Osteoarthritis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, which causes the bone tissue to become deformed. The joints of the big toes, hips, and knees are most commonly affected.
Symptoms of the disease
- The first clinical symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint from excessive physical exertion. Painful sensations may occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pain bothers a person even at rest and causes insomnia.
- Grinding joints. The destruction of the cartilage layer leads to friction in the bones and clicks and crunches can be heard when the joint is moved. As the disease progresses, the crunch increases.
- Decreased mobility. If the joint is damaged, the movements in it are restricted, in severe osteoarthritis the patient has limb stiffness in the morning.
- Joint deformity. Without adequate and timely treatment, the joint will be deformed, its appearance will change
- With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the sensitivity of the toes and numbness of the fingertips decrease.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the growth of the cartilage layer between the joint and the bone. The contributing factors are:
- Intense physical activity;
- Joint microtrauma;
- Common fractures
- Wear tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
diagnosis
The most important method for diagnosing osteoarthritis is a carefully collected medical history (professional history).
The diagnosis is made based on the examination of the patient and additional tests, including x-rays of the joints, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, and computed tomography.
- Ultrasonic. This research method is reliable and safe. Since ultrasound diagnostics relate to non-invasive procedures, this study has no contraindications. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose thinning of cartilage tissue, degenerative changes in the joint menisci, thickening of the joint membranes and the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to precisely 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 intra-articular fluid.
- Arthroscopy. This study is done more often to determine the cause of the development of osteoarthritis.
Complications
Without timely medical care, osteoarthritis progresses and threatens complications such as:
- Inflammation of the tissues around the joint;
- Restriction of mobility of the 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. The therapy of osteoarthritis begins with the relief of the pain.
In parallel with analgesics, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to drug treatment, the patient undergoes physiotherapy.
Massage of the affected limb after the acute form of the inflammatory process has subsided can relieve pain, normalize joint mobility, and relieve muscle spasms.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve the stiffness of the muscles, warm them up and strengthen the general condition of the patient. Exercise helps maintain correct posture and a steady gait.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated in the period of stable remission. Mud baths, treatments, and other procedures help restore joint motor function and relieve pain.
If conservative methods of treatment do not bring the expected effect, the patient is prescribed a surgical joint replacement. Endoprostheses are made from a material that is not rejected by the human body. They allow you to fully restore the physiological functions of the affected joint.
Unique treatments: radiofrequency ablation and disrupting the integrity of the method by disrupting the integrity of the nerve causing the pain.
Risk group
The risk group includes people:
- Obesity;
- Varicose veins;
- Athlete;
- Pianists;
- Programmer.
prophylaxis
The prevention of osteoarthritis is as follows:
- Good nutrition;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limiting the stress on the joints in the case of hereditary predisposition;
- Control of body weight;
- Wear shoes that fit.
Diet and lifestyle
With a hereditary 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 sea fish (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 excessive physical activity.