Osteoarthritisis a dystrophic joint disease, which results in the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40 to 50% of cases, osteoarthritis appears as a primary disease.It can also appear following trauma - secondary, which occurs in 50 to 60% of cases.
Osteoarthritis of the joints of the lower limbs and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsophalangeal joint) is more often detected.Among the joints of the upper extremities, osteoarthritis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from osteoarthritis more often than men, but after the age of 65, this difference is almost no longer noticeable.
Causes of osteoarthritis include
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary predisposition to diseases of cartilage tissue;
- Old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Joint operations.
Additionally, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Even if seemingly insignificant symptoms bother you, don't ignore them.
- Pain that subsides with rest (manifested by loading on the joint and climbing stairs);
- Restricted mobility and cracking in the joint;
- Muscle tension in the joints;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the joint area, progressive deformation of the joint (swelling occurs only during exacerbations and is accompanied by aching, not acute pain).
All of this can be the manifestation of a serious illness: osteoarthritis!Contact your doctor!He will make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Please note that without treatment, a joint susceptible to osteoarthritis can not only collapse, but also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.For this reason, herniated intervertebral discs or osteoarthritis of other joints occur.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis includes:
- Examination by a doctor;
- Radiography;
- CT scan;
- Blood test (in case of osteoarthritis, ESR is sharply increased);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis involves:
- Take pain relievers (pain relievers);
- Take anti-inflammatory medications;
- The stage of restoration of cartilage tissue involves taking drugs containing chondroprotectors.To achieve results, you need to take medications according to an individually selected regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetotherapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the period of remission;
- Intra-articular injections course.
Osteoarthritis prevention
Osteoarthritis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the appearance of osteoarthritis of the joints, you should: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high heels, do not sit cross-legged, get rid of excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do gymnastics.