What is arthrosis: its types, symptoms and treatment methods

Arthrosis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, expressed in damage to cartilage tissue and joints.About a third of older people are diagnosed with this condition.Therefore, it is worth knowing which specialist you should contact and how to treat this disease.

Types of arthrosis

The parameter by which arthrosis is divided into types is the location.Based on this, experts have compiled the following classification of the disease:

• Spondyloarthrosis.Spinal osteoarthritis affects one or more vertebrae of the spine.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is excessive stress on a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as are other postural disorders.
• Uncovertebral arthrosis.Cervical arthrosis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, so it is most often diagnosed in the elderly.

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder arthrosis is quite common among the population, especially in men.Two-thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis experience deformity of the shoulder joints.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Arthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of arthrosis.The disease is also called Heberden's nodes.More common in menopausal women.
• Coxarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the hip joints usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.However, if there is joint dysplasia (congenital disorders of the bone structure), then the disease can be found even in young people.
• Gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joints is one of the most common types.People over 45 are more susceptible to it.The disease is more common in women than in men.
• Ankle arthrosis.Foot injuries, subluxations, foot bruises and similar problems are the forerunners of this group of diseases.It occurs in all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary polyosteoarthrosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by general weakening of the ligaments and muscle dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause against the background of general arthrosis of the extremities.

Mechanism of arthrosis development

In its normal state, cartilage has a smooth surface and is also quite flexible.Thanks to this, the articular surfaces can move in relation to each other without difficulty.In other words, healthy cartilage provides the necessary level of shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles and ligaments.

As a result of arthrosis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes increasingly rough and friction occurs when the joints move.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage, eventually entering the joint cavity and fluid.

Next, the cartilage becomes more and more rigid, until it ossifies.Cysts form in the central and deep areas, coming into direct contact with the nodes.

This ensures continuous damage to the joint capsule and synovium, causing their thickening.Over time, the structure of the bones themselves is also damaged - they are deformed and special protrusions appear at the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the appearance of fibrous lesions.The likelihood of damage to the ligamento-muscular system (sprain, rupture, rupture) increases.With significant cartilage destruction, movements are significantly limited, and the formation of ankylosis is a common occurrence.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of arthrosis are diverse and multifaceted.However, there are groups of factors that increase the chances of developing the disease:

• age over 60 years;
• obesity and heavy body weight, which creates increased stress on the joints;
• non-compliance with safety precautions and work regulations;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body;
• poisoning with some toxic substances;
• bad environmental conditions in the place of residence and work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

Primary arthrosis

Primary arthrosis is a consequence that appears as a result of the interruption of regenerative processes, increased degeneration of the cartilage tissue of the joint without accompanying abnormalities in the functioning of the organism as a whole.

As a rule, primary arthrosis occurs as a result of hereditary factors:

• Cartilage tissue composition.A genetic disorder in the composition of the tissue that makes up the cartilage, which accelerates the destruction, is a direct prerequisite for arthrosis.The sooner the cartilage is affected, the higher the chance of disease.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it leads to traumatization of a specific area of joint cartilage tissue, which, in turn, eventually leads to disease.
• Inheritance.Osteoarthritis has a high chance of being inherited.If at least one of the parents has this disease, then it is worth paying extra attention to the joints of the child.

Secondary arthrosis

As already mentioned, secondary arthrosis does not occur by itself;always preceded by several factors:

• Mechanical injuries of the joint.Trauma, intra-articular bone fracture, continuous overload and many other factors have an extremely high chance of causing a subsequent disease.An aggravating factor is inadequate or absent treatment.
• Surgical intervention.It is not so much the surgery itself, but the medical error that can cause damage to the joint or cartilage.
• Joint disease.Arthrosis often appears as a result of an inflammatory process: arthritis, synovitis.Additionally, read how arthrosis differs from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system that disrupt the blood supply to the joint can lead to arthrosis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, obliterative endarteritis, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also a prerequisite for the disease.

Secondary arthrosis appears as a result of pathological processes or as a result of partial destruction of the articular surface due to damage from external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary arthrosis is expressed in the dynamics and prerequisites of the disease: with the primary type, the disease appears slowly and naturally, while for the secondary type, a development driver is necessary.

Symptoms

Arthrosis is accompanied by characteristic and distinct symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is a hallmark of the disease.For arthrosis, pain appears when moving or when there is a strong load on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but tolerable.However, over time, the symptoms become more intense and eventually the pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Chewing.Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by a tingling sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom appears as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and the subsequent friction of the bones.If a person's joints are cracking, this is still not a reason to panic.With arthrosis, the crunch is quite specific - rough and dry.Therefore, you should not make an appointment with a specialist, barely cracking your joints.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Rigidity of movements.As osteoarthritis develops, it increasingly limits movement due to ossification and destruction of cartilage.
• Change in joint appearance.One of the accompanying symptoms is the deformation of the inflamed joint.A person with osteoarthritis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that have been sharp all their life have become more rounded.
• Soft tissue inflammation.However, arthrosis can cause not only joint deformation, but also soft tissue inflammation, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid around the cartilage (effusion).

