Arthrosis occurs quite often and ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most common diseases, following 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 arthrosis increases with age.
Arthrosis is considered a chronic joint pathology, in which destructive processes gradually occur in the cartilage and joint capsule.If arthrosis treatment is neglected, deformation and destruction of the bone itself is possible.
When the metabolic processes in the joint are disrupted, the cartilage loses its elasticity and eventually arthrosis develops.There are various reasons that contribute to the destruction of cartilage: excessive load, injury, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, old age, metabolic disorders, insufficient blood circulation in the joint, and some diseases.
There are two types of joint arthrosis: primary or secondary.With primary arthrosis, without identifying any other abnormalities in the body, the restoration processes in cartilage tissue are disrupted.Secondary arthrosis always occurs in a damaged joint or as a result of other pathologies in the body.
The progressive destruction of cartilage tissue leads to pain and limited mobility of the diseased joint.In the absence of adequate treatment, over time, arthrosis of the joints can lead to complete immobility of the joint.
Causes of arthrosis
When metabolic processes in a joint are disrupted or lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, poor gliding occurs in the affected joint.With deteriorated gliding and increased and excessive loads, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.
Arthrosis of the joints is promoted by hereditary disorders, mechanical damage in the form of bone fractures or various joint injuries, etc. Obesity can also lead to the development of arthrosis due to overload of the joints, and, accordingly, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by incorrect posture or surgical intervention, which may damage the structure of the joint.
Insufficient amounts of calcium and microelements, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders contribute to irreversible changes in bone tissue, cartilage, and lubricants.All these changes gradually lead to disruption of the regenerative process in the joint and its further destruction.
Autoimmune diseases, estrogen deficiency and hormonal disorders that occur in a woman’s body during menopause contribute to changes in joint tissue and their destruction.
The causes of arthrosis are also:
- disruption 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 arthrosis
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 (or after rest) stiffness;
- decreased performance;
- lameness;
- crunching 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.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis consists of several stages:
- reduction of pain,
- reduction of inflammation,
- strengthening of regenerative processes in cartilage tissues.
Any load on the affected joint, long walking or standing, or heavy lifting are contraindicated.
Treatment of arthrosis is a set of measures that help improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, eliminate inflammation, activate blood circulation and nutrition in tissues.
During the treatment of arthrosis, medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and a balanced diet are used.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 conducting some studies to assess the condition of the periarticular tissues and structures, as well as 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) with pain relief.This procedure involves heating biologically active points on the body using moxas (wormwood or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood flow and good tissue heating, improves metabolic processes.
Proper balanced nutrition and physical therapy are of great importance for improving the condition.
Complications of arthrosis
Without treatment for arthrosis, the disease develops and over time leads to an irreversible process, to 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 arthrosis:
- stiffness of movements;
- joint deformation or destruction.
As a result of complications of arthrosis, the patient’s risk of disability and deterioration in his quality of life increases.
Dietary nutrition for arthrosis
Since excess weight contributes to the development of joint arthrosis, it is necessary to reduce it.Therefore, it is advisable to exclude flour products and sweets from the diet; you should also not drink alcohol and fatty fish.
To restore strength to bones and cartilage, mobility to joints and elasticity to tissues, it is recommended to consume jellied meat - a storehouse of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include in the menu foods rich in B vitamins and folic acid.For arthrosis, mushrooms, eggs, dairy products, and liver are very useful.
The principles of nutrition for arthrosis should be:
- fractional meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- constant weight control.