Articulations osteoarthritis is a complex dystrophic disease that is associated with the destruction of cartilage tissues within the joints.This pathological process is the most common joint disease in the world.Osteoarthritis manifests itself by pain, morning stiffness and limitation of mobility.The progressive progression of symptoms is characteristic, however, the rate of development of the disease may be different.
The diagnosis is made on the basis of an anamnesis, clinical examination and radiography.The treatment of osteoarthritis is generally conservative: treatment of exercise, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotence, blocking, etc.
We will consider in more detail that this disease is and how to treat it, we will consider later in the article.
What is osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is degenerative changes in the structure of the joints, which are accompanied by visible pain and deformation.The second name of the disease, which is used in international classification - osteoarthrosis.
The disease is characterized by a slow progression, although it can be accelerated by certain external factors.It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body, human disease and its vital activity method.
According to statistics, osteoarthritis is sick with 6.5 to 12% of the globe population.Most people over 65 (62 to 85% of cases) suffer.There is a tendency to "rejuvenate" pathology: in different countries, around 30 to 35% of patients are people aged 45 to 65 and 2 to 3% of the age of 20 to 45.
People who know a little medicine believe that arthritis and osteoarthritis are one and the same thing.In fact, this is not the case, because in the first case, the disease is acute inflammatory, and in the second - a long and less pronounced chronic.

Guys
The wording of the diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be different, although the essence of the disease is the same.Most often, patients' questions and misunderstandings are linked to several terms of term osteoarthritis:
- Arthrosoarthrosis is a classic osteoarthritis, in which an inflammatory process is pronounced;
- Osteoarthrosis is absolutely the same as osteoarthritis;
- Deformation (osteoarthrosis) - The late stages of the disease, which are manifested by the deformation and closing of the joint;
- Coksartrose - An abridged term designating the lesion of hip joint;
- Gonartrose is an abbreviated term meaning "osteoarthritis of the knee joint";
- Spondylrosis is the lesion of osteoarthritis of the joints of the small arches of the spine.
There are many varieties of this disease.The classification can occur on the basis of the location of affected areas and according to the causes of the disease.
Types of osteoarthritis as a function of location:
- Knee
- Hip joints
- Cervical
- Brachial
- Hands and fingers
- Spine
- Ankle
- Primary polyosteoarthrosis
Depending on the number of seals involved, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Monoarthrosis.
- Oligoarthrosis - No more than 2 joints are affected.
- Polyarthrosis - involved from 3 joint groups.
The degree of damage to the joint
Degree of osteoarthritis | Symptoms |
1 degree | The first step in osteoarthritis - there are no pronounced morphological changes, only the composition of the synovial fluid is disrupted.The liquid offer is worse to the cartilaginous tissue with nutrients, the resistance of cartilage to conventional loads decreases.Due to the overload of joint surfaces, inflammation occurs, pain appears. |
2 degrees | The joint is destroyed.Osteophytes are formed.Pain during loads and movement becomes stronger, a characteristic tightening in affected places is heard. |
3 degrees | This is the most serious stage of the development of this disease.There is a pathological change in the sites of the painful joints.Inflammation occurs.The patient feels a stiffness during the movement, because the muscles cannot contract completely and fulfill their functions. |
Reasons
The formation of osteoarthritis is facilitated by two causes - the load and the absence of a complete nutrition which provides vitamins, minerals for the restoration of fabrics.The joints of each person carry a charge.Athletes and dancers, with physical work, the load on their feet is greater, which means that the bone joints wear out more quickly and require high quality nutrition.With a calm lifestyle, the support device wears slower, but also requires periodic renewal of fabrics.
Primary arthritis
This type is most often associated with innate inferiority and the trend of cartilage to damage and destruction following metabolic disorders.The most common causes that cause this disease:
- hereditary and genetic;
- menopause;
- Frequent minor injuries and, at first glance (for example, among athletes).
