Osteoarthritis is quite common and takes third place 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.As you get older, the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases.
Osteoarthritis is considered a chronic joint disease in which destructive processes gradually occur in the cartilage and joint capsule.If osteoarthritis treatment is neglected, deformation and destruction of the bone itself is possible.
If the metabolic processes in the joint are disturbed, the cartilage loses its elasticity and osteoarthritis ultimately develops.There are various reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: overload, injuries, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood flow to the joint and some diseases.
There are two types of joint osteoarthritis: primary and secondary.With primary arthrosis, the restoration processes in cartilage tissue are disrupted without detecting other abnormalities in the body.Secondary osteoarthritis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.
The progressive destruction of the cartilage tissue leads to pain and limited mobility of the diseased joint.If there is no adequate treatment, osteoarthritis of the joints can occur over time, leading to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis
If metabolic processes in a joint are disturbed or not enough lubricant is produced, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.When sliding ability is impaired and increased and excessive stress occurs, an irreversible destruction process occurs in the joint.
Osteoarthritis of the joints is caused by hereditary diseases, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of osteoarthritis due to overloading of the joints and thus their injuries.
Poor posture or a surgical procedure also have a negative impact on the joints, which can damage the structure of the joint.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and microelements, vitamin deficiency and metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to disruption of the regeneration process in the joint and its further destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disruptions that occur in a woman's body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissue and their destruction.
The causes of osteoarthritis are also:
- Disruption of blood supply to tissues;
- decreased collagen synthesis (with inadequate liver function);
- various inflammatory processes;
- Lack of nutrients in tissues;
- hypothermia;
- Deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.
Symptoms of joint osteoarthritis
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, the changes and the extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may be different:
- joint pain;
- stiffness in the morning (or after rest);
- reduced performance;
- lameness;
- crunching noise when walking;
- limited movement;
- joint immobility;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- Inflammation of the affected joint;
- increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- Atrophy of the periarticular muscles.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
The treatment of osteoarthritis consists of several phases:
- pain reduction,
- reducing inflammation,
- Strengthening the regeneration processes in cartilage tissue.
Any strain on the affected joint, walking or standing for long periods of time, and heavy lifting are contraindicated.
Treatment of arthrosis consists of a set of measures that help improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, eliminate inflammation, activate blood circulation and nutrition in tissues.
The treatment of osteoarthritis involves medication, physiotherapeutic procedures and a balanced diet.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 some studies to assess the condition of the periarticular tissues and structures and determine the degree of destruction of cartilage tissue.
To improve blood circulation in the joint tissues and their condition, acupressure and acupuncture are recommended.
You can also perform moxibustion (cautery) to relieve pain.In this procedure, biologically active points of the body are heated with moxas (wormwood or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood circulation and good tissue warming, improves metabolic processes.
A balanced diet and physiotherapy are of great importance in improving the condition.
Complications of osteoarthritis
Without treatment of 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 leads to a deterioration in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankelosis).
Complications of joint arthrosis:
- stiffness of movements;
- Joint deformation or destruction.
As a result of osteoarthritis complications, the patient's risk of disability and a deterioration in his or her quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition for osteoarthritis
Since excess weight contributes to the development of joint osteoarthritis, it is necessary to reduce it.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude flour products and sweets from the diet;You should also not drink alcohol and fatty fish.
To restore the strength of bones and cartilage, mobility of joints and elasticity of tissues, it is recommended to consume jellied meat - a store of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid in the diet.Mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver are very useful for osteoarthritis.
The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:
- partial meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- constant weight control.