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 occurs 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 more 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 noticeable.
The causes of arthrosis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary predisposition to diseases of cartilage tissue;
- Old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Operations on joints.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to arthrosis.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Even if you are bothered by seemingly trivial symptoms, do not ignore them.
- Pain that subsides with rest (manifests itself with loads on the joint and walking up stairs);
- Restricted mobility and crunching 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 exacerbations and is accompanied by aching, not acute pain).
All this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Contact your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
Please note that without treatment, a joint susceptible to arthrosis can not only collapse itself, but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.Because of this, herniated intervertebral discs or arthrosis of other joints occur.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (with arthrosis, ESR is sharply increased);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of synovium.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis involves:
- Taking painkillers (analgesics);
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The stage of restoration of cartilage tissue is taking medications containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you must take medications 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 the period of remission;
- Courses of intra-articular injections.
Prevention of arthrosis
Arthrosis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the appearance of arthrosis of the joints, you need to: 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.