Arthosis is a disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the joint due to the development of distributing changes in the tissues.According to who, every tenth resident of the planet faces this problem.After 50 years, the risk of occurrence of the disease is approximately 30%, and in 70 years it reaches 80-90%.

General Information
Arthosis is a long -term chronic process that affects not only joints.As you advance, the distributing and degenerative changes are also surprising the auxiliary apparatus.In the process, the patient faces the inflammation of the cartilage and bone tissue, the articulation capsule and the periosteemial bag, as well as muscles, ligaments and subcutaneous tissue in contact with them.
Regardless of the location, the pathological process goes according to a single scheme.First, in the thickness of the fabric, the balance between the processes of growth and destruction of the cartilage is altered, and the balance is changed in favor of dystrophy and reverse development (degeneration).At this time, invisible changes for the eye in cartilage microstructure are produced, which leads to its thinning and cracking.
As the disease progresses, the articulation loses its elasticity and becomes denser.This reduces its ability to depreciate, the tissue damage rate constantly increases due to vibration and microtrauma during movements.The thinning of the cartilaginous layer causes the active growth of bone structures, as a result of which the peaks and shelves are developed on the smooth surface of the joint: osteoarthrosis develops.The movements become increasingly limited and painful.Spasms of the muscles surrounding the affected area are developed, which exacerbates the pain and deforms the limb.
Stages of the disease
The osteoarthritis of the joints develops gradually and in the process three sequential stages that determine the seriousness of the disease:
- Stage 1: Pathology is not detected in an X -rays or ultrasound, but destruction processes have already been launched;The composition of changes in joint fluid, as a result of which tissues are obtained less than nutritional creatures and become more sensitive;The increase in load in the damage area causes inflammation (arthritis) and pain;
- The second stage is characterized by the active destruction of the cartilage fabric, and bone spikes and growths appear along the edges of the joint platform (surface contact area);At this time, pain becomes familiar and inflammatory processes become stronger or weaker;The spasms associated with the articulation of the muscles are observed periodically;
- Stage 3: The areas of destruction affect almost the entire surface of the cartilage, the joint platform is deformed, the injured limb deviates from its axis;The volume of movements is reduced, and the ligaments are weakening and turns short.
Some experts also distinguish stage IV of osteoarthritis development.It is characterized by the almost complete immobility of the joint.
Guys
Depending on the cause of the disease, primary and secondary osteoarthritis are distinguished.In the first case, the pathology arises independently in the context of an integral effect of the predisposing factors.The secondary form is the result of other diseases and is divided into the following groups:
- Damage to the joints that occurred due to metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases (gout, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism);
- Destruction associated with congenital pathologies (pedget disease, congenital dislocation of lips, scoliosis, hemophilia, etc.);
- Post -trumatic osteoarthritis, which arose in the context of fractures, cracks, necrotic processes or surgical operations, as well as due to the characteristics of the profession.
The greatest demand is the classification of osteoarthritis, depending on the location of the pathological process:
- Gonarrosis: knee injury, one of the varieties of which is the osteoarthritis of palettes, the destruction of the joint between the femoral bone and the kneecap;
- Ankle joint osteoarthritis: occurs at the bottom of a large load and frequent lesions;
- Ostrosis of the joint joints: the thumb often suffers in the union with the foot;The defeat develops in the context of the deformation of the drop or the valo;
- Shoulder osteoarthritis is characterized by shoulder damage and is often at an early age in a context of greater physical activity (motors, athletes, builders);
- Coksarrosis: damage to the hip joint;Perhaps both one -Led and bilateral and is one of the frequent causes of disability in people over 50;
- Vertebral osteoarthritis: the destruction of cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae, most often affects the cervical and lumbar column;
- Brush joint osteoarthritis: fingertips are most frequently affected, pathologies are especially susceptible to women in menopause;
- Testing articulation osteoarthritis: it is quite rare, more frequently in the context of chronic inflammation due to inappropriate bite or prostheses disorders;
- Opode joint osteoarthritis: a rare form of the disease, more frequently associated with injuries in this area.
The reasons for development
The main factor in the development of osteoarthritis is the mismatch between the test and the capacity of the articulation articulation to resist this load.Acute or chronic, this process inevitably leads to tissue destruction.
