Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joints, in which their nutrition is disrupted and their structures are destroyed. This disease develops slowly and is associated with progressive wear and tear on the joints and slower recovery processes throughout life. Most often it develops in people over 40 years old, and by the age of 80 it manifests itself to one degree or another in almost all people. The resulting mobility limitations lead to disability over time.
Timely contact with specialists will help maintain freedom of movement for many years.
About the disease
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of movable bone joints. When this happens, tissue nutrition is disrupted and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the destruction and the bone tissue becomes harder and begins to grow. Of course, compensatory growth leads to deformation of the joint, disruption of its function and pain.
In different regions of our planet, 10 to 20% of people suffer from osteoarthritis. It often turns out that a person is treated independently, without the help of a doctor. This leads to deterioration and disability. While a well-chosen treatment relieves suffering and slows the progression of the disease.
Causes of the appearance and development of osteoarthritis
- the habit of moving a little,
- prolonged stationary standing (found in some professions),
- increased physical activity (certain sports, professional sports),
- age,
- bad eating habits
- Overweight,
- bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking),
- disorders in the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems (thyroid disease, lack of sex hormones),
- metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis),
- blood circulation disorders (venous insufficiency),
- heredity.
These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage that covers the joint bone surfaces. There is less cartilage tissue, the cartilage becomes thinner and begins to crack, and the secretion of synovial fluid (lubricant) decreases. The surfaces of the bone begin to rub against each other where the cartilage tissue has broken down. In response, bone tissue grows and the joint becomes deformed and loses mobility.
Classification
Depending on the origin, osteoarthritis is divided intoprimary and secondary. Primary is a disease that develops in an intact joint in the absence of previous damage, for example due to excessive physical activity. Second, the disease affects joint tissues after injury or as a result of changes associated with other joint diseases.
Most often, this disease affects the legs (knee, first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, hip) and the fingers. In addition to them, osteoarthritis of the spine is widespread. The most serious disease is considered to be the hip joint (coxarthrosis), and the most common is the knee (gonarthrosis).
Developmental stages
Stages of disease development according to the Kellgren-Lawrence clinical and radiological classification:
- Stage I: There is discomfort and pain when walking. There are no radiological changes.
- Stage II: There is a slight dull pain during prolonged walking, an infrequent crunch when bending the limbs. On the x-ray: a barely noticeable narrowing of the joint space, small osteophytes (growths along the edges of the joint) doubtful.
- Stage III: Pain and stiffness intensify in the morning. The pain worsens with movement. X-ray: slight narrowing of the joint space, rare osteophytes.
- Stage IV: Muscle and bone pain occurs at any time of the day. Swelling may appear and pain increases. On radiography: moderate narrowing of the joint space, pronounced osteophytes, changes in the bone surface and compaction of bone tissue under the cartilaginous tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
- Stage V: Dull, constant pain, which intensifies with movement, strong "crunching" during movement, deformation of the joints, muscle atrophy. Radiographically: severely narrowed joint space, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, pronounced deformation of the surfaces.
Doctors will help relieve discomfort, conduct a comprehensive examination and select individual treatment, taking into account gender, age, metabolic level, concomitant diseases and other characteristics of each client.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis progresses gradually: discomfort may appear for the first time several years after the start of the destructive process or when inflammation appears.
Early signs include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After prolonged relaxation (at night), slight stiffness is felt in the morning. Aching, dull "starting pains" appear, i. e. movements that arise at first after a break and subside after a certain activity. Due to the fact that the symptoms are not very pronounced, people at this stage rarely consult specialists. Although now is the easiest time to stop the development of osteoarthritis.
Over time, the pain increases and ceases to subside, interferes with night sleep and intensifies with weather changes. There is a feeling of pain in the bones, muscles and joints begin to hurt. This disease most often affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue appears quickly when walking, mobility decreases (stiffness).
Often people lose the feeling of security in their arms and legs and their gait becomes unsteady. During movement, a loud "crunching" sound occurs in the legs (exposed bony surfaces rub against each other). The joints become deformed. Due to the restriction of movement, adjacent muscles tense less, causing them to atrophy (decrease in volume). Weakened muscles lead to an increasingly unsteady gait.
The hands are most often affected by osteoarthritis following injuries or chronic inflammation. The deformation of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square and growths form on the fingers (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes).
Clear signals of the need for osteoarthritis treatment are joint deformities, persistent pain in the arms and legs, swelling, impaired motor function and unstable gait.
If you experience the symptoms described, contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are always ready to help you, conduct a comprehensive examination and give comprehensive answers to all your questions. Thanks to the recommendations of competent doctors, you will be able to maintain your usual rhythm of life.
Diagnostic
Instrumental diagnostic methods are usually used to assess the condition of joint surfaces and cartilage. The most informative are: x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).
A diagnostic examination for doctors does not present any difficulties - joint changes are clearly seen in the photographs. Thanks to them, the doctor determines the stage of osteoarthritis and the degree of its progression.
Arthroscopy (endoscopy of the joint using a flexible probe) may be prescribed as an additional diagnostic method. The doctor examines the surface of the joint from the inside, can take material to analyze the synovial fluid and perform a minimally invasive procedure (remove small bone fragments).
For laboratory diagnostics, general, biochemical and immunological blood tests are carried out. They determine the general condition of the patient, the presence of an inflammatory process, metabolic disorders and exclude other joint diseases.
