What is osteoarthritis: its types, symptoms and treatment methods

Arthrosis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, expressed in damage to cartilaginous tissue and joints.About a third of elderly people are diagnosed with this condition.Therefore, it is worth knowing which specialist to contact and how to treat this disease.

Types of osteoarthritis

The parameter by which arthrosis is divided into types is location.Based on this, experts have compiled the following classification of the disease:

• Spondyloarthrosis.Spinal osteoarthritis affects one or more vertebrae in the spine.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is excessive stress on a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as are other postural disorders.
• Discovered osteoarthritis.Cervical osteoarthritis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, which is why it is more frequently diagnosed in the elderly.

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder osteoarthritis is quite common in the population, especially in men.Two-thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis have deformity in the arm joints.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of osteoarthritis.The disease is also called Heberden's nodules.More common in women during menopause.
• Coxarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the hip joints usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.However, if there is joint dysplasia (congenital disorders of bone structure), the disease can also be found in young people.
• Gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joints is one of the most common types.People over 45 are more susceptible to this.The disease is more common among women than men.
• Ankle osteoarthritis.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises, and similar problems are precursors to this group of diseases.It occurs in all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary polyosteoarthrosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by general weakening of the ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause against the background of general arthrosis of the extremities.

The mechanism of development of arthrosis

In its normal state, cartilage has a smooth surface and is also quite flexible.Thanks to this, the articular surfaces can move relative to each other without difficulty.In other words, healthy cartilage provides the necessary level of shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles and ligaments.

As a result of osteoarthritis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes increasingly rough and friction occurs when the joints move.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage, eventually entering the joint cavity and fluid.

Furthermore, the cartilage becomes increasingly rigid, until it ossifies.Cysts form in the central and deep zones, coming into direct contact with the joints.

This ensures constant damage to the capsule and synovial membrane of the joint, causing it to thicken.Over time, the structure of the bones itself also becomes damaged - they become deformed and peculiar protrusions appear at the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the occurrence of fibrous injuries.The likelihood of damage to the ligamentous-muscular system increases (sprains, tears, ruptures).With significant cartilage destruction, movement is severely limited and the formation of ankylosis is a common occurrence.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of osteoarthritis are varied and multifaceted.However, there are groups of factors that increase the chances of developing the disease:

• age over 60 years;
• obesity and large body weight, which increases stress on the joints;
• failure to comply with safety precautions and work regulations;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• poisoning by certain toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions at the place of residence and work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

Primary osteoarthritis

Primary arthrosis is a consequence that occurs as a result of the interruption of regenerative processes, increased degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the joint without accompanying abnormalities in the functioning of the body as a whole.

As a rule, primary arthrosis occurs as a result of hereditary factors:

• Composition of cartilaginous tissue.A genetic disorder in the composition of the tissue that makes up cartilage, which accelerates destruction, is a direct prerequisite for osteoarthritis.The faster the cartilage is affected, the greater the likelihood of the disease occurring.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it leads to traumatization of a specific area of the cartilage joint tissue, which in turn leads to disease.
• Heredity.Osteoarthritis has a high chance of being hereditary.If at least one of the parents has this disease, it is worth paying more attention to the child's joints.

Secondary osteoarthritis

As already mentioned, secondary osteoarthritis does not occur by itself;is always preceded by some factor:

• Mechanical damage to the joint.Trauma, intra-articular bone fracture, constant excessive load and many other factors have an extremely high chance of causing subsequent illness.An aggravating factor is insufficient or absent treatment.
• Surgical intervention.It is not so much the operation itself, but rather the medical error that can cause damage to the joint or cartilage.
• Joint disease.Arthrosis often occurs as a result of an inflammatory process: arthritis, synovitis.Also, read how osteoarthritis differs from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system that disrupt the blood supply to the joint can lead to osteoarthritis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also prerequisites for the disease.

Secondary arthrosis occurs as a result of pathological processes or as a consequence of partial destruction of the articular surface due to damage by external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary arthrosis is expressed in the dynamics and prerequisites of the disease: in the primary type, the disease occurs slowly and naturally, while in the secondary type, a trigger is needed for development.

Symptoms

Arthrosis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is the hallmark of the disease.In osteoarthritis, pain occurs during movement or when there is a strong load on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but tolerable.However, as time passes, the symptoms become more intense and, eventually, the pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Crunching.Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by a crushing sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom occurs as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and subsequent rubbing of the bones.If a person's joints are cracking, this is still no reason to panic.In osteoarthritis, the crisis is quite specific - rough and dry.Therefore, you should not make an appointment with a specialist, barely cracking your joints.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Stiffness of movements.As osteoarthritis develops, it increasingly limits movement due to ossification and destruction of cartilage.
• Change in the appearance of the joint.One of the accompanying symptoms is deformation of the inflamed joint.A person with osteoarthritis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that have been sharp throughout life have become more rounded.
• Inflammation of soft tissues.However, osteoarthritis can cause not only joint deformation, but also inflammation of the soft tissues, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid around the cartilage (effusion).