Secondary osteoarthritis
The secondary type most often distorts osteoarthritis and progresses in the context of a decrease in the stability of cartilage at the usual charge.The development of this pathology is facilitated by:
- injuries;
- obesity;
- weakness of ligaments and muscles;
- arthritis.
With age, predisposition to disease increases.After 70 years, osteoarthritis is diagnosed with each second pensioner.Since the maximum load falls on the feet (a person moves - walks, gets up, short, jumps), then it is here that the first signs are formed.
Osteoarthritis signs and symptoms
Osteoarthritis belongs to the category of chronic diseases.Sometimes the disease can be imperceptibly flee for years, sometimes not recalling pain in the joint of the joint or an awkward movement.But it also happens that the disease develops quickly at a serious stage in just a few months.
In any case, it is important to remember, if you do not treat the disease, its symptoms will increase over time, the worsening of quality of life and in serious cases - leading to invalidity and immobilization.
Symptoms with joint osteoarthritis:
- Pain.Painful sensations with osteoarthritis are pronounced, especially after various types of loads.When a person comes to a state of peace, after a certain time, uncomfortable sensations disappear.The location of pain occurs directly at the place where changes in the usual body structures have occurred.In some cases, pain in osteoarthritis can occur when a person rests, being completely relaxed.They appear very strongly and strongly, which can be compared to dental pain.Most often, it happens in the morning.
- The second sign of osteoarthritis is a crunch, but you should not confuse this symptom with the usual click of the joints, which is in almost all people, and does not bring discomfort.A crunch in the disease is characterized by a raw and dry sound, it brings severe pain and discomfort.With the development of the disease, the symptom becomes more distinct and more painful.
- Reduce the mobility of the joint.It is also considered one of the characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis, but it already appears in the stage of active progression of the disease.During the development of osteoarthritis, the growth / germination of bone neoplasms occurs, which causes spasms of muscle tissue, reducing light in the joint bag - the restriction of movement at this location is guaranteed.
- Joint deformation.Its modification is determined by the fact that osteophytes develop on the surface of the bones and that the synovial fluid arrives.Although deformation is one of the last symptoms, when osteoarthritis has struck the joint to a large extent.
- Muscle tone changes.At the beginning, in particular with intense pain, the periarticular muscles are tense by reflex.In the future, as the motor activity is lost, the atrophy of the muscles.
- Skin manifestations.An optional sign.In the first stages, redness of the skin in the projection of the joint is possible.In the future, as osteoarthritis and atrophy of muscles are progressing, the skin becomes pale, becomes dry, pigmented.
Joints that osteoarthritis affects more often: | Less commonly suffered: |
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Complications
If osteoarthritis does not provide appropriate attention, over time and not to treat properly, this can lead not only to the complete destruction of the sick joint, but also to a change in biomechanics of the vertebral column, which makes its hernias in intervertebral discs and the development of osteoarthritis in others, so far, healthy joints begin.
The danger of premature treatment of any type of osteoarthritis lies in the complications linked to it, unwanted consequences:
- The inflamed joints are deformed and gradually destroyed;
- The movements are limited, joint mobility is partially or completely limited;
- The spine is disturbed;
- The interducted hernias are formed;
- Neuralgia develops;
- The standard of living of the patient with osteoarthritis is reduced;
- The person becomes disabled.
Diagnosis
First of all, they try to see structural changes in the affected areas, to assess their severity and their prevalence.In addition, metabolic disturbances in the body must be determined, which have become a favorable context for the occurrence of osteoarthritis.Therefore, the investigation set consists of the following events:
- X -ray.
- Magnetic resonance tomography.
- Ultrasound study.
- Arthroscopy.
- Biochemical blood tests (hormonal spectrum, inflammation markers, calcium metabolism, rums).
Given the radiological characteristics, experts in the field of orthopedics and trauma distinguish the following osteoarthritis stages (Kellgren-Lawrence classification):
- STEP 1 (Doubt osteoarthritis) - Suspicion of narrowing of the joint gap, osteophytes are absent or available in small quantities.
