arthrosisis a dystrophic disease of the joints, which results in the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, arthrosis appears as a primary disease.It can also appear as a result of trauma - secondary, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Arthrosis of the joints of the lower extremities and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal) is most often detected.Among the joints of the upper extremities, 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 visible.
The causes of arthrosis include:
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the joints;
- Hereditary predisposition to cartilage tissue diseases;
- old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Node operations.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to arthrosis.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Even if seemingly insignificant symptoms bother you, don't ignore them.
- Pain that subsides with rest (appears with loads on the joint and climbing stairs);
- Limited mobility and stiffness in the joints;
- Muscle tension in the joint area;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied by pain, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Contact your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Please note that without treatment, a joint sensitive to arthrosis can not only collapse on its own, but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.Because of this, herniation of intervertebral discs or arthrosis of other joints occurs.
Diagnosing
The diagnosis of arthrosis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (with arthrosis, ESR increases significantly);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis includes:
- Taking sedatives (analgesics);
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The stage of cartilage tissue restoration is taking medications containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you need to take medications according to an individually chosen regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetic therapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the remission period;
- Courses of intra-articular injections.
Prevention of arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the occurrence of arthrosis of the joints, you should: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high heels, do not sit with your legs crossed, get rid of excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.