Stages of arthrosis

The process of developing arthrosis includes three stages:

• First-stage arthrosis is characterized by minor pain during movement and light loads on the affected joint.However, already from the first stage, a change in the structure and composition of the cartilage tissue begins.
• Starting from the second stage, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.Manifestations of pain become more and more visible, a strong and distinct crack appears.
• The most severe stage of arthrosis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the nodes also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: the pain disturbs the joints even at rest, the person can no longer make the usual movements, and visually the joints become less and less attractive.

The third stage of arthrosis leads to complete destruction of the joint, accompanied by neoarthrosis (unnatural partial mobility) or even complete loss of mobility.As a rule, at the end of the third stage of arthrosis, specialists decide on radical intervention - endoprosthetics of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Premature, incorrect (or missing) treatment of arthrosis can lead to many unpleasant consequences.This is not only the complete destruction of the affected joint, but also a change in the biomechanics of the spine, which can lead to the appearance of hernias in the intervertebral discs and the spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of the disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformity;
• common destruction;
• violation of the biomechanics of the spine and other joints;
• herniated intervertebral discs;
• inability to move;
• reduction of the patient's standard of living;
• the patient becomes incapacitated.

Specialist and diagnostician

If you discover natural symptoms of arthrosis, the first specialist a person should visit is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will collect the anamnesis, perform a general examination and refer the patient for examination, including:

• X-rays (usually in two projections), necessary to detect specific signs of arthrosis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to study the bone structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), necessary to determine the condition of soft tissues.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedist can either prescribe treatment himself, or, if aggravating circumstances are detected, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Treatment of arthrosis rarely involves only one method of therapy.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a series of measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases where surgical intervention is indicated are not rare.

General recommendations

The treatment of arthrosis, in addition to specific measures, includes some basic recommendations:

• reduce the load on the injured joint to the minimum possible;
• strict adherence to the regimen established by the orthopedist;
• a rational and properly formulated diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

dope

Medicines for arthrosis are indicated quite often.As a rule, these are the following types of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory medications.At the initial stage of treatment, the first tasks to be solved are the elimination of pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Hormonal corticosteroids.Hormonal corticosteroids are indicated in the worsening phase of arthrosis.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes there are patches, oils and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main purpose of the drug group is to restore the cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of the synovial fluid.The patient must take the drug for a long time, as the recovery process takes a long time.In advanced cases of arthrosis, medicines may not give the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases of the disease, analgesics, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

Therapeutic exercises

Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients with arthrosis, especially in combination with drug treatment.Orthopedics selects a group of exercises that must be performed in accordance with the following principles:

• No rush.The load and volume of training should be increased gradually;there is no need to rush, no matter how much you want to accelerate the onset of a positive result.
• No pain.Physical therapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise can bring discomfort, a feeling of tension and fatigue, but in no case pain.If the pain is still present, it means that the exercises were done incorrectly.
• No overvoltage.Exercises should be intense, but not force the patient to overexert.It is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation.
• There is no breakage.Only regular exercise can really benefit the joints and help overcome the disease.Classes held once a month according to your mood will not bring any effect.
• No deterioration.Exercises should be performed only during remission periods of arthrosis.
• No release.Both problem and healthy nodes should be equally charged.

Physiotherapy

The early stage of arthrosis is usually treated with drugs.However, in combination with medications, physiotherapy procedures are often prescribed to increase the effect of the drugs.In addition, with this prescription, the dosage and side effects of the drugs can be reduced.

For arthrosis, the following procedures are indicated:

• Electrophoresis.An absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed drug to act locally and in high concentrations, minimizing any side effects.It allows you to quickly relieve pain, inflammation, improves joint nutrition and promotes a number of other beneficial effects of medications.
• Exposure to ultrasound.It causes a list of beneficial effects (warming, micromassage, improves capillary blood circulation and tissue metabolism).In other words, the physiotherapy procedure is aimed at improving the condition of the joint and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to magnetic field.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in the damaged joint and improves metabolic processes in it.An orthopedist can prescribe general and (or) local magnetic therapy depending on the type of arthrosis and the general health of the patient.
• Exposure to radiation.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications for other physiotherapeutic methods, but also, in addition to others, as a means of accelerating healing.

Massage

Massage is an effective way to treat arthrosis due to the improvement of peripheral blood circulation in the joints.The better the blood circulation, the better the nutrition of the joint and cartilage.

For arthrosis, the following massage techniques are often prescribed:

• Japanese.During the Japanese technique, point loading is practiced on certain areas of the joint - hard and painful.Loads must be strictly dosed, so you should contact a massage therapist specializing in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish.The technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are performed with the thumbs, which also has a targeted but gentle effect.
• Swedish.The Swedish technique involves tapping and rubbing movements, as well as direct agitation of the injured joint.

