What is arthrosis: its types, symptoms and methods of treatment

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

Types of arthrosis

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 of the spinal column.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is too much stress on a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of disease, as are other postural disorders.
• Uncovertebral arthrosis.Cervical arthrosis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body, so most often it is diagnosed in elderly people.

• Arthrosis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder arthrosis is quite common among the population, especially in men.Two thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis experience deformity of the arm joints.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Arthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of arthrosis.The disease is also called Heberden's nodes.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), then 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 years of age are most susceptible to it.The disease is more common among women than among men.
• Ankle arthrosis.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises and similar problems are harbingers of this group of diseases.It occurs among all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary polyosteoarthrosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by general weakening of ligaments and muscle dystrophy.It occurs in women during menopause against the background of general arthrosis of the extremities.

The mechanism of arthrosis development

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 arthrosis, over time the surface of the cartilage becomes more and more rough, and friction occurs when the joints move.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage, eventually entering the joint cavity and fluid.

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

This ensures constant injury to the capsule and synovium of the joint, causing them 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 lesions.The likelihood of damage to the ligamentous-muscular system increases (sprains, tears, ruptures).With significant destruction of cartilage, movements are sharply limited, and the formation of ankylosis is a common occurrence.

Causes and risk factors

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

• age exceeding 60 years;
• obesity and large body weight, which creates increased stress on the joints;
• non-compliance with safety precautions and work regulations;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• poisoning with certain toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions in the place of residence and work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

Primary arthrosis

Primary arthrosis is a consequence that occurs as a result of disruption of regenerative processes, increased degeneration of the cartilage 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 cartilage tissue.A genetic disorder in the composition of the tissue that makes up cartilage, which accelerates destruction, is a direct prerequisite for arthrosis.The faster the cartilage is affected, the higher the likelihood of the disease occurring.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it leads to traumatization of a specific area of cartilage joint tissue, which, in turn, ultimately leads to disease.
• Heredity.Arthrosis has a high chance of being inherited.If at least one of the parents has this disease, then it is worth paying increased attention to the child’s joints.

Secondary arthrosis

As already mentioned, secondary arthrosis does not occur on its own; it 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 a subsequent disease.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.Additionally, read how arthrosis differs from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system that disrupt the blood supply to the joint can lead to arthrosis.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis, etc.
• Autoimmune disease.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and others are also a prerequisite 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 from external influences.

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

Symptoms

Arthrosis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is the hallmark of the disease.For arthrosis, pain occurs when moving or when there is a strong load on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but tolerable.However, over time, the symptoms become more intense, and eventually pain will accompany the patient even at rest.
• Crunch.Arthrosis is often accompanied by a crunching sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom occurs as a result of the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and subsequent friction of the bones.If a person’s joints are cracking, this is not yet a reason to panic.With arthrosis, the crunch 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 arthrosis develops, it increasingly limits movement due to ossification and destruction of cartilage.
• Change in appearance of the joint.One of the accompanying symptoms is deformation of the inflamed joint.A person with arthrosis may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that have been sharp throughout their lives have become more rounded.
• Inflammation of soft tissues.However, arthrosis 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 arthrosis

The process of arthrosis development 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 cartilage tissue begins.
• Starting from the second stage, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.Manifestations of pain become more and more noticeable, a loud and distinct crunch appears.
• The most severe stage of arthrosis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.Visually, the joints also begin to change.At the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: 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 (partial unnatural 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, incorrect (or absent) treatment of arthrosis can lead to a lot of 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;
• herniated intervertebral discs;
• inability to carry out movements;
• decrease in the patient's standard of living;
• the patient becomes disabled.

Specialist and diagnostics

If you discover symptoms inherent in arthrosis, the first specialist a person needs to visit is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will collect anamnesis, conduct a general examination and refer 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 either prescribe treatment himself, or, if aggravating circumstances are detected, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

Treatment

Treatment of arthrosis rarely includes only one method of therapy.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a whole range of measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases where surgical intervention is indicated are also not uncommon.

General recommendations

Treatment of arthrosis, in addition to specific measures, includes several fundamental recommendations:

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

Drugs

Medicines for arthrosis are indicated quite often.As a rule, these are the following types of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.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 at the stage of exacerbation of arthrosis.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 cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of synovial fluid.The patient needs to take the drug for a long time, since the recovery process takes a lot of time.In advanced cases of arthrosis, drugs may not give the expected effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases of the disease, analgesics, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

Therapeutic exercise

Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients with arthrosis, especially in combination with drug treatment.The orthopedist selects a set of exercises that need to 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 would like to speed up the onset of a positive result.
• No pain.Physical therapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise may bring discomfort, a feeling of tension and fatigue, but in no case pain.If pain is still present, it means the exercises are being done incorrectly.
• No overvoltage.Exercises should be intense, but not forcing the patient to overexert themselves.It is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation.
• No breaks.Only regular exercise can truly 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 be performed only during periods of remission of arthrosis.
• No concessions.Both the problematic and healthy joints should be loaded equally.

