Osteoarthritis of the joints is a chronic disease characterized by the development of degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, as a result of which the bone tissue is deformed. The joints of the big toes, hips and knees are most often affected.
Symptoms of the disease
- The first clinical symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint during excessive physical exertion. Painful sensations may occur during movement. As the disease progresses, joint pain bothers a person even at rest and causes insomnia.
- Crunchy joints. Due to the destruction of the cartilage layer, friction of the bones occurs, and when moving in the joint, clicks and crackles are heard. As the disease progresses, the tightening increases.
- Reduced mobility. If the joint is damaged, movement is limited in it, with severe osteoarthritis the patient has stiffness in the limbs in the morning.
- Joint deformity. In the absence of adequate and timely treatment, the joint deforms, its appearance changes.
- With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the patient has a decrease in the sensitivity of the toes and numbness in the fingertips.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the growth of the layer of cartilage between the joint and the bone. The contributing factors are:
- Intense physical activity;
- Joint microtrauma;
- Frequent fractures
- Wearing tight shoes or high heels
- Congenital predisposition.
Diagnostic
The main method of diagnosing osteoarthritis is a carefully collected history (occupational history).
The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's examination and additional studies, including an X-ray of the joints, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI and CT scan.
- Ultrasound. This research method is reliable and harmless. Since ultrasound diagnosis refers to non-invasive methods, this study has no contraindications. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose thinning of cartilage tissue, degenerative changes in the menisci of the joints, thickening of the membranes of the joint, the presence of fluid in the joint cavity. This study allows you to accurately select a method of treating osteoarthritis.
- MRI and CT scan. Using 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 amountof intra-articular fluid.
- Arthroscopy. This study is more often performed to determine the cause of the development of osteoarthritis.
Complications
In the absence of timely medical care, osteoarthritis progresses and threatens complications such as:
- Inflammation of the tissues around the joint;
- Restriction of the mobility of the affected joints;
- Degenerative changes in the hip joint;
- Modification of the shape of the joints.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment is prescribed to the patient depending on the degree of joint damage. Treatment for osteoarthritis begins with pain relief.
Along with analgesics, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to drug therapy, the patient undergoes a course of physiotherapy.
Massaging the affected limbs after the acute form of the inflammatory process subsides can reduce pain, normalize joint mobility and relieve muscle spasms.
Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to relieve muscle stiffness, warm it up and strengthen the general condition of the patient. Exercise helps maintain correct posture and a uniform gait.
Sanatorium treatment is indicated in a period of stable remission. Mud baths, applications, and other procedures help restore joint motor function and provide pain relief.
If conservative methods of treatment do not bring the expected effect, the patient is prescribed surgical arthroplasty. Stents are made from a material that is not rejected by the human body. They allow you to completely restore the physiological functions of the affected joint.
Unique treatments: radiofrequency ablation and disruption of the integrity of the method by disrupting the integrity of the nerve causing the pain.
Risk group
The risk group includes people:
- Overweight;
- Varicose veins;
- Athletes;
- Pianists;
- Programmers.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of osteoarthritis is as follows:
- Good nutrition;
- Prevention of injuries and fractures;
- Limit the load on the joints with a hereditary predisposition;
- Body weight control;
- Wear suitable shoes.
Food 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 fruits and vegetables, 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 increased physical activity.