrowing of the gap of the joint.
2nd degree osteoarthritis
With 2 degrees of osteoarthritis, all symptoms appear more strongly:
- more notable restriction of joint mobility;
- With any movement, a crack and a crunch in an endolori articulation are heard;
- Pain for 2nd degree osteoarthritis becomes more often and clearer;
- The "start -up" pains do not disappear any longer after the start of the movement;
- On the X -ray, the deformation of the joint and the growth of osteophytes are clearly visible;
- 2nd degree osteoarthritis causes a significant narrowing of the joint difference, it may even be noticeable to shorten the painful limb.
With 2 degrees of osteoarthritis development, performance is reduced and certain types of activity become impossible.
3 degree osteoarthritis
3 degree of osteoarthritis is characterized by serious damage to joint:
- The growth of bone tissue and the accumulation of liquid in the joint bag lead to an increase in the joint;
- The movements are considerably limited, sometimes the patient is capable of doing nothing but swinging with the affected limb;
- The sensitivity to the changes in the weather is increasing;
- Strong pain practically does not leave the patient in motion or at rest;
- The muscles around the painful articulation are constantly spasmodic, due to the power disorders that they begin to gradually atrophy;
- The joint space is practically not visible on radiography, the deformation of the surfaces of the joint elements is very strongly expressed;The articulation is surrounded by the growth of the bone tissue, the destruction of intra-articular structures and the sclerotic changes in the surrounding tissues is perceptible.
4th degree osteoarthritis
Despite the generally accepted classification of the development of osteoarthritis, made up of 3 degrees, sometimes the most serious, 4 degrees stands out.The distorting osteoarthritis of the joint at this stage of the disease takes the most serious form: the joint is completely destroyed and loses its functions.At the same time, the patient experiences pain as intense as even minor movements become impossible.The pain does not stop even with powerful drugs.
On the X -ray, the fusion of the affected bones of the joints, the sclerotic changes expressed by the joint can be observed.
At this stage, distorting osteoarthritis can only be stopped by a surgical operation for prosthesis the destroyed joint.
Osteoarthritis prevention
The health of the joints must be taken from youth.The prevention of osteoarthritis is attentive to your health and in a timely manner of a doctor when the first symptoms of osteoarthritis appear, even slightly expressed.
Prevention measures include maintaining body weight at an optimal level.
Do not get excessively in traumatic sports, train with excessive diligence and irrational charges.It is also dangerous to take big breaks in sports, after which the previous charge can be destructive for the joints and cause osteoarthritis.
It is advisable to provide appropriate and rational nutrition, excluding alcohol, fat, spicy and canned food.It is absolutely necessary to quit smoking to maintain the health of blood vessels.
For women, it is always relevant to avoid high themed shoes.And during the menopause period, it is necessary to compensate with competence the question of replacement hormone therapy so as not to expose the body to hormonal stress which can cause the development of osteoarthritis.
Since injuries become a common cause of osteoarthritis development, it must be avoided as much as possible damage to bones, joints and other injuries.
Osteoarthritis exercises
Therapeutic gymnastics for osteoarthritis is very important, as well as sufficient physical activity for the prevention of the disease.
Special exercises for osteoarthritis are selected by the doctor, but there are general recommendations.
- Osteoarthritis exercises should not cause pain.
- The load intensity should not be important, not all overloads are harmful.
- The movements are carried out at a slow or medium rate, with a moderate amplitude.
- The swimming is very useful and aqua-aquarobia in a hot swimming pool.
- Osteoarthritis exercises should be performed daily, for a long time.Preferably always.