What is arthrosis. Types of arthrosis
Arthrosis(deforming arthrosis, popular name - salt deposition) is a chronic disease of the joints of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which the destruction of the articular cartilage, joint capsule, deformation of the bone itself occurs.
It should be noted that arthrosis is a whole group of joint diseases with different origins and similar developmental mechanisms. The most common arthrosis of large joints:
- deformans arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis),
- deforming arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis),
- and also shoulder arthrosis.
These are the most severe types of arthrosis.
Osteoarthritis of small joints is less common. More common are deforming arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints of the hands. Patients note pain in the interphalangeal joints, a decrease in their mobility, the appearancenear the joints of the seals. This type of arthrosis is more common in old age. Arthrosis of the joints of the foot is not uncommon.
Generalized arthrosis, characterized by damage to several joints at once.
Arthrosis of the spinal joints - spondyloarthrosis - belongs to the group of diseases of the spine, although it has a mechanism of development similar to other arthrosis.
The main clinical symptom of arthrosis is joint pain and decreased mobility. Specific symptoms are determined by the stage of arthrosis and depend on the degree of destructive changes in the joint.
Causes of arthrosis
Arthrosis is usually divided into primary and secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis is a consequence of a violation of the recovery processes and increased degeneration in the cartilaginous tissue of the joint without any deviations in the work of the whole organism. Secondaryarthrosis occurs as a result of other pathological processes in the body, or in a joint already damaged by some external influence, with partial destruction of the articular surfaces.
Mechanism of development of arthrosis
The development of arthrosis begins with the destruction of the cartilage. The result is pain and crunching when moving. The width of the joint space gradually decreases, along the edges of the articular surfaces, bone spines-osteophytes are formed.
Ultimately, the joint is deformed, the range of motion in it decreases. Arthrosis develops associated with aging of the body. The development of this form of arthrosis usually occurs gradually, over many years.
There are 3 degrees of arthrosis:
- I degree of arthrosis - the disease does not interfere with the performance of work, although it complicates it,
- II degree of arthrosis - the disease interferes with the performance of work,
- III degree of arthrosis - disability.
In the initial stage of the disease, in the morning, after rest, there is stiffness, difficulty in movement in the joints, which gradually disappears some time after the start of movement.
With the further development of arthrosis, the pain becomes more significant and becomes acute.
Grade 3 arthrosis is a severe, advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, the following are observed:
- significant joint deformity
- severe limitation of movement,
- sharp pain not only on movement, but also in a state of complete rest,
- joint inflammation,
- joint sensitivity to weather changes.
Grade 4 arthrosis is a state of complete destruction of the joint with arthrosis, when the joint completely ceases to function. There is a so-called "joint blockade" - acute pain syndrome.
Arthrosis treatment
Treatment of arthrosis at the initial stage of the disease - as early as possible.
At this stage, drugs that improve the structure of cartilage tissue, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes, physiotherapy exercises, proper nutrition, and preventive measures are useful.
Treatment of arthrosis grade 2 - 3:
- pain relief or reduction
- removal of inflammation in the joint.
Treatment of grade 4 arthrosis:
Surgery and replacement of a diseased joint with an endoprosthesis.
Preventive measures:
Movement is the most important weapon against arthrosis. These include various types of running, swimming, walking. This is a good way to reduce excess weight, which is the enemy of the joints and the whole body.
All joints do not tolerate cold. The knees react to it especially sharply. The use of special knee pads (preferably made from dog hair) can keep the joints warm. Diet for the prevention of arthrosis is of great importance: preferably fromremove foods containing a lot of fat.
Lean meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and steamed foods should be regular meals. It is very important to control your weight. The extra pounds overload the thigh and knees. We must try to prevent fallsand bruises.
A good daily routine can be very helpful in preventing arthrosis of the shoulder and other joints:
- getting enough sleep;
- balanced nutrition;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- positive emotional background;
- love of life and of oneself;
General guidelines:
- the heels of the shoes should be comfortable;
- don't sit cross-legged;
- if the day turned out to be difficult, the exercise "bicycle" will help relieve static stress from the joints;
- very well relieves joint fatigue water aerobics;
Only frequent, correct prevention can prevent the development of arthrosis. Cheers.