Osteoarthritis is the progressive, non-inflammatory destruction of joint cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion-extension movements within it become difficult and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 joints that provide all kinds of movements of the bone skeleton. Free gliding in them is achieved thanks to the smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
In arthrosis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becoming rougher and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free gliding. As a result, friction occurs, which hinders movement in the joint and leads to its progressive destruction.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people aged 45 to 65 and more than 65% of people over 65. There is a clear age dependence of the incidence.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulder. Among the small joints, hand, foot and spine joints are most commonly affected.
At a late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1 - 3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the purpose of which is to slow down and stop joint destruction, gradual restoration of cartilage tissue, improvement of functions (mobility), increasing range of motion, relief of pain. symptoms and inflammation.
These goals are achieved in the clinic through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of Eastern medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the dominance of hyaline cartilage erosion over the regeneration process. This means that joint cartilage wears out and is destroyed faster than it can heal under stress.
This is due to the influence of two factors: increased loads and/or slow recovery.
Collagen, produced in the body with the participation of the liver, is necessary for the regeneration of hyaline cartilage.
This organ, in addition to participating in the synthesis of collagen necessary for joints, is also responsible for the level of body temperature.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in body temperature. This may occur specifically due to inadequate liver function.
All arthrosis belongs to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood flow.
In order for articular cartilage to be constantly renewed, it needs collagen, the universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If blood flow is impaired for any reason, hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them slows down. In this case, the joints that bear the maximum load (knees, ankles, hips and shoulders) suffer the most. Articular cartilage gradually begins to wear out and collapse.
When cartilage is destroyed, its fragments tear and move freely in the joint space (the so-called "rats"), causing compression, blockage, further restriction of movement and increased pain.
Another cause of the disease may be collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. The reason for this may be, for example, the functional insufficiency of the liver, which plays an active role in this synthesis.
Provoking factors for the development of the disease may be:
- fat,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtraumas,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes in the body (dehydration),
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissues, etc. ).
classification
Arthrosis, which develops against the background of metabolic disorders, is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of inflammatory processes (arthritis, including autoimmune), endocrine diseases or injuries.
Some of the most common forms of the disease have their own names - gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (spine).
With the addition of inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
Arthrosis of the 1st stage is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means a visible narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and joint deformation.
Stage 3 arthrosis means almost complete loss of joint space, reduction of range of motion to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissue and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobility occurs (ankylosis), joint space is completely lost.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Although changes have begun in the cartilage tissue, volume, and properties of synovial lubrication, symptoms may not be observed for a long time.
Symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased fatigue in the joint, mild pain that occurs at the beginning of movements after physical activity or after long periods of inactivity (the so-called "onset" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotational movements is not limited and there is no difficulty during the movements.
In stage 2, pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, occurring even with small loads. A squeaking or crackling sound is heard when moving. Flexion, extension and rotation movements become difficult and volumes become increasingly limited. Stiffness develops.
In the 3rd stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are made with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint becomes severely deformed due to bone growths and increases in size. Severe lameness develops when the leg joints are affected.
2-3 weeks of the disease. In its stages, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increasing pain and local fever.
Pain with arthrosis may intensify with changes in weather conditions, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, and when blocking the joint with the mouse.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of survey, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor examines the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, the circumstances of their occurrence and exacerbations.
At the first appointment in the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the nature of nutrition and lifestyle, because in Eastern medicine the human body is considered a single system. There are internal relationships in this combined system.
For example, the condition of the joints is closely linked to metabolism, the immune system, hormonal systems and the movement of body fluids, and body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of energy depletion of the body, a decrease in heat level and accumulation of cold. The main factors in this case are malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and moisture.
During external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape, range of motion of the joints, as well as signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local increase in temperature.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for additional examination (x-ray, CT or MRI).
The doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space on the x-ray, which indicates cartilage thinning. It determines the stage of arthrosis according to the degree of narrowing.
An x-ray image clearly shows osteophytes formed along the edges of the bones formed during arthrosis.
X-ray visualizes bone tissue well but poorly shows ligaments and soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
Using a tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, synovial bursa, joint capsule and detect damage to the joint "mice", menisci and ligaments.
Angiography using contrast material (radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed to examine blood flow to the joint.
arthrosis treatment
In stage 4 arthrosis, surgical treatment is performed, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. 1-3 days of the disease. Conservative treatment is applied in the stages.
- Medicines.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically these medications are given by injection into a joint or into a muscle. Chondroprotectors are prescribed to slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage.
- Injections into the joint.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture, is injected into the joint space. Hyaluronic acid injections prevent cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity are used. - Operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists in replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated with ankylosis (complete immobility) at stage 4 of the disease.
- Physiotherapy.Physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and administration of medications using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used to relieve inflammation.
Mud applications, compresses and heating improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue and relieve pain. - Other treatments.For the prevention of arthrosis, as well as an auxiliary method of treatment, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed. Doing simple exercises regularly improves blood flow to the joint and increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm the painful joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment of arthrosis includes medications such as mud or radon baths.
This is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Essentially, these are prophylactic rather than therapeutic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which function to increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows cartilage destruction, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood flow, activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an adjunct but cannot replace full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
Treatment of stage 1 - 3 arthrosis in the clinic is carried out using phyto, physio and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include various procedures (moxibustion, acupuncture, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, which provides long-term and permanent results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders underlying Bad Kan, one of the body's three control systems, whose balance means health and whose imbalance means disease. This foundation is responsible for joints as well as the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
An imbalance of Bad Blood often causes not one, but several diseases at once. Therefore, the disorders that almost always accompany arthrosis are overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency states, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc. It is accompanied by diseases such as
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Blood base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, other accompanying diseases also occur with arthrosis.
In the treatment of arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the affected joint area, but also on the body as a whole, to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high effectiveness of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with absinthe cigars or smoldering cones (made of absinthe or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. Bad Blood is used both locally, in the affected joint area, and in the body's meridians to restore balance to the blood base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the restoration and regeneration of connective tissues, improves the properties of synovial lubrication and normalizes its volume, and has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
The insertion of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect and promotes the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
The effect on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
The effect on bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the legs.
Acupressure.
Strong point pressure improves local circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and spasms. Acupuncture on the body's meridians (Ku-nye) increases the body's overall energy level.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal remedies are prescribed that speed up the metabolism, increase body temperature, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Auxiliary tools.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary methods.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body temperature.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates the healing and restoration of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves the painful joint, increases the range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
Warming, hot meals are indicated for arthrosis.
In addition to warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, hazelnuts, garlic, onion, clarified butter and sesame oil are also recommended.
To increase the energy value of foods, you should definitely consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot meals containing lots of animal connective tissue, such as rich bones and broths, are beneficial.
You should exclude cold foods, cold drinks, and reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina, legumes.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that cause imbalance on the basis of Bad Blood - refreshing nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, moisture.
Warming nutrition, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are beneficial.
Frequently asked questions about arthrosis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. However, it does not have specific, preventive or therapeutic effects on joint diseases. The vitamins contained in foods are sufficient to maintain general health and body balance if proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation in arthrosis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis may be accompanied by arthritis, but inflammation is secondary. That is why the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for arthrosis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up for arthrosis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. Thermal procedures and warming up are contraindicated for arthritis.
How long does arthrosis treatment take?
Typically, the treatment course in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10-15 complex sessions held every other day and lasting 21-30 days. After this, there is a 6-month break. After six months, a review is carried out, on the basis of which it is decided to apply a second course of treatment to improve and consolidate the results.