- Step 2 (soft) - suspicion of narrowing of the joint gap, osteophytes are clearly defined.
- Stage 3 (moderate) - A clear narrowing of the joint gap, there are clearly expressed osteophytes, bone deformations are possible.
- Stage 4 (severe osteoarthritis) - a pronounced narrowing of joint gap, large osteophytes, pronounced bone deformations and osteosclerosis.
Please note: The course of the disease considered is very slow and at the first stage, it may not be characterized by symptoms, and inconsistent joint pain and increased fatigue can be inherent even to healthy people with great physical effort.Therefore, an independent diagnosis of osteoarthritis is almost impossible.
How to treat joint osteoarthritis

Principles of osteoarthritis treatment:
- eliminate excessive charges on the joints;
- Therapy with anti-inflammatory and analgesic pills.In addition, in complex therapy, chondroprotectors are actively used for osteoarthritis;
- Physiotherapy physiotherapy;
- treatment of sanatorium;
- Magnetotherapy, electrotherapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy;
- intra-articular oxygen therapy;
- intraosseous blocking;
- It is important to choose good nutrition for osteoarthritis.
Medication methods
How to treat osteoarthritis with drugs?This problem is the most common in patients.Treatment is carried out using three groups of drugs:
- Chondroprotectors.The drugs in this group restore hyalin cartilage because they contain the components that are part of it.They are recommended by all patients in the form of a long -term document (course 3 to 4 months 2 times a year).Use tablets and capsules.
- Hormonal corticosteroids.This group of drugs is more effective during the exacerbation period of osteoarthritis.Most often, intramuscular injections are carried out.But a similar category of drugs in pharmacies is also represented in the form of plaster, ointments - they are only used outside, you can expect a fairly fast and powerful effect.
- The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and eliminate the inflammatory process.
- Injections.Injection drugs quickly stop pain, reduce active symptoms.Intramuscular, intravenous or intra-articular administration of the drug should only be carried out by a medical worker.These funds are unable to save the patient from the cause of the development of the disease, but effectively reduce its negative manifestations.
From other drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis, drugs are used:
- Improve blood in joints;
- Improve the supply of joint oxygen tissues - "B" vitamins;
- acting on metabolism in cartilage;
- desensitizing agents that reduce the reactivity of the body;
- Synthetic hormones of the adrenal glands.
Surgical treatment
Surgical methods involve two ways to solve the problem:
- Arthroscopy is an operation carried out on a painful joint.Thanks to puncture, a special needle is introduced, which removes damaged areas and polish the affected area.
- Prostheses are a complex operation, which consists in eliminating damaged joints and integrating a new one.Modern orthopedics has advanced far, freeing new improved prostheses which are extremely rarely rejected by the body, and their port does not cause discomfort.
Exercise therapy for osteoarthritis
Medical physical education is used for osteoarthritis at the subsequent stage.The main tasks of exercise therapy:
- orthopedic correction (elimination of defects from affected members);
- decrease in static load on joints;
- Improvement of the mobility of the joint or the prevention of its deterioration.
DIGOEN GYMNASTICS and a set of exercises for muscles and unhealthy joints are carried out.The exercises for the affected joints are performed in a lying position, on the side or in the back, seated.They are alternated with breathing exercises that help relax the muscles.The patient makes movements in the affected joint independently or using an instructor.
During lessons, the appearance of pain should not be allowed.The exercises are carried out at a slow pace and only after eliminating the acute symptoms.Sudden and high amplitude movements must be avoided, which can cause unpleasant sensations.
Physical education must be engaged in the supervision of a doctor, and after acquiring the necessary skills, you can start exercises at home.
Physiotherapy and manual therapy
The use of these treatment methods gives very good results to the initial stages of osteoarthritis.
- Manual treatment should only be carried out by an experienced doctor who has proven himself in the treatment of joint pathologies.For example, in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, manual therapy and the extract of the limb, intra-articular injections and taking chondroprotectors can quickly put the patient on his feet.
