Osteoarthritis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, as a result of which bone tissue is deformed. The joints of the big toe, hip and knee joints are most often 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 pain bothers a person even at rest and causes insomnia.
- Pulling joints. Due to the destruction of the cartilage layer, friction of the bones occurs, and when you move to the joints, clicks and chews are heard. As the disease progresses, the crisis increases.
- Reduced mobility. If the joint is damaged, movements in it are restricted, with severe osteoarthritis, the patient has stiffness of the limbs in the morning.
- Joint deformity. In the absence of adequate and timely treatment, the joint is deformed, its appearance changes.
- With a worsening of the inflammatory process, the patient has a decrease in the sensitivity of the fingers and numbness of the fingertips.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the increase of the cartilage layer between the joints and the bones. Contributing factors are:
- Intense physical activity;
- Joint microtrauma;
- Frequent fractures
- Wearing tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
Diagnosing
The main method for diagnosing osteoarthritis is a carefully collected patient history (professional history).
Diagnosis is made on the basis of patient examination and additional studies, including joint X-rays, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, and computed tomography.
- Ultrasound. This method of research is reliable and harmless. Since ultrasound diagnosis refers to non-invasive methods, this study has no contraindications. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose cartilage tissue thinning, degenerative changes in the articular menisci, thickening of the joint membranes, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to accurately choose a method for treating osteoarthritis.
- MRI and computed tomography. With the help of computed tomography and MRI, it is possible to assess the condition of the joint: the thickness of the cartilage, the presence of erosions or cysts in the bone tissue, to determine the amount of fluid within the article.
- Arthroscopy. This study is most often performed to determine the cause of the development of osteoarthritis.
Complications
In the absence of timely medical care, osteoarthritis progresses and threatens with complications such as:
- 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. Osteoarthritis therapy begins with pain relief.
In parallel with analgesics, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to drug treatment, the patient undergoes a course of physiotherapy.
Massage of the affected limbs after the acute form of the inflammatory process has calmed down can reduce pain, normalize joint movement and relieve muscle spasm.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve muscle stiffness, warm them up, and strengthen the patient's overall condition. Exercise helps to maintain correct posture and an even gait.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated in the period of permanent remission. Mud baths, applications and other procedures help restore motor function of the joints and relieve pain.
If conservative methods of treatment do not bring the expected effect, then the patient is prescribed joint surgical replacement. Endoprostheses are made from a material that is not rejected by the human body. They allow you to completely restore the physiological functions of the affected node.
Unique treatments: removal of radiofrequency and disruption of the integrity of the method by disrupting the integrity of the nerve causing pain.
Risk group
The risk group includes people:
- Mbipesha;
- Varicose veins;
- Athletes;
- Pianists;
- Programmers.
Prophylaxis
Osteoarthritis prevention is as follows:
- Good food;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limit load on joints with an inherited predisposition;
- Body weight control;
- Wearing shoes that fit.
Diet and lifestyle
With an inherited predisposition to the development of osteoarthritis, as well as during an exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to adjust the diet. It is recommended to include in the diet seafood (sardines, salmon, tuna), fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals. 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.