The list of causes that increase the risk of osteoarthritis of any location includes:
- inheritance;
- Endocrine pathology (diabetes);
- Joint device injuries: bruises, dislocations, fractures or bone cracks inside the joint bag, complete or partial ligament breaks that penetrate wounds;
- Regular increase in articular load associated with the profession;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- Inflammatory diseases transferred: acute arthritis, tuberculosis, etc.;
- Blood diseases in which hemorrhages of articulation (hemophilia) often occur;
- acute changes in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Local circulatory disorders in relation to atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, etc.;
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.);
- Dyplasia of connective tissue (congenital pathology, accompanied, including the excessive mobility of the joints);
- Congenital pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, dysplasia or congenital dislocation of the hip joint, etc.);
- age greater than 45-50 years (the increase in risk is associated with a decrease in collagen synthesis);
- osteoporosis (bone vacuum);
- Chronic body poisoning (including heavy metal salts, drugs, alcohol);
- Surgical interventions in the joints.
Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis practically regardless of its cause and location, since the changes in the joints go according to the same scenario.The disease develops gradually and begins to manifest, and when the cartilage is quite damaged.
One of the first signs of dysfunction is crunch in the problem area during movement.Most of the time, it occurs when the knee or shoulder are damaged.At the same time, a person can feel a slight decrease in mobility after prolonged inaction, for example, in the morning.
When asked what symptoms appeared with osteoarthritis, most patients first call pain.At first, insignificant and weak, gradually gains strength, preventing it from moving normally.Depending on the scenario and the location of the pathology, a person can feel:
- Starting pains: They occur during the first movements after prolonged inaction of the joint and are associated with the surface formation of the cartilage of the thin film of the destroyed fabric;After the beginning of work, the film changes and discomfort disappears;
- Pain with prolonged physical effort (standing, walking, running, etc.): It appears due to a decrease in disorganization properties of the joint joint;
- Meteorological pain: caused by low temperature, humidity, changes in atmospheric pressure;
- Night pain: associated with venous stagnation and greater blood pressure inside the bones;
- Articulation block: acute and severe pain associated with the violation of a piece of cartilage or bone located in the joint cavity.
As osteoarthritis develops, the symptoms become more notable, the patient points to the following signs:
- an increase in morning rigidity;
- strengthen and increase the duration of pain;
- decrease in mobility;
- joint deformation due to bone growth;
- Deformation of bones and surrounding tissues: the process is very remarkable in the limbs and fingers of the hands, which become remarkably curved.
When inflammation is attached, the affected area swells, blushed and heated to the touch.Pressing it causes a strong increase in pain.

Analysis and diagnoses
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is dedicated to the orthopedic doctor.Performs a detailed survey of the patient to identify complaints and anamnesis.The doctor in detail about the moment of the appearance of the first signs and the speed of their development, injuries and diseases, the presence of similar problems in family members.
A general blood analysis allows you to identify an inflammatory process, which often accompanies arthrosis.
The main diagnostic method is radiography.In the image, the following signs are clearly visualized:
- narrowing of the joint gap;
- Change contours of contact bones;
- disturbed bone structure in the affected area;
- Bone growths (osteophytes);
- curvature of the axis of the limb or finger;
- Subluxation of the joint.
For a more detailed diagnosis, they can be prescribed:
- Computed tomography (CT);
- Magnetic resonance images (MRI);
- Articulation ultrasound;
- arthroscopy (internal examination of the joint cavity using a camera introduced through a small puncture);
- Greatherah (Evaluation of the state of bones and metabolism in them by the introduction of radiopharmaceutical drugs).
In case of suspicion of the secondary nature of the disease, appropriate tests and consultations of narrow specialists are prescribed.
Treatment of articulations osteoarthritis
The choice of the methodology for the treatment of arthrosis of the joints depends on the cause of the disease, its stages and symptoms.In the arsenal of doctors there are:
- drugs;
- treatment without fragment;
- Surgical methods.
In addition, the patient needs to strictly observe a diet and adjust their lifestyle to minimize more damage to the joints.
Drug treatment
Drug appointment for osteoarthritis pursues two main objectives:
- elimination of pain and inflammation;
- Restoration of cartilage fabric or, at least, stops greater degeneration.
To facilitate the patient's condition, several types of medications are used:
- Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, injections, ointments or candles;They relieve pain and inflammation well;
- Hormones (corticosteroids): They are shown in severe pain and, more frequently, are introduced directly into the joint cavity;
- Other analgesics, for example, antispasmodic action: help reduce the level of pain when relaxing muscles;
It is important to remember: All types of analgesics are used only to facilitate the patient's condition.They do not affect the condition of the cartilage, and with prolonged use they accelerate its destruction and cause serious side effects.
