Osteoarthritis is quite common and occupies 3rd place in the ranking of the most common diseases, after cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.The disease affects people of both sexes equally.Around 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 the metabolic processes in the joint are disrupted, the cartilage loses its elasticity and eventually develops osteoarthritis.Various reasons 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, the processes of restoration of cartilage tissue are disrupted.Secondary osteoarthritis 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, osteoarthritis of the joints can lead to total immobility of the joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis
When the metabolic processes of a joint are disrupted or lubricant is produced in insufficient quantities, the affected joint exhibits poor sliding.With deteriorated sliding and increased and excessive loads, an irreversible destructive process occurs in the joint.
Osteoarthritis 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 osteoarthritis due to overload of the joints and, as a result, their injuries.
Joints are also negatively affected by poor posture or surgery, which can damage the structure of the joint.
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 process of regeneration of 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 tissues and their destruction.
The causes of osteoarthritis 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 osteoarthritis
Depending on the location of the lesion, the stage of the disease, changes and the extent of the process, the symptoms of the disease may differ:
- joint pain;
- stiffness in the morning (or after rest);
- decreased performance;
- lameness;
- crunching noise when walking;
- limited movement;
- joint immobility;
- deformation of the diseased joint;
- inflammation of the affected joint;
- increased sensitivity to atmospheric changes;
- atrophy of periarticular muscles.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis includes several stages:
- pain reduction,
- reduction of inflammation,
- strengthening of regeneration processes in cartilaginous tissues.
Any loading on the affected joint, prolonged walking or standing, or heavy lifting are contraindicated.
Treatment of osteoarthritis is a set of measures that help to improve collagen production, restore metabolic processes, eliminate inflammation, activate blood circulation and nourish tissues.
During the treatment of osteoarthritis, 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 a few studies to assess the condition of tissues and periarticular 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) with pain relief.This procedure involves heating biologically active points of the body using moxas (absinthe or charcoal cigars).Moxotherapy ensures blood circulation and good warming of tissues, improves metabolic processes.
A balanced diet and physical therapy are of great importance to improve 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:
- stiffness of movements;
- deformation or destruction of joints.
Due to the complications of osteoarthritis, the risk of disability and deterioration in the patient's quality of life increases.
Diet nutrition for osteoarthritis
As excess weight contributes to the development of joint osteoarthritis, 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 reservoir of microelements and collagen.
To improve metabolism, it is advisable to include foods rich in B vitamins 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:
- split meals;
- exclusion of heavy foods (especially at night);
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- constant weight control.