Stages of osteoarthritis

The process of developing osteoarthritis includes three stages:

• Arthrosis of the first stage is characterized by minor pain during movement and light loads on the affected joint.However, already from the first stage, a change in the structure and composition of the cartilaginous tissue begins.
• From the second stage onwards, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.The manifestations of pain become more and more noticeable, a loud and distinct crack appears.
• The most severe stage of osteoarthritis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the joints also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: the pain bothers the joints even at rest, the person can no longer make the usual movements and visually the joints become less and less attractive.

The third stage of arthrosis leads to complete destruction of the joint, accompanied by neoarthrosis (unnatural partial mobility) or even complete loss of mobility.As a rule, at the end of the third stage of arthrosis, specialists decide on radical intervention - endoprosthetics of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Untimely and incorrect (or absent) treatment of arthrosis can lead to many unpleasant consequences.This is not only the complete destruction of the affected joint, but also a change in the biomechanics of the spine, which can lead to the appearance of hernias in the intervertebral discs and the spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of the disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformity;
• joint destruction;
• violation of the biomechanics of the spine and other joints;
• intervertebral disc herniation;
• inability to perform movements;
• decrease in the patient's standard of living;
• the patient becomes incapacitated.

Specialist and diagnosis

If you discover symptoms inherent to osteoarthritis, the first specialist a person needs to consult is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will take an anamnesis, perform a general examination and send the patient for examination, including:

• X-ray (usually in two projections), necessary to detect specific signs of arthrosis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to study the bone structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), necessary to determine the condition of soft tissues.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedist can prescribe treatment himself or, if aggravating circumstances are detected, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Osteoarthritis treatment rarely includes only one method of therapy.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a series of measures, from adequate nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases in which surgical intervention is indicated are also not uncommon.

General recommendations

The treatment of osteoarthritis, in addition to specific measures, includes several fundamental recommendations:

• reduce the load on the painful joint to the minimum possible;
• literal adherence to the regimen established by the orthopedist;
• a rational and properly formulated diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Drugs

Medications for osteoarthritis are recommended quite frequently.As a rule, these are the following types of medicines:

• Anti-inflammatory medications.At the initial stage of treatment, the first tasks that need to be solved are the elimination of pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, involving intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Hormonal corticosteroids.Hormonal corticosteroids are indicated in the exacerbation phase of osteoarthritis.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes there are patches, ointments and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main purpose of the group of drugs is to restore cartilaginous tissue and normalize the composition of synovial fluid.The patient needs to take the medicine for a long time as the recovery process takes a long time.In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, medications may not have the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases of the disease, painkillers, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

Therapeutic exercise

Physiotherapy is often prescribed for patients with osteoarthritis, especially in combination with drug treatment.The orthopedist selects a set of exercises that must be performed in accordance with the following principles:

• No rush.The load and volume of training should increase gradually;There is no need to rush, no matter how much you want to speed up the appearance of a positive result.
• No pain.Physiotherapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise can bring discomfort, a feeling of tension and tiredness, but in no case pain.If the pain is still present, it means the exercises are being done incorrectly.
• No overvoltage.Exercises should be intense, but not forcing the patient to exert too much effort.It's worth remembering that everything is fine in moderation.
• No breaks.Only regular exercise can really benefit the joints and help overcome the disease.Classes held once a month according to your mood will not bring any effect.
• No exacerbations.Exercises should only be performed during periods of osteoarthritis remission.
• No concessions.Both problem and healthy joints should be loaded equally.

Physiotherapy

The initial stage of osteoarthritis is usually treated with medication.However, in combination with medications, physiotherapy procedures are often prescribed to enhance the effect of medications.Furthermore, with this prescription, the dosage and side effects of medications can be reduced.

For osteoarthritis, the following procedures are indicated:

• Electrophoresis.An absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed medication to act locally and in high concentrations, minimizing any side effects.It allows you to quickly relieve pain, inflammation, improves joint nutrition and promotes a series of other beneficial effects of medications.
• Ultrasound exposure.It causes a list of beneficial effects (heating, micromassage, improves capillary blood flow and tissue metabolism).In other words, the physiotherapeutic procedure aims to improve the condition of the joints and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to magnetic field.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in the damaged joint and improves metabolic processes in it.An orthopedist may prescribe general and (or) local magnetic therapy depending on the type of osteoarthritis and the patient's general health status.
• Radiation exposure.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications to other physiotherapeutic methods, but also in conjunction with others, as a way to speed up recovery.

Massage

Massage is an effective way to treat osteoarthritis due to the improvement of peripheral blood circulation in the joint.The better the blood circulation, the better the joints and cartilage are nourished with nutrients.

For arthrosis, the following massage techniques are often prescribed:

• Japanese.During the Japanese technique, point loading is practiced on certain areas of the joint - hard and painful.Loads must be strictly dosed, so it is necessary to contact a massage therapist who specializes in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish.The technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are performed with the thumbs, which also has a targeted but gentle effect.
• Swedish.The Swedish technique involves stroking and rubbing movements, as well as direct kneading of the painful joint.

