Arthrosisa dystrophic disease of the joints that leads to the destruction of intra-articular cartilage.More than 10% of the world's population suffers from it.In 40-50% of cases, arthrosis is the primary disease.It can also appear as a secondary result of trauma, which occurs in 50-60% of cases.
Arthrosis of the joints of the lower limbs and pelvis (hip, knee, first metatarsal bone) is more often observed.Among the joints of the upper limbs, arthrosis of the joints of the phalanges of the fingers prevails.
Women suffer from arthrosis more often than men, but after the age of 65 this difference is almost imperceptible.
It is among the causes of arthrosis
- Metabolic and hormonal disorders in the human body;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the joint;
- Hereditary tendency to cartilage tissue diseases;
- old age;
- Overweight;
- Various injuries;
- Operations on joints.
In addition, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can lead to arthrosis.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Even if seemingly trivial symptoms bother you, don't ignore them.
- Pain that eases with rest (manifested by straining the joint and walking up stairs);
- Limited mobility and cracking in the joint;
- Muscle tension in the joint area;
- Periodic appearance of swelling in the area of the joint, gradual deformation of the joint (swelling appears only during exacerbations and is accompanied by painful, non-acute pain).
All of this can be a manifestation of a serious disease - arthrosis!Contact your doctor!He diagnoses and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Please note that without treatment, a joint prone to arthrosis may not only collapse on its own, but may also lead to changes in the biomechanics of the spine and other joints.This causes intervertebral disc herniation or arthrosis of other joints.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of arthrosis includes the following:
- Medical examination;
- Radiography;
- CT;
- Blood test (ESR increases sharply in case of arthrosis);
- Synovial fluid analysis;
- Histological examination of the synovium.
Treatment of arthrosis
Treatment of arthrosis includes:
- taking pain relievers (pain relievers);
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
- The stage of cartilage tissue restoration is taking drugs containing chondroprotectors.In order to achieve the results, you need to take the medicines according to an individually selected dosage regimen for several months!;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, acupuncture, relaxing massage, magnetic therapy).It should be remembered that physiotherapy is carried out only during the period of remission;
- Courses of intra-articular injections.
Prevention of arthrosis
Arthrosis is much easier to prevent than to cure.To prevent the appearance of joint arthrosis: reduce the static load on the joints, give up high-heeled shoes, do not sit with your legs crossed, get rid of excess weight, do not lift heavy objects, do not do gymnastics.