Osteoarthritis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, as a result of which the bone tissue is deformed. The joints of the toes, hips and knees are most affected.
Symptoms of the disease
- The first clinical symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint during excessive physical exertion. Painful sensations may occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pains disturb a person at rest and cause insomnia.
- Broken joints. Due to the destruction of the cartilage layer, the bones are rubbed and clicks and squeaks are heard as they move in the joint. As the disease progresses, the crisis intensifies.
- Reduction of mobility. If the joint is damaged, the movements inside are limited, and the patient with severe osteoarthritis has stiff limbs in the morning.
- Joint deformation. In the absence of adequate and timely treatment, the joint is deformed, the appearance changes.
- With the exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the patient develops sensitivity of the toes and numbness of the toes.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the growth of cartilage between the joint and bone. Contributing factors are:
- Strong physical activity;
- Joint microtrauma;
- Frequent fractures
- Wear tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital tendency.
Diagnostics
The main method for diagnosing osteoarthritis is a carefully collected patient history (occupational history).
Diagnosis is based on additional examinations, including examination of the patient and radiography of the joints, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography.
- Ultrasound. This research method is reliable and harmless. Since ultrasound diagnosis is a non-invasive method, there are no contraindications to this study. With the help of ultrasound it is possible to diagnose the thinning of cartilage tissue, degenerative changes in the joint meniscus, thickening of the membranes of the joint, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This work allows you to choose exactly one method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
- MRI and computed tomography. Computed tomography and MRI can assess the condition of the joint: the thickness of the cartilage, the presence of erosion or cysts in the bone tissue, the amount of intra-articular fluid.
- Arthroscopy. This work is done more often to determine the cause of the development of osteoarthritis.
Complications
In the absence of timely medical care, osteoarthritis progresses and threatens with the following complications.
- Inflammation of the tissues around the joint;
- Restriction of mobility of affected joints;
- Degenerative changes in the hip joint;
- Changing the shape of the joints.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment is prescribed to the patient depending on the degree of joint damage. Therapy for osteoarthritis begins with pain relief.
In parallel with analgesics, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to medication, the patient undergoes a course of physiotherapy.
After the acute form of the inflammatory process is reduced, massage of the affected limbs can reduce pain, normalize joint mobility and relieve muscle spasms.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve muscle stiffness, warm up and strengthen the patient's general condition. Exercise helps maintain proper posture and even gait.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated during a period of stable remission. Mud baths, applications and other procedures help to restore motor function of the joints and relieve pain.
If conservative treatment does not give the expected effect, the patient is prescribed surgical joint replacement. Endoprostheses are made of a material that is not rejected by the human body. They allow you to fully restore the physiological functions of the affected joint.
Unique treatments: radiofrequency ablation and violation of the integrity of the method by disrupting the integrity of the nerve that causes the pain.
Risk group
The risk group includes:
- Overweight;
- Varicose veins;
- Athletes;
- Pianists;
- Programmers.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of osteoarthritis is as follows:
- Good nutrition;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limiting the load on the joints with a permanent inclination;
- Body weight control;
- Wear appropriate shoes.
Diet and lifestyle
It is necessary to adjust the diet with a hereditary predisposition to the development of osteoarthritis, as well as during the exacerbation of the disease. It is recommended to include seafood (sardines, salmon, tuna), fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals in the diet. Limit baked goods, fatty meats, chocolate and alcohol.
It is recommended to spend more time in the fresh air and not to expose the joints to increased physical activity.