- Physiotherapy is used as auxiliary treatment to speed up the rehabilitation period.Their main objective is to reduce inflammation and speed up tissue regeneration.Procedures such as: laser and cryotherapy, heat treatment - ozokerite, mud baths, paraffin therapy and UOF are widely used.
Food and diet

The diet with joint osteoarthritis aims to correct metabolic processes, body weight, prevention of irreversible changes in the hyalin cartilage of the joints, a decrease in the inflammatory process and the strengthening of joint structures of the connective tissue.There is no special diet with articulation of the joints.The following principles are based on therapeutic nutrition:
- Food should be physiologically full and balanced with a high content of vitamins and minerals.The energy value of the diet for patients with normal weight must correspond to the average value of daily energy consumption and not exceed it.
- The use of salt is limited to 5-8 g / day, as well as salty products (salting, canned food, cristers, salted fish).
- The use of free liquid should be increased to 2-2.5 l / day.
- It is necessary to exclude the treatment of products using frying.Food should be cooked, steamed, cook or stew.
- You must go to frequent and fractional nutrition.
- Food should be taken in small portions, which will exclude overeating and weight gain.
With osteoarthritis, the use of an extremely extreme diet is prohibited.Given that in this type of diet, the body expels a large amount of liquid, which, in turn, washed calcium and potassium of bones and joints.
Useful products:
- Fish and seafood, nuts, linseed oil, such as omega source - 3.
- Low fat and frost -fitting meat.
- Products rich in vitamin E, D, C, A and group B. These are fresh fruit, vegetables and berries.It is particularly useful to use: beets, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, blueberries, legumes, bananas, oranges, apples and whole grain bread.
- Ginger and other spices.
- Milk and dairy products are an excellent source of calcium.
- Useful, freshly pressed.
Prohibited products:
- Fast food, sausage products, semi-finished products, shavings and all refined products.
- Grasse meat.
- Sdoba, white bread, sugar.
- Fat dairy products, savory cheeses.
- Mayonnaise, transgenic fats.
- White rice, semeline.
- Marinades, conservation, salting.
- Alcohol, energy, soda.
Folk treatment methods
Before using folk remedies for osteoarthritis, be sure to consult your attending physician.
- Crush the nettle and the bays of genévrictes in a homogeneous mass.Connect with the butter 1: 3. To relieve the pain, rub the painful joints up to 3 times a day.
- The roots, flowers or branches of an elderberry.Pour 1 tablespoon.spoonful of raw materials with 1 glass of boiling water.Insist, wrap, 3 hours, then filter.Drink 1/4 cup up to 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
- Boil 10 g of bay sheet in 250 ml of water for five minutes.Leave for five hours.Drink from time to time in the little sips all day.Three days that we are dealing with, we rest for five, then we are treated for three days.
- Compress mustard with honey.Mix the mustard powder with honey and add an egg.Put the resulting ointment on the gauze and apply to the painful stain.
- Complex compression.Lightly cut the cabbage cut into pieces and cross the juicer.Moisten the natural wool fabric in the juice and set yourself in the pain.
- One series is another excellent remedy for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Boil in 250 ml of boiling water 2 large tablespoons of a series.After 20 minutes, the decoction is ready.Take 2 spoons three times a day before meals.The course is 30 days.
- The ointment of chamomile, calendula and bardane is done well with pain, relieves inflammation.For its preparation, you must mix in equal quantities of chamomile flowers, calendula, burdden root, connect the herbs to the oil jelly and leave for 1 to 2 days.Use the ointment for intense pain up to 5 times a day.
- In boiling water, put the equal parts of the willow, birch and calendula flowers.Boil the mixture for 10 minutes, then let it prepare under the lid at the same time.You must take a 200 ml decoction of half an hour before meals.
Prevention
In a decrease in the risk of osteoarthritis, the following moments play an important role:
- get rid of extra pounds;
- treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies;
- active movement throughout life;
- Appropriate nutrition (diet, balanced diet);
- Avoid joint hypothermia;
- A healthy lifestyle with the right diet.