Osteoarthritis occurs quite frequently and ranks third in the ranking of the most common diseases, after cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects people of both sexes equally.Approximately 20% of the entire adult population suffers from this pathology.The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
Osteoarthritis is considered a chronic joint pathology, in which destructive processes gradually occur in the cartilage and joint capsule.If the treatment of osteoarthritis is neglected, deformation and destruction of the bone itself is possible.
When metabolic processes in the joint are disturbed, the cartilage loses its elasticity and osteoarthritis eventually develops.There are several reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: excessive load, injuries, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, old age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joint and some diseases.
There are two types of joint osteoarthritis: primary or secondary.With primary osteoarthritis, without identifying other abnormalities in the body, restoration processes in cartilage tissue are disrupted.Secondary osteoarthritis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a consequence of other pathologies of the body.
The progressive destruction of cartilage tissue causes pain and limited mobility of the diseased joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time, osteoarthritis of the joints can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis
When metabolic processes in a joint are disturbed or lubricant production is insufficient, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.With impaired gliding and high, excessive loads, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.
Osteoarthritis of the joints is favored by hereditary disorders, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc.Obesity can also lead to the development of osteoarthritis due to overloading of the joints and, consequently, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by incorrect posture or surgical intervention, which can damage the joint structure.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and microelements, vitamin deficiency and metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to a disruption of the regenerative process in the joint and its subsequent destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disorders that occur in a woman's body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissue and its destruction.
The causes of osteoarthritis are also:
- interruption of blood supply to tissues;
- decreased collagen synthesis (with insufficient liver function);
- various inflammatory processes;
- nutritional deficiency in tissues;
- hypothermia;
- deterioration of metabolic processes in the body.
Symptoms of joint osteoarthritis.
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, the changes and extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may differ:
- joint pain;
- morning stiffness (or after rest);
- decreased performance;
- limp;
- crunchy sound when walking;
- limited movement;
- joint immobility;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- Atrophy of the periarticular muscles.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment consists of several stages:
- pain reduction,
- reduction of inflammation,
- Strengthening regenerative processes in cartilage tissues.
Any load on the affected joint, walking or standing for a long time or lifting heavy objects are contraindicated.
Osteoarthritis treatment is a set of measures that help improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, eliminate inflammation, activate blood circulation and nutrition in tissues.
Medications, physiotherapy procedures and a balanced diet are used during the treatment of osteoarthritis.To restore damaged cartilage and improve the composition of intra-articular lubrication, the use of chondroprotectors is recommended.
Treatment is prescribed individually, depending on the diagnosis, after carrying out some studies to assess the condition of periarticular tissues and structures, as well as to determine the degree of destruction of cartilage tissue.
To improve blood circulation in joint tissues and their condition, acupressure and acupuncture are recommended.
You can also perform moxibustion (cauterization) to relieve pain.This procedure consists of heating biologically active points of the body using moxas (wormwood or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood flow and good warming of the tissues, improves metabolic processes.
Proper and balanced nutrition and physiotherapy are of great importance in improving the condition.
Complications of osteoarthritis.
Without treatment for osteoarthritis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, inflammation and deformation of bone or cartilage tissue.Deformation of the diseased joint contributes to a decrease in motor function and even complete immobilization (ankelosis).
Complications of joint osteoarthritis:
- rigidity of movements;
- deformation or destruction of the joints.
As a result of the complications of osteoarthritis, the risk of disability and deterioration in the patient's quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition for osteoarthritis.
Since excess weight contributes to the development of joint osteoarthritis, it is necessary to reduce it.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude floury and sweet products from the diet;You should also not drink alcohol or fatty fish.
To restore the strength of bones and cartilage, the mobility of joints and the elasticity of tissues, it is recommended to consume jellied meat, a storehouse of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include foods rich in vitamin B and folic acid in the menu.For osteoarthritis, mushrooms, eggs, dairy products and liver are very useful.
The principles of nutrition for osteoarthritis should be:
- fractional meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- constant weight control.