Osteoarthritis is a serious degeneration of the cartilage in the joint without inflammation. This disease is very widespread, as it is directly connected with incipient ageing processes in the body. Often they suffer slightly more than 10% of the population. Most often this disease occurs in people of middle age. Arthritis often appears in younger people as a result of broken limbs and injuries.
One of the most hazardous places — knee and phalangeal joints. The disease often occurs there. The patient for some time may not really feel pain. Pain may occur in situations where the joint affects a certain load. If the load is absent, the pain may also be absent, and the patient may not suspect that the sick.
As a result of this disease the cartilages lose their elasticity much. Overall there are 2 types of osteoarthritis.
- Primary osteoarthritis. Occurs without any special reasons. His victims are cartilage located in the joints at the same time. Most often seen in people under the age of 40 years. Because of these major changes, the cartilage begins to break down simply from the inside;
- Secondary arthrosis. In this osteoarthritis detected changes in the metabolism and circulation (blood flow and salt exchange worse). Women also frequently found hormonal disorders due to a General change in hormonal levels.
Thus, who often suffers from arthritis:
- People who are overweight;
- People with congenital predisposition to the disease;
- Elderly;
- The people who work in hazardous jobs with high stress;
- People with metabolic disorders and micronutrient deficiencies in the body;
- People who have suffered various injuries;
- Some athletes.
Also share the degree of arthrosis according to the severity of the disease.
- The manifestation of arthritis of the first degree is not accompanied by any visible symptoms. Pain can occur not only during physical activity. However, irreversible changes and the weakening of the muscular system are already at this point;
- Arthrosis of the second degree. This stage is quite serious and is associated with the irreversible deformation of the joint and the first appearance of osteophytes. Pain that is felt by the patient, more tolerant, but evident. In affected joints there is a rustling. Violated muscle function;
- Arthrosis of the third degree. The most difficult stage of development. The cartilage at this time already severely depleted. Muscles under torn cartilage significantly lose their ability to contract.
Signs of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis has the following generalized signs:
- Cider pain, worse from cold and in wet weather;
- The joint is deformed and greatly increased in volume;
- Increased temperature of the skin around the diseased joint, and also may increase the temperature of the whole body;
- There is swelling, there are painful swelling;
- During physical activity and the appearance of any loads (like climbing stairs), the joint starts to crackle and creak.
If during the illness the blood stagnates, and intra-bone pressure increases, the pain may be less portable.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is commonly attributed to a group of chronic diseases. It can often occur for several years, manifesting only mild discomfort during the tension of the muscles and joints. But it so happens that for the rapid development of the disease is enough for several months. Therefore, the appearance of these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor.
- Occurs aching pain. Most often it manifests itself during stress;
- Aching and cracking. An ache is most often seen at low temperatures. Crunch at first, almost inaudible, but with the development of the disease it can become audible even to others;
- Appear swelling. This symptom is typical for this disease — arthritis. This is accompanied by an unpleasant aching pain.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
Prevention of this disease is necessary for anyone with at least a predisposition to it. First of all, do not forget about physical activity, as well mashed the joint remains more fluid and the muscles retain their ability to correctly decline. Do not forget about proper nutrition and use of vitamins.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
The treatment of this disease is still a pressing problem which puzzled the doctors. Although we have developed a large amount of drugs that completely cure the disease fails to any of them. Listed below are the medications and their purpose.
- Ibuprofen, diclofenac and other NSAIDs. These medications can significantly reduce inflammation. Diclofenac used for lubrication of external part of the patient's joint;
- The current introduction of special drugs into the joint. These drugs are characterized by rapid elimination of the inflammatory process and the normalization of mobility;
- Introduction inside of the joint special "lubricants" such as hyaluronic acid. This measure applies after it had been eliminated all inflammatory processes. Acid acts as a lubricant, significantly reduces friction of joints and improves mobility.
Surgery in the exacerbation of the disease
If medicines do not help, have to resort to surgery. Among them, the most effective are listed below.
- Arthroplasty. Is a complete replacement of the cartilage of the joint is a specially made gasket. The result of this operation reduces pain and improves mobility;
- Arthroscopy. Prevents joint destruction. The result of the operation are removed, inflammation;
- Prosthetics. In this case, all the parts of the joint is completely replaced with artificial components. These components are made from materials that do not reiciendis body. The service life of the prosthesis in an average of 10 years.
When the disease is aggravated, you should not delay surgical intervention because of progressive arthritis can very seriously affect mobility.
After the adoption of the medicines and operations should not forget about exercise. The results of such exercises should be to prevent the weakening of the ligaments. About the range of exercises it is best to consult with your doctor. An experienced doctor will select the exercises that you will perform a week later after disappearance of pain. The result of the exercise, you will restore mobility, increase the flexibility and strength of the muscles and the joints.