Arthrosis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes taking place in them.Caused mainly by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, the disease cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, it is quite possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, postpone arthrosis and maintain the health of the joints for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of the cartilage - the main element of this mobile connection of the bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber during mechanical loads.In most cases, this process is caused by age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint.Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years.But the development of negative changes in the cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and consists in a gradual loss of elasticity of the cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of the cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in the bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (outgrowths in the form of tubercles, spikes, hooks), which are a source of pain when moving.Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments and tendons.The joint can be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity;
- reduced joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe forms of the disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors
The main reasons for the destruction of articular cartilage and the development of arthrosis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which may be minor but multiple and recurrent, or single but serious (for example, meniscus injuries);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, worsening the metabolism in them.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (e.g. menopause) can also provoke arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight arthrosis.Modern therapy can slow the process of cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition.For this purpose, in the treatment of arthrosis, the following is used:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physical therapy.
In severe cases, surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis is resorted to.
Modern medicine believes that the main task of fighting the disease is the prevention of arthrosis and the promotion of a lifestyle that helps maintain healthy joints.First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people actively engaged in sports, who must develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, using special protective equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For people who do not exercise, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of numerous studies, it has been established that obese people have a 3-fold increased risk of developing arthrosis.This is explained not only by the fact that excess weight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat provokes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of arthrosis is aimed at saturating the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage and slowing down the degenerative processes in it.Following these basic principles will not only help you keep your joints in good shape, but also keep you from gaining excess weight:
- reducing the caloric content of food by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consuming enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium in the bones;
- increasing the ratio of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements that the joints need.
Particular attention during meals should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue.These substances mainly include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet jellied meats, toppings (especially from fish), fruit jellies and other dishes containing gelatin - modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent arthrosis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many goals necessary to maintain joints and general well-being:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the bone system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- helps improve mood.
To keep the joints in good shape, they should not be overloaded.But that doesn't mean you have to give up physical activity.Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate and suit the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age and recommend taking at least 6,000 steps a day.Swimming is very beneficial when the movement is done without the negative impact of body weight on the bones.Participating in some sport or favorite activity involving movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided it is regular, will help prevent arthrosis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.