The main preparations for the restoration of the joints today are the condoprotectors.They contribute to the saturation of the cartilage with nutrients, stop the monument and begin cell growth processes.The means have a only effect on the early and average stage of the development of the disease and subject to regular long -term use.
Preparations that improve microcirculation in tissues and anti -The meditive help improve the effect of condoprotectors.The first provides a good supply of the affected area with oxygen and nutrients, and the second slows down the tissue destruction processes.
The selection of specific medicines, its dosage and the administration regime is dedicated to the doctor.
Non -flog treatment
Non -FLOG treatment includes the following methods:
- physiotherapy:
- Shock wave therapy: destroys bone growth and stimulates blood circulation due to the effects of ultrasound;
- Automated electromio: exposure to electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contraction;
- Ultra -ophoresis: the effect of ultrasound on the combination using drugs;
- Ozonotherapy: the introduction of a special gas mixture in the joint capsule;
- Physiotherapy Physical Education;
- Mecanotherapy: Exercise therapy with simulators;
- Articulation traffic to reduce load;
- massage.
Surgical treatment
Very often, a surgeon is required in the severe stages of the disease.Depending on the location of the pathological process and the degree of injury, it can be prescribed:
- Puncture: a puncture of the joint with the elimination of a part of the fluid and, as indications, the drug administration;
- Corrective osteotomy: elimination of part of the bone, followed by fixing a different angle to eliminate the load from the joint;
- Endoprothetics: replacement of the damaged joint with a prosthesis;Used in extremely neglected cases.
Osteoarthritis in children
Arthosis is considered an elderly disease, but it can also be found in children.The most common cause of pathology is:
- congenital pathology of connective tissue;
- serious injuries;
- inheritance;
- metabolic disorders and the work of the internal secretion glands;
- Orthopedic disorders (flat feet, scoliosis, etc.);
- overweight.
The osteoarthritis of children is rarely accompanied by pronounced symptoms: pain is hurt and practically there is no rigidity and function limitation.Monothetic changes are detected in a Ray, MRI and ultrasound.In the treatment process, the same products are used that in adults.Maximum attention is paid to exercise therapy and physiotherapy, since at an early age they are especially effective.Without treatment, the disease sooner or later goes to the advanced stage with a complete loss of mobility.
Diet
The diet is one of the most important factors in the treatment of osteoarthritis.In the presence of excess weight, it is necessary to reduce it to reduce the load in the joints.In this case, a balanced diet is prescribed with calorie deficiency.Regardless of the body mass index, doctors recommend abandoning completely:
- fast carbohydrates (sugar, desserts, flour);
- alcohol;
- spices;
- legumes;
- strong tea and coffee;
- Excessively fatty and sharp dishes.
Canned and spoils are not excluded, but significantly limited, as well as salt.The ideal nutrition for osteoarthritis includes:
- Low -fat varieties in fat;
- fish and shellfish;
- eggs;
- milk products;
- Linaza and Oliva Vegetable Oils;
- vegetables and fruits, a large number of vegetables;
- Moderate cereals, hard pasta paste;
- Products with a high collagen content (gelatin, discharge, gelatin).
Prevention
Arthosis is easier to warn than to treat.To maintain joint health for many years, it is recommended:
- conduct an active lifestyle;
- Exercise regularly and visit the pool;
- Eat correctly, use enough omega-3 and collagen;
- Avoid the surplus of the BMI;
- Wear comfortable shoes.
If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, it is recommended to submit regularly to spa treatment, as well as exclude professional risk factors: long -term stady in the legs, elevation severity, vibration.
Consequences and complications
Arthosis progresses very slowly.When performing a doctor's recipe, his current slows down significantly, which allows him to maintain articulate mobility much longer.Non -reversible consequences are developed without treatment:
- pronounced joint deformation;
- decrease in mobility to its complete loss (anquilosis);
- limb shortening (with knee damage or femoral joint);
- Bone deformation, curvature of the limbs and fingers.
Forecast
The prognosis for osteoarthritis depends on the shape of the disease, its degree and quality of treatment.Pathology is one of the frequent causes of disability, and in advanced cases, the ability to move and personal service.In severe forms of damage to the knee and hip joints, the patient receives the first or second disability group (depending on the stage and the volume of damage).