What is arthrosis: its types, symptoms and treatment methods

Arthrosis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, expressed in the damage of cartilaginous tissue and joints.About a third of older people are diagnosed with this condition.Therefore, it is worth knowing which specialist to contact and how to treat this disease.

Types of arthrosis

The parameter by which arthrosis is divided into types is location.Based on this, experts compiled the following classification of diseases:

• Spondyloarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the spinal column affects one or more vertebrae of the spinal column.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is excessive stress on a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as well as other posture disorders.
• Uncovertebral arthrosis.Cervical arthrosis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, so it is most often diagnosed in the elderly.

• Arthrosis of the shoulder joint.Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is quite common among the population, especially in men.Two thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis experience deformity of the hand joints.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Arthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of arthrosis.The disease is also called Heberden's nodes.More common in women during menopause.
• Coxarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the hip joints usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.However, if there is joint dysplasia (congenital disorders of the bone structure), then the disease can also be found in young people.
• Gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joints is one of the most common types.People over the age of 45 are most susceptible to it.The disease is more common among women than among men.
• Arthrosis of the ankle joint.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises and similar problems are signs of this group of diseases.It occurs in all ages and population categories.
• Primary polyosteoarthrosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by general weakening of the ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause on the background of general arthrosis of the extremities.

Mechanism of arthrosis development

In its normal state, cartilage has a smooth surface and is quite flexible.Thanks to this, the joint surfaces can be moved without difficulty in relation to each other.In other words, healthy cartilage ensures the necessary level of shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles and ligaments.

As a result of osteoarthritis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes rougher and friction occurs when the joints are moved.Small particles begin to detach from the cartilage and eventually enter the joint cavity and fluid.

Furthermore, the cartilage becomes more and more rigid, until it ossifies.Cysts are formed in the central and deep zones, coming into direct contact with the joints.

This ensures constant injury to the joint capsule and synovium, causing them to thicken.Over time, the very structure of the bones is damaged - they are deformed, and peculiar protrusions appear on the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the formation of fibrotic lesions.The likelihood of damage to the ligamento-muscular system (sprains, tears, ruptures) increases.With significant cartilage destruction, movements are severely limited, and ankylosis formation is a common occurrence.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of arthrosis are diverse and multiple.However, there are groups of factors that increase the chances of developing the disease:

• age over 60 years;
• obesity and high body weight, which creates increased stress on the joints;
• failure to comply with safety measures and work regulations;
• endocrine system disorder;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body;
• poisoning by certain toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions in the place of residence and work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

Primary arthrosis

Primary arthrosis is a consequence that occurs as a result of the disruption of regenerative processes, increased degeneration of the cartilage tissue of the joint without accompanying abnormalities in the functioning of the body as a whole.

As a rule, primary arthrosis occurs as a result of hereditary factors:

• Cartilage tissue composition.A genetic disorder in the composition of the tissue that makes up the cartilage, which accelerates its destruction, is a direct prerequisite for arthrosis.The faster the cartilage is affected, the more likely the disease will occur.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, this leads to traumatization of a certain area of cartilaginous joint tissue, which, in turn, eventually leads to disease.
• Heredity.Osteoarthritis has a high chance of being inherited.If at least one of the parents has this disease, then it is worth paying increased attention to the child's joints.

Secondary arthrosis

As already mentioned, secondary arthrosis does not occur on its own;it is always preceded by some factor:

• Mechanical damage to the joint.Trauma, intra-articular bone fracture, constant overuse and many other factors have an extremely high chance of causing subsequent disease.An aggravating factor is insufficient or absent treatment.
• Surgical intervention.It's not so much the surgery itself, but the medical error that can cause damage to the joint or cartilage.
• Joint diseases.Arthrosis often occurs as a result of an inflammatory process: arthritis, synovitis.Additionally, read how arthrosis differs from arthritis.
• Vascular diseases.Many diseases of the vascular system that interfere with blood flow to the joint can lead to arthrosis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also a prerequisite for the onset of the disease.

Secondary arthrosis occurs as a result of pathological processes or as a result of partial destruction of the joint surface due to damage from external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary arthrosis is reflected in the dynamics and prerequisites of the disease: in the case of the primary type, the disease occurs slowly and naturally, while the secondary type requires a trigger for development.

Symptoms

Arthrosis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is a symptom of the disease.In arthrosis, pain occurs when moving or when the inflamed joint is heavily loaded.The pain is noticeable, but tolerable.However, over time the symptoms become more intense, and eventually the pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Crunch.Arthrosis is often accompanied by a grinding sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom occurs as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and the subsequent friction of the bones.If someone's joints are cracking, it's not a reason to panic yet.In arthrosis, the grinding is quite specific - rough and dry.Therefore, you should not make an appointment with a specialist, because you barely crack your joints.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Stiffness of movement.As arthrosis develops, it increasingly limits movement due to ossification and destruction of cartilage.
• A change in the appearance of the joint.One of the accompanying symptoms is the deformation of the inflamed joint.A person with osteoarthritis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that were sharp throughout life have become rounded.
• Soft tissue inflammation.However, arthrosis can cause not only deformation of the joint, but also inflammation of the soft tissues, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid around the cartilage (effusion).