Treatment
To relieve pain, slow down the process of destruction and, if possible, establish restorative processes in the tissues of the joint, conservative therapy is used. It can be used:
Drug therapy: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers are prescribed to reduce and relieve inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants (to relieve muscle tension), vitamin complexes and chondroprotectors can be used. In each case, the choice of drugs is made individually, depending on the characteristics of the person and the disease.
Nutritional correction: it is necessary to organize nutritious and regular meals. With the help of the doctor, the client draws up a list of products and a detailed diet. All that remains is to follow the chosen path.
Injection therapy: injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint space, PRP therapy (injection of human plasma into the joints to accelerate recovery processes), etc.
Ozone therapy in various forms and routes of administration to stimulate metabolic processes in cells and improve oxygen absorption. It is particularly effective in relieving pain, reducing inflammation and stimulating natural tissue renewal and repair.
Physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis (combination of drugs with ultrasound waves), thermal baths, massages, etc.
Applications: application of gels, ointments and other special medications to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of basic therapy.
Therapeutic exercise: the doctor offers the client a set of exercises aimed at restoring joint function. Pool exercises have a beneficial effect.
Hirudotherapy: use of leeches. Their saliva contains substances that activate the dilation of blood vessels, which improves metabolism. Other substances in saliva can clean the joint cavity by dissolving dead tissue.
Orthotics: wearing and using special structures - orthotics (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).
Taping: fixing with adhesive tapes.
In some cases, surgery is necessary. The clinic successfully carries out such effective operations in the field of hip and knee joints as:
- arthroscopy
- endoprostheses
In most cases, after this operation, the signs disappear, the pain disappears and freedom of movement gradually returns. Signs of the disease diminish and usually do not reappear in the absence of provoking factors.
The modern clinic has modern operating rooms in which complex operations are performed using expert-class endoscopes. Our doctors have the opportunity to help even in difficult cases.
Benefits of visiting a professional clinic
- Qualification of specialists. Experienced and competent doctors are specialists of the highest category, candidates of medical sciences. They follow the latest advances in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experiences with colleagues and abroad and carry out scientific activities.
- Excellent clinical and laboratory facilities. Modern clinics have the most modern, efficient and safe equipment for successfully diagnosing, treating and implementing preventive measures. The clinical diagnostic laboratory allows you to quickly carry out laboratory tests.
- Fast and efficient diagnosis. The excellent equipment of the clinics allows us to carry out a wide range of diagnostic methods: MRI, CT scan, X-ray and other very informative studies are carried out, allowing us to make a diagnosis and obtain detailed data on the condition of the joints, in particular, and the body in general.
- A complex approach. In a modern clinic, the practice of consultation between doctors of different specialties is widespread to achieve the best therapeutic result.
- Effective therapy. An integrated, comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a large number of cutting-edge methods.
- Individual approach. Prescribe therapy taking into account the client's gender and age, as well as other characteristics.
Osteoarthritis prevention
To minimize pain and maintain normal working conditions, you must:
- follow the doctor's recommendations,
- control body weight (each additional kilo increases the risk of deterioration),
- eliminate or minimize intense physical activity,
- do physiotherapy exercises regularly,
- avoid injuries: use specific protective elements (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and gradually increase the load,
- use corrective devices and treatment methods (bandages, orthotics) as recommended,
- undergo regular examinations, preventive courses and monitor the state of the disease.
Correct treatment and compliance with the recommendations of the treating specialist will help stop the progression of the disease and maintain mobility. If you have problems with your joints, go to the hospital. Our doctors will help you get rid of pain and cracking in the joints and choose treatment to restore motor function. Timely start of treatment allows complete restoration of joints, and preventive treatments will help you lead a normal life without joint pain!
FAQs
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?
In osteoarthritis, the cause of tissue destruction is insufficient nutrition (disruption of metabolic processes) and, as a result, compensatory compaction and proliferation of joint bone surfaces. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, which is the main cause of tissue damage.
The chronic inflammatory process gradually turns into nutritional and metabolic disorders, i. e. arthritis with frequent exacerbations develops into osteoarthritis, passing through a mixed intermediate stage, in which signs of both diseases appear.
Is osteoarthritis a curable disease?
The later the disease is detected, the less likely it is to recover completely. But in any case and at any stage you can stop the disease and maximally relieve pain and other unpleasant sensations.
Is it worth warming up in a sauna/bath if you have osteoarthritis?
Warming up is useful and is part of the complex treatment of osteoarthritis. But you need to consult your doctor first. If there is a local or general inflammatory process in the body, warming procedures are contraindicated - they will increase inflammation, and dilated blood vessels will spread inflammation throughout the body.
Is osteoarthritis a contraindication to military service?
It depends on the severity of the disease. A contraindication may be reduced mobility and joint function.
Can children get osteoarthritis?
Yes, this is possible after injuries and other joint diseases.
Is it possible to cure osteoarthritis at home using folk remedies?
There is a possibility, but without specialized examination and qualified recommendations, the risk of worsening your condition is much higher.
What is the most dangerous thing in osteoarthritis?
Tissue destruction results in constant pain, decreased motor function, and disability. Is it possible to independently determine whether you have osteoarthritis?
Knowing the symptoms, one can assume the presence of a disease, but the diagnosis is made by a doctor after an instrumental and laboratory diagnostic examination.