Physiotherapy

The early stage of arthrosis is usually treated with medication.However, in combination with medications, physiotherapy procedures are often prescribed to increase the effect of the medications.In addition, with this prescription, the dosage and side effects of drugs can be reduced.

For arthrosis, the following procedures are indicated:

• Electrophoresis.An absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed drug to act locally and in high concentrations while minimizing any side effects.Allows you to quickly relieve pain, inflammation, improves joint nutrition and promotes a number of other beneficial effects from medications.
• Exposure to ultrasound.Causes a list of beneficial effects (warming, micromassage, improves capillary blood flow and metabolism in tissues).In other words, the physiotherapy procedure is aimed at improving the condition of the joint 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 arthrosis and the general health of the patient.
• Radiation exposure.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only in cases where there are contraindications to other physiotherapeutic methods, but also in addition to others, as a means of accelerating recovery.

Massage

Massage is an effective way to treat arthrosis due to the improvement of peripheral blood circulation in the joint.The better the blood circulation, the better the nutrition of the joint and cartilage 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 you need to contact a massage therapist who specializes in Japanese techniques.
• Finnish.The technique is characterized by the fact that the majority of movements are carried out with the thumbs, which also has a targeted but soft effect.
• Swedish.The Swedish technique involves stroking and rubbing movements, as well as direct kneading of the sore joint.

The purpose of massage achieves the following goals:

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

Nutrition

In case of arthrosis, 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 animal dishes containing cartilage are also recommended for consumption.

In addition, there is a list of dietary rules that patients with arthrosis should adhere to:

• do not eat heavily 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 weight so as not to add stress to an already sore 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-resort procedures using special mud:

• Local mud applications.It involves applying healing hot (about 40 degrees) mud to the affected joints for 15-20 minutes.The course is carried out every other day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.General application of hot mud to the human body.About 10 procedures are required, carried out every other day.
• Mud baths with mineral water.Immersion of a person in a specific bath consisting of healing mud mixed with mineral water at elevated 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, be sure to consult with your treating specialist.

In addition, other procedures are also shown:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• underwater limb traction with hanging weights;
• vibration massage;
• reflexology;
• medicinal baths.

Surgery

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

Surgery for arthrosis is a last resort, which should be resorted to only if conservative treatment methods have not brought 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, it is polished to give a smooth surface, cartilage growths are removed, and part of the damaged ligaments is cut off.

The most common surgery is:

• hip joint - partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue of 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 with your orthopedist before use.

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

Ointments

For them to have an effect, ointments must be applied with massage movements and left on the skin for a long time, for example, overnight.

Ointment No. 1:

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

Mix all ingredients well.

Method of application.The sore joint should be lubricated at night, wrapped well.Use three times a week.

Ointment No. 2:

• 100 g honey;
• 3 g mummy.

Mix all ingredients well.

Method of application.Apply daily at night for a week.

Compresses

For arthrosis, they should be warm and moist.The compress applied to the joint is covered with a film and a warm cloth.

Compress No. 1:

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

The stacked leaves need to be briefly held over a pan of hot water to steam.

Method of application.The diseased joint is lubricated with vegetable oil, wrapped in leaves, wrapped in cling film and a warm scarf.You need to keep it for several hours.

Compress No. 2:

• 2 eggshells;
• 1 tbsp.l.fat kefir.

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

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

Baths

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

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• several pine branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers;
• 2 tbsp.l.honey;
• 1 tsp.turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a bath of hot water.This bath lasts for 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.l.nettle;
• 3 tbsp.l.St. John's wort;
• 2 tbsp.l.calendula;
• 3 tbsp.l.oregano;
• 1 tbsp.l.hemlock;
• 1 tbsp.l.burdock root;
• 500 g clay.

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

Prevention measures

Despite the many reasons that cause the disease, there are also effective measures designed to protect a person from the occurrence of arthrosis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with proper technique, will not only help in the fight against excess weight, but will also increase blood microcirculation around the articular cartilage, thereby enriching the cartilage with the nutrients necessary for normal functioning.
• Warm.Hypothermia of the joints should be avoided.
• Nutrition.A proper, balanced diet containing the daily requirement of nutrients, 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 arthrosis to a minimum.

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