Stages of arthrosis

The process of developing arthrosis includes three stages:

• First-stage arthrosis is characterized by slight pain when moving and light loads on the affected joint.However, a change in the structure and composition of the cartilage tissue begins already from the first stage.
• Starting from the second stage, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.Manifestations of pain become more noticeable, loud and clear crunching appears.
• The most severe stage of arthrosis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the joints also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: pain torments the joints even at rest, the person can no longer perform usual movements, and visually the joints become less and less attractive.

The third stage of arthrosis leads to complete destruction of the joint, followed by neoarthrosis (partially unnatural mobility) or even complete loss of mobility.As a rule, at the end of the third stage of arthrosis, experts decide on a radical intervention - endoprosthetics of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Untimely, improper (or lack of) treatment of arthrosis can lead to many unpleasant consequences.It is not only the complete destruction of the affected joint, but also a change in the biomechanics of the spine, which can lead to the appearance of herniated discs in the intervertebral discs and the spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of the disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformity;
• destruction of joints;
• violation of the biomechanics of the spine and other joints;
• hernia of intervertebral discs;
• inability to perform movements;
• reduction of patients' standard of living;
• the patient becomes disabled.

Specialist and diagnostics

If you discover symptoms characteristic of arthrosis, the first specialist a person should visit is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will collect the medical history, perform a general examination and refer the patient for examination, including:

• X-ray (usually in two projections), necessary to detect specific signs of arthrosis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to study the bone structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), necessary for determining the state of soft tissues.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedist can prescribe treatment himself or, if aggravating circumstances are observed, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Treatment of arthrosis rarely involves only one method of therapy.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a whole series of measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases in which surgical intervention is indicated are also not rare.

General recommendations

Treatment of arthrosis, in addition to specific measures, includes several basic recommendations:

• reduce the load on the painful joint to the minimum possible;
• literal adherence to the regimen prescribed by the orthopedist;
• rational and properly formulated diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Drugs

Medicines for arthrosis are indicated quite often.As a rule, these are the following types of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.In the initial phase of treatment, the first tasks to be solved are the removal of pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Hormonal corticosteroids.Hormonal corticosteroids are indicated in the phase of exacerbation of arthrosis.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes there are patches, ointments and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main purpose of the group of drugs is to restore cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of the synovial fluid.The patient has to take the medicine for a long time, because the recovery process takes a long time.In advanced cases of arthrosis, the drugs may not give the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases of the disease, analgesics, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

Therapeutic exercise

Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients with osteoarthritis, especially in combination with drug treatment.The orthopedist selects a set of exercises that need to be performed in accordance with the following principles:

• No rush.The load and volume of training should be gradually increased;there is no need to rush, no matter how much you would like to speed up the onset of a positive result.
• No pain.Physical therapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise can bring discomfort, a feeling of tension and fatigue, but in no case pain.If the pain is still present, it means that the exercises are being done incorrectly.
• No surge.Exercises should be intense, but not force the patient to overexert himself.It is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation.
• There are no breaks.Only regular exercise can really benefit the joints and help overcome the disease.Classes held once a month according to your mood will not bring any effect.
• No exacerbations.Exercises should be performed only in periods of remission of arthrosis.
• No concessions.Both problematic and healthy joints should be stressed equally.

Physiotherapy

The early stage of arthrosis is usually treated with drugs.However, in combination with drugs, physiotherapy procedures are often prescribed to enhance the effect of the drugs.In addition, this prescription can reduce the dosage and side effects of medications.

The following procedures are indicated for arthrosis:

• Electrophoresis.Absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed drug to work locally and in high concentrations while minimizing side effects.It provides quick relief of pain, inflammation, improves nutrition of joints and promotes a number of other beneficial effects of drugs.
• Exposure to ultrasound.It causes a list of beneficial effects (warming, micromassage, improves capillary blood flow and tissue metabolism).In other words, the physiotherapy procedure is aimed at improving the condition of joint and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to magnetic field.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in the damaged joint and improves metabolic processes in it.The orthopedist can prescribe general and (or) local magnetic therapy depending on the type of arthrosis and the general health of the patient.
• Exposure to radiation.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications for other physiotherapeutic methods, but also as an addition to others, as a means of speeding up recovery.

Massage

Massage is an effective way of treating arthrosis due to the improvement of peripheral blood circulation in the joint.The better the blood circulation, the better the nutrition of the joint and cartilage with nutrients.

The following massage techniques are often prescribed for arthrosis:

• Japanese.During the Japanese technique, point loading is practiced on specific parts of the joint - hard and painful.Loads must be strictly dosed, so you need to contact a massage therapist who specializes in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish.The technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are performed with the thumbs, which also has a targeted but soft effect.
• Swedish.The Swedish technique includes stroking and rubbing movements, as well as direct kneading of the painful joint.

