Arthrosisis a dystrophic disease of the joints, resulting in the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, arthrosis occurs as the main disease.It can also appear as a result of trauma - secondary, occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Arthrosis of the lower extremities and pelvic joints (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is detected more often.Among the joints of the upper limbs, arthrosis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from arthrosis more often than men, but after 65 years, this difference is almost not noticeable.
Causes of arthrosis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of joint blood supply;
- Hereditary tendency to cartilage tissue diseases;
- Old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Operations on joints.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can cause arthrosis.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Even if the seemingly minor symptoms bother you, don't ignore them.
- Pain that decreases with rest (manifests itself with loads on the joint and climbing stairs);
- Limited mobility and creaking in the joint;
- Muscle tension in the joint area;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbation and is accompanied by pain, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Contact your doctor!He will diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.
Keep in mind that without treatment, a joint susceptible to arthrosis can not only collapse itself, but also cause changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.For this reason, intervertebral disc tears or arthrosis of other joints occur.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (with arthrosis, ESR increases sharply);
- synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis includes the following:
- taking painkillers (analgesics);
- taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The stage of cartilage tissue regeneration is taking drugs with chondroprotectors.To get results, you need to take medicine according to an individually selected regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetic therapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during remission;
- Intra-articular injection courses.
Prevention of arthrosis
Preventing arthritis is easier than treating it.To prevent the appearance of arthrosis of the joints, you need to: reduce the static load on the joints, refuse high-heeled shoes, sit with your legs crossed, get rid of excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.