Osteoarthritis is a rather frequent pathology and ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most common diseases, after cancer and cardiovascular diseases.The disease affects people of both sexes equally.Approximately 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
Osteoarthritis is considered a chronic joint pathology, in which destructive processes gradually occur in the cartilage and joint capsule.If the treatment of arthrosis is neglected, deformation and destruction of the bone itself is possible.
When metabolic processes in the joint are disrupted, the cartilage loses its elasticity and osteoarthritis eventually develops.There are several reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: excessive load, injuries, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, old age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joint and some diseases.
There are two types of joint arthrosis: primary or secondary.With primary arthrosis, without identifying other abnormalities in the body, the processes of restoring cartilage tissue are interrupted.Secondary arthrosis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies of the body.
The progressive destruction of cartilaginous tissue leads to pain and limited mobility of the diseased joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time arthrosis of the joints can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis
If metabolic processes in a joint are disrupted or if lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, poor sliding occurs in the affected joint.With impaired sliding and increased, excessive loads, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.
Arthrosis of the joints is promoted by hereditary disorders, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of arthrosis due to overloading of the joints and, consequently, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by poor posture or surgery, which can damage the structure of the joint.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and microelements, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to disruption of the regenerative process in the joint and its further destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disorders that occur in a woman's body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissue and their destruction.
The causes of osteoarthritis are also:
- interruption of blood supply to tissues;
- decreased collagen synthesis (with insufficient liver function);
- various inflammatory processes;
- nutritional deficiency in tissues;
- hypothermia;
- deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.
Symptoms of joint arthrosis
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, changes and the extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may differ:
- joint pain;
- stiffness in the morning (or after rest);
- decreased performance;
- lameness;
- creaking noise when walking;
- limited movement;
- joint immobility;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- greater sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- atrophy of the periarticular muscles.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Treatment of arthrosis consists of several stages:
- pain reduction,
- reduction of inflammation,
- strengthening of regenerative processes in cartilaginous tissues.
Any load on the affected joint, long walking or standing or lifting heavy loads are contraindicated.
Treatment of arthrosis is a set of measures that help improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, eliminate inflammation, activate blood circulation and nutrition in the tissues.
During the treatment of arthrosis, medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and a balanced diet are used.To restore damaged cartilage and improve the composition of intra-articular lubrication, the use of chondroprotectors is recommended.
Treatment is prescribed individually, depending on the diagnosis, after conducting certain studies to evaluate the condition of the periarticular tissues and structures, as well as to determine the degree of destruction of the cartilage tissue.
To improve blood circulation in the joint tissues and their condition, acupressure and acupuncture are recommended.
You can also perform moxibustion (cauterization) with pain relief.This procedure involves heating biologically active points on the body using moxa (absinthe or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood circulation and good tissue warming, improves metabolic processes.
Proper balanced nutrition and physical therapy are of great importance to improve the condition.
Complications of osteoarthritis
Without treatment for arthrosis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, inflammation and deformation of bone or cartilage tissue.Deformation of the diseased joint contributes to a decrease in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankelosis).
Complications of joint arthritis:
- stiffness of movements;
- joint deformation or destruction.
Due to the complications of osteoarthritis, the risk of patient disability and worsening of quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition for osteoarthritis
Since excess weight contributes to the development of joint arthrosis, it is necessary to reduce it.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude flour and sweet products from the diet;also you should not drink alcohol and fatty fish.
To restore the strength of bones and cartilage, the mobility of joints and the elasticity of tissues, it is recommended to consume jellied meat, a storehouse of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid in the menu.For arthrosis, mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver are very useful.
The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:
- split meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the open air;
- constant weight control.