The purpose of the massage is to achieve the following goals:

• stretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the painful joint;
• release of muscle from venous blood;
• remove deposits from the joint;
• stimulate lymph outflow and blood flow;
• relieve tension;
• improve the motor function of the joint.

Food

In the case of arthrosis, a recognizable dish that should be included in the diet is meat jelly - its consumption leads to the introduction of gelatin into the body, which is so necessary for the normal functioning of cartilage.However, other animal dishes containing cartilage are also recommended for consumption.

In addition, there is a list of dietary rules that patients with arthrosis should follow:

• do not eat a lot at night, because this can lead not only to weight gain, but also to an attack of illness;
• try to eat fractionally - proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• if you are overweight, reduce the weight so as not to add stress to an already painful joint;
• The daily diet should be balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.

Spa treatment

Depending on the stage of arthrosis, the patient may be indicated for treatments at the spa using special mud:

• Local applications with mud.It involves applying medicinal hot (about 40 degrees) mud to the affected joints for 15-20 minutes.The course is performed every other day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.General application of hot mud to the human body.About 10 procedures are needed, which are done every other day.
• Mud baths with mineral water.Immersion of a person in a special bath consisting of medicinal mud mixed with mineral water at elevated temperatures (36-37 degrees).The course is conducted by analogy with applications.
• Compresses.Mud packs of different compositions are placed on the affected joints (no more than two) for a long time (half an hour).Courses range from 10 to 20 procedures.

You shouldn't make the spa treatment decision on your own.Before visiting the facility, be sure to consult with your treatment specialist.

In addition, other procedures are shown:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• underwater limb traction with hanging weights;
• vibration massage;
• reflexology;
• medicinal baths.

Surgery

The operation is performed to improve joint mobility, as well as to remove part of the cartilage or damaged meniscus.

Arthrosis surgery is a last resort, which should be resorted to only if conservative treatment methods have not brought a positive result, and the patient suffers from pain, partial or complete immobility of the joint.

During the operation, a cartilage fragment affected by arthrosis is removed, polished to obtain a smooth surface, cartilage growths are removed, and part of the damaged ligaments is cut off.

The most common operation is:

• hip joint - partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue of the femur and pelvic bone;
• knee joint – replacement of the articular surface of the joint with metal or combined prostheses.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are not able to defeat arthrosis on their own, but they can be an excellent adjuvant.The main thing is to consult with your orthopedist before use.

The most effective in folk medicine in combating the disease are ointments, compresses and baths.

Ointments

For them to have an effect, ointments must be applied with massage movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example, overnight.

Ointment No.1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 tsp.turpentine;
• 1 tsp.apple cider vinegar.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Method of application.The sore joint should be lubricated at night, wrapped well.Use three times a week.

Ointment No.2:

• 100 g of honey;
• 3 g mummy.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Method of application.Apply daily in the evening for one week.

Compresses

For arthrosis, they should be warm and moist.The compress applied to the joint is covered with a film and a warm cloth.

Compress No.1:

• water
• 1 tsp.vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The stacked leaves need to be held briefly over a bowl of hot water to steam.

Method of application.The affected joint is lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped in leaves, wrapped in transparent film and a warm scarf.You have to keep it for a few hours.

Compress No.2:

• 2 eggshells;
• 1 tbsp.l.fat kefir.

Powdered shells are mixed with kefir until a thick paste is formed.

Method of application.The product is distributed over the painful joint, covered with a linen cloth and transparent film, after which the joint needs warmth (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

Baths

If the big joint suffers from arthrosis, heating is indicated, and a bath is an excellent remedy for this.

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• several pine branches;
• 3 chopped artichoke tubers;
• 2 tbsp.l.honey
• 1 tsp.turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a tub with warm water.This bath lasts up to half an hour.

You should not take medicinal baths every day - the interval between procedures should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tbsp.l.nettle
• 3 tbsp.l.St.John's wort;
• 2 tbsp.l.calendula;
• 3 tbsp.l.oregano;
• 1 tbsp.l.hemlock;
• 1 tbsp.l.burdock root;
• 500 g of clay.

Pour boiling water over the mixed herbs and leave to stand for an hour.After some time, clay is added, the solution is mixed well and poured into a hot bath.Lying in the bath costs about 20 minutes.

Prevention measures

Despite the numerous reasons that cause the disease, there are also effective measures designed to protect a person from the onset of arthrosis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with proper technique, will not only help in the fight against excess weight, but will also increase the microcirculation of blood around the articular cartilage, which will enrich the cartilage with nutrients necessary for normal functioning.
• Warm.Hypothermia of the joints should be avoided.
• Nutrition.A proper, balanced diet that contains the daily requirements of nutrients, as well as vitamins and trace elements, will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal weight throughout life reduces the likelihood of osteoarthritis to a minimum.

Arthrosis is a disease that can affect many people: from athletes (among whom this is the most common disease) to lovers of an absolutely unhealthy lifestyle.But taking preventive measures, timely contacting an orthopedist and following all instructions allow, if not completely eliminating the chance of getting sick, then at least reducing the damage to a minimum.