The purpose of massage achieves the following goals:

• stretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the injured joint;
• muscles free from venous blood;
• remove deposits from the joint;
• stimulation of lymph flow and blood flow;
• relieving tension;
• improve joint motor function.

Food

In case of arthrosis, the main dish that should be in the diet is meat with jelly - its consumption leads to the introduction of gelatin into the body, which is so necessary for the normal functioning of cartilage.However, other animal foods containing cartilage are also recommended for consumption.

In addition, there is a list of dietary rules that should be followed by patients with arthrosis:

• do not eat too much at night, as this can lead not only to weight gain, but also to an attack of the disease;
• try to eat partially - proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• if you have a large body weight, reduce the weight so as not to add stress to an already injured joint;
• The daily diet should be balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.

Spa treatment

Depending on the stage of arthrosis, the patient may be indicated for sanatorium-resort procedures using special mud:

• Local mud applications.It involves applying hot healing mud (about 40 degrees) to the affected joints for 15-20 minutes.The course is carried out every other day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.General application of hot mud on the human body.About 10 procedures are required, which are performed every other day.
• Mud bath with mineral water.Immersion of a person in a specific bath consisting of healing mud mixed with mineral water at elevated temperatures (36-37 degrees).The course is developed in analogy with the applications.
• Compresses.Mud compresses with different compositions are applied to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long period of time (from half an hour).Courses range from 10 to 20 procedures.

You don't have to make a spa treatment decision on your own.Before visiting the institution, be sure to consult your treatment specialist.

In addition, other procedures are indicated:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• pulling underwater limbs with hanging weights;
• vibrating massage;
• reflexology;
• medicinal baths.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to improve joint mobility, as well as to remove part of the damaged cartilage or meniscus.

Surgery for arthrosis is the last resort, which should be used only if conservative treatment methods have not brought a positive result and the patient suffers from pain, partial or complete immobility of the joint.

During the operation, a fragment of cartilage affected by arthrosis is removed, polished to give a smooth surface, cartilage growths are removed and part of the damaged ligaments is cut.

The most common operation is:

• hip joint - partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue of the femur bone and pelvis;
• knee joint – replacement of the articular surface of the joint with metal or combined prostheses.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are not able to defeat arthrosis by themselves, but they can be an excellent helper.The main thing is to consult your orthopedist before use.

The most effective in folk medicine in fighting the disease are ointments, compresses and baths.

ointment

For them to have an effect, ointments must be applied with massaging movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example, overnight.

Ointment no.1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 spoon.turpentine;
• 1 spoon.apple cider vinegar.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Method of application.The injured joint should be lubricated at night, wrapped well.Use three times a week.

Ointment no.2:

• 100 g of honey;
• 3 g of zombies.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Method of application.Apply daily at night for a week.

compress

For arthrosis, they should be warm and moist.The compress applied to the joint is covered with a film and a warm cloth.

Compress no.1:

• water;
• 1 spoon.vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The collected leaves should be held briefly over a pan of hot water to steam.

Method of application.The diseased joint is lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped in leaves, wrapped in cling film and a warm scarf.You should keep it for a few hours.

Compress no.2:

• 2 egg shells;
• 1 tablespoon.l.fat kefir.

The powdered husks are mixed with kefir until a thick paste is formed.

Method of application.The product is spread over the injured joint, covered with a linen cloth and adhesive film, after which the joint needs warmth (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition should be washed off.

bathrooms

If a large joint suffers from arthrosis, heating is indicated, and a bath is an excellent remedy for this.

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• some pine branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers;
• 2 tablespoons.l.honey;
• 1 spoon.turpentine.

All the ingredients are mixed in a hot water bath.This shower lasts up to half an hour.

You should not take healing baths every day - the interval between procedures should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tablespoons.l.nettle;
• 3 tablespoons.l.St. John's wort;
• 2 tablespoons.l.calendula;
• 3 tablespoons.l.oregano;
• 1 tablespoon.l.hemlock;
• 1 tablespoon.l.burdock root;
• 500 g of clay.

Pour boiling water over the mixed herbs and let it steep for an hour.Over time, clay is added, the solution is well mixed and poured into a hot bath.Lying in the bath costs about 20 minutes.

Preventive measures

Regardless of the many reasons that cause the disease, there are also effective measures designed to protect a person from the appearance of arthrosis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with the right technique, will not only help in the fight against excess weight, but will also increase the microcirculation of blood around the articular cartilage, enriching the cartilage with the nutrients necessary for normal functioning.
• Warm.Joint hypothermia should be avoided.
• Nutrition.A proper and balanced diet that contains the daily requirements of nutrients as well as vitamins and trace elements will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal weight throughout life reduces the possibility of osteoarthritis to a minimum.

Arthritis is a disease that can be contracted by many people: from athletes (among whom this is the most common disease) to lovers of an absolutely unhealthy lifestyle.But taking preventive measures, timely contacting an orthopedist and following all instructions allows, if not to completely eliminate the possibility of getting sick, then at least to reduce the damage to a minimum.