Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that manifests itself in adulthood.A characteristic sign of the disease is the destruction of cartilage and changes in bone structure.Most often, people over forty are susceptible to various types of osteoarthritis, but today it is increasingly found among the younger generation.
Causes of disease
Age-related changes are the main cause of osteoarthritis.Over time, bones and ligaments weaken, fewer vitamins and microelements are supplied, all this negatively affects the entire body.According to doctors, every year the symptoms of osteoarthritis appear earlier and earlier, which is associated with a bad environment, an unbalanced diet and bad habits.Other factors, conditionally divided into two groups (primary and secondary), also contribute to osteoarthritis.Among them are:
- Excess weight causes stress on the joints, which contributes to osteoarthritis and its rapid development.
- Difficult working conditions that put pressure on joints.Miners, metalworkers, masons and others are in danger.
- Disruption of the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Repetitive joint injuries.
- Hereditary predisposition.
Common causes of the secondary type include injuries, autoimmune diseases, blood incoagulability, inflammatory processes inside the joints, hormonal disorders, impaired blood supply, hypothermia and others.Osteoarthritis is promoted by constant stress on the hands, playing professional sports, arthritis and congenital disorders of the structure of the joints.
Symptoms of the disease
The development of osteoarthritis occurs gradually.At first, there are no signs indicating its presence in the body.Cracking of the joints becomes the first symptom for which it is worth paying attention to damage.The pain syndrome is absent or manifests itself in a weak form without a clear localization.Gradually, stiffness in the joints appears, the nature of the pain becomes sharper and more intense.Most often, symptoms of the disease appear after a long period of rest or intense physical work.
Osteoarthritis is indicated by morning stiffness, but after light training it disappears.Little by little, the picture is completed by nighttime pains and the reaction of the joints “to bad weather”.A cracking sound is constantly heard, movements are constrained and painful.Patients often complain of uncomfortable sensations in the back and spine;it is difficult for them to find a comfortable position during sleep, because movements are accompanied by spasms and pain.Acute attacks are replaced by periods of relief, and then symptoms return.
Types and degrees of disease
Doctors distinguish four degrees of osteoarthritis.First degree danger is the absence or slight sensation of pain.Even with a medical examination, it is not always possible to diagnose the disease.Palpation of the area gives a good result;in this case, an experienced attending physician will detect slight changes in the area of the damaged joint.This stage is characterized by a satisfactory condition of the patient;all pain symptoms are attributed to weather conditions or fatigue.
The second degree manifests itself by visible symptoms.The pain syndrome worsens, but remains tolerable.At this stage, the destruction of the joint and the appearance of osteophytes begins.Cracking and general discomfort are now the patient's constant companions.At this stage, it is important to recognize and start treating osteoarthritis in time with special medications.
With third-degree osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes noticeably thinner, large foci of destruction appear, and tissue nutrition is disrupted.Multiple osteophytes are visible to the naked eye and significant deformation is noted.
Fourth degree osteoarthritis is characterized by severe changes and deformities.There is no common space.
Diagnostic measures and treatment
Treatment of osteoarthritis is impossible without diagnosis.A rheumatologist is involved in this.
The first step is to collect information from the patient.The specialist inquires about the time of appearance of the first symptoms, the nature and location of the pain, and determines the associated factors.The following diagnostic steps before treating osteoarthritis include:
- Radiography is the main diagnostic method.
- Puncture of the joints to determine the degree of change.
- Biopsy - determines the condition of the joints at the time of examination.
A blood test and a number of additional tests are also necessary.
The necessary treatment regimen for osteoarthritis is selected based on the information received and the results of laboratory tests.Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to overcome osteoarthritis in its final stages.But regular drug treatment and prevention will help the patient improve their quality of life.
In other cases, treatment of osteoarthritis consists of a set of measures and depends on the degree of development of the disease.Possible treatments:
- Analgesics and injections and anti-inflammatory and restorative drugs.
- Sanatorium-resort procedures.
- Massages and physiotherapy.
- Electrophoresis, etc.
Along with the basic treatment of osteoarthritis, it is recommended to adjust your diet, lose weight and reduce physical activity.
In some cases, folk remedies are used to treat osteoarthritis, but only as prescribed by a specialist.At home, during treatment, you can use ointments, gels, herbs prescribed by your doctor.In severe cases, surgical methods are used to treat osteoarthritis.Depending on the stage of the disease, damaged areas are replaced with analogues.This helps restore mobility and relieve pain.
Preventive measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat.Compliance with simple rules and regular examination will help reduce the risk of developing various types of osteoarthritis.
It is recommended to avoid excessive exercise, but do not forget about preventive sports.It is better to choose gentle sports as your sport.Walking, swimming and light jogging are ideal.It is worth giving up bad habits and leading a healthy lifestyle.If you are overweight, adjust your diet and introduce foods rich in vitamins and minerals into your diet.If you have problems with the endocrine system, do not neglect treatment, but consult an endocrinologist.