The purpose of massage achieves the following objectives:

• stretch the muscles and ligaments around the painful joint;
• free muscles from venous blood;
• remove gasket deposits;
• stimulate lymph flow and blood flow;
• relieve tension;
• improve the motor function of the joint.

Food

In the case of osteoarthritis, the signature dish that should be in the diet is jellied meat - its consumption leads to the intake of gelatin into the body, which is so necessary for the normal functioning of cartilage.However, other dishes of animal origin containing cartilage are also recommended for consumption.

In addition, there is a list of dietary rules that osteoarthritis patients must follow:

• do not eat a lot at night, as this can lead not only to weight gain, but also to an attack of the disease;
• try to eat fractionally - proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• if you have a large body weight, reduce the weight so as not to overload an already painful joint;
• The daily diet should be balanced, rich in vitamins and microelements.

spa treatment

Depending on the stage of arthrosis, the patient may be indicated for sanatorium procedures using special mud:

• Local mud applications.It involves applying hot healing mud (around 40 degrees) to the affected joints for 15 to 20 minutes.The course is carried out every other day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.General application of hot mud on the human body.Around 10 procedures are required, carried out every other day.
• Mud baths with mineral water.Immersion of a person in a specific bath composed of healing mud mixed with mineral water at high temperatures (36-37 degrees).The course is conducted by analogy with applications.
• Compresses.Mud compresses of various compositions are applied to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long period of time (from half an hour).Courses range from 10 to 20 procedures.

You should not make a decision about spa treatment on your own.Before visiting the establishment, consult your treating specialist.

Additionally, other procedures are also shown:

• hydrokinesiotherapy;
• underwater traction of limbs with suspended weights;
• vibrating massage;
• reflexology;
• medicinal baths.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to improve joint mobility, as well as to remove part of the damaged cartilage or menisci.

Surgery for osteoarthritis is the last resort, which should only be used if conservative treatment methods do not bring a positive result and the patient suffers from pain, partial or complete immobility of the joint.

During the operation, a fragment of cartilage affected by arthrosis is removed, polished to give a smooth surface, cartilage growths are removed and part of the damaged ligaments is cut.

The most common surgery is:

• hip joint - partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue from the femur and pelvic bone;
• knee joint – replacement of the articular surface of the joint with metal or combined prostheses.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are not able to defeat arthrosis on their own, but they can be an excellent adjuvant.The main thing is to consult your orthopedist before use.

The most effective in folk medicine in combating the disease are ointments, compresses and baths.

Ointments

To be effective, ointments must be applied with massaging movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example overnight.

Ointment #1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 teaspoon.turpentine;
• 1 teaspoon.apple cider vinegar.

Mix all ingredients well.

Application method.The sore joint must be lubricated at night, wrapped well.Use three times a week.

Ointment #2:

• 100g of honey;
• 3 g of mummy.

Mix all ingredients well.

Application method.Apply daily at night for a week.

Compresses

For osteoarthritis, they must be warm and humid.The compress applied to the joint is covered with a film and a warm cloth.

Compress #1:

• water;
• 1 teaspoon.vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The stacked leaves need to be placed briefly over a pan of hot water to cook.

Application method.The diseased joint is lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped in leaves, wrapped in plastic wrap and a warm scarf.You need to keep it for several hours.

Compresse #2:

• 2 eggshells;
• 1 tbsp.I.fat kefir.

The powdered peels are mixed with kefir until a thick paste is formed.

Application method.The product is distributed over the sore joint, covered with linen cloth and cling film, after which the joint needs to be warmed (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

Baths

If a large joint suffers from arthrosis, warming up is indicated, and bathing is an excellent remedy for this.

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1 kilo of sea salt;
• several pine branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers;
• 2 tbsp.I.honey;
• 1 teaspoon.turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a hot water bath.This bath lasts up to half an hour.

You should not take healing baths every day - the interval between procedures should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tbsp.I.nettle;
• 3 tbsp.I.St. John's Wort;
• 2 tbsp.I.calendula;
• 3 tbsp.I.oregano;
• 1 tbsp.I.hemlock;
• 1 tbsp.I.burdock root;
• 500g of clay.

Pour boiling water over the mixed herbs and let it brew for an hour.After the time has elapsed, clay is added, the solution is mixed well and placed in a hot bath.It takes about 20 minutes to lie down in the bathroom.

Prevention measures

Despite the many reasons that cause the disease, there are also effective measures aimed at protecting a person from the occurrence of arthrosis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with proper technique, will not only help combat excess weight, but also increase blood microcirculation around the articular cartilage, enriching the cartilage with the nutrients necessary for normal functioning.
• Warm up.Joint hypothermia should be avoided.
• Nutrition.An adequate and balanced diet, containing the daily nutrient requirements, as well as vitamins and microelements, will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal weight throughout life reduces the likelihood of osteoarthritis to a minimum.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that can be contracted by many people: from athletes (among whom this is the most common disease) to lovers of an absolutely unhealthy lifestyle.But taking preventive measures, contacting the orthopedist in a timely manner and following all instructions allows, if not completely eliminating the chance of getting sick, then at least reducing the damage to a minimum.