Osteoarthritis of the Joints - When to Sound the Alarm?

Arthrosis occurs very often and ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most common diseases after cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects people of both sexes equally.About 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The probability of developing arthrosis increases with age.

Arthrosis is considered a chronic joint pathology in which destructive processes gradually occur in the cartilage and joint capsule.If arthrosis treatment is neglected, deformation and destruction of bones is possible.

When the metabolic processes in its joint are disturbed, the cartilage loses its elasticity, and as a result, arthrosis develops.There are various reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: overload, injury, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, old age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joints and some diseases.

There are two types of joint arthrosis: primary or secondary.With primary arthrosis, the regeneration processes in the cartilage tissue are disrupted without identifying any other abnormalities in the body.Secondary arthrosis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.

The progressive destruction of cartilage tissue causes pain and limited mobility of the diseased joint.In the absence of appropriate treatment, over time, arthrosis of the joints can lead to immobility of the joint.

Causes of arthrosis

When the metabolic processes of the joint are disrupted or insufficient amounts of lubricant are produced, poor sliding occurs in the affected joint.With petrified sliding and increased and excessive load, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.

Arthrosis of the joints, hereditary diseases, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.

Joints are also affected by incorrect posture or surgery, which can damage the structure of the joint.

Calcium and trace elements, vitamin deficiency, a sufficient amount of metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes lead to a violation of the restorative process in the joint and further destruction.

Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disorders that occur in a woman's body during menopause contribute to joint tissue changes and destruction.

The causes of arthrosis are as follows:

  • violation of blood supply to tissues;
  • A decrease in collagen synthesis (with a lack of liver function);
  • various inflammatory processes;
  • lack of nutrition in tissues;
  • hypothermia;
  • deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.

Symptoms of joint arthrosis

Pain in the hand due to arthrosis of the joint

Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, the changes and degree of the process, the symptoms of the disease may differ:

  • Joint pain;
  • Stiffness in the morning (or after rest);
  • performance decreased;
  • confusion;
  • Hoarseness when walking;
  • Limited movement;
  • joint immobility;
  • deformation of the diseased joint;
  • inflammation of the affected joint;
  • increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
  • atrophy of the periosticular muscles.

Treatment of arthrosis

Treatment of arthrosis consists of several stages:

  • pain relief,
  • Decreased inflammation,
  • Strengthening of regenerative processes in cartilage tissues.

Any load on the affected joint, long walking or standing or heavy lifting is contraindicated.

Treatment of arthrosis is a set of measures aimed at improving collagen production, restoring metabolic processes, eliminating inflammation, activating blood circulation and nutrition in tissues.

It is used during the treatment of arthrosis, drugs, physiotherapeutic procedures and a balanced diet.The use of chondroprotectors is recommended to restore damaged cartilage and improve the composition of fine-research oil.

Treatment is determined individually, depending on the diagnosis, after conducting some studies to assess the condition of the periosteal tissues and structures, as well as to determine the degree of destruction of the cartilage tissue.

To improve blood circulation in joint tissues and their condition, acupressure and acupuncture are recommended.

Also, you can do moxibustion (stabilization) with pain reliever.This procedure uses moxa (wormwood or charcoal cigars) to heat biologically active points in the body.Moxotherapy ensures blood flow and good tissue warming, improves metabolic processes.

Properly balanced nutrition and physical therapy are of great importance to improve the condition.

Aggravation of arthrosis

Consultation with a specialist for arthrosis

Without treatment for arthrosis, the disease develops and does not turn into inflammation and deformation of bone or cartilage tissue over time.Deformation of the diseased joint contributes to a decrease in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankylosis).

Complications of joint arthrosis:

  • stiffness of movements;
  • joint deformation or destruction.

As a result of aggravation of arthrosis, the patient's risk of disability and deterioration in quality of life increases.

Diet food for arthrosis

Since excess weight contributes to the development of joint arthrosis, it should be reduced.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude flour products and sweets from the diet;Also, you should not drink alcohol and oily fish.

It is recommended to consume bones and cartilage, strength to mobility, mobility to tissues and elasticity, jellied meat - it is recommended to consume micronutrients and collagen storage.

To improve metabolism, it is recommended to include in the menu foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid.It is very useful for arthrosis, mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver.

The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:

  • fractional meals;
  • exclusion of heavy food (especially at night);
  • daily walks in the fresh air;
  • constant weight control.