What is osteoarthritis: its types, symptoms and treatment methods

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of a dystrophic nature, manifested by damage to cartilage tissue and joints.About a third of older people are diagnosed with this disease.Therefore, it is important to know 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 put together the following classification of the disease:

• Spondyloarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the spine affects one or more vertebrae of the spine.The cause of spondyloarthrosis is overloading of a certain part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this type of condition, as are other posture disorders.
• Non-concealed osteoarthritis.Cervical osteoarthritis is directly related to the natural aging process of the human body and is therefore most often diagnosed in older people.

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.Shoulder osteoarthritis is quite common in the population, especially in men.Two thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis experience deformities in the arm joints.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Another form of osteoarthritis is osteoarthritis of the end joints.The disease is also called Heberden's node.More common in menopausal women.
• Coxarthrosis.Middle-aged and older people are mostly affected by osteoarthritis of the hip joints.However, if there is joint dysplasia (congenital bone structure disorders), the disease can also occur in young people.
• Gonarthrosis.Osteoarthritis of the knee joints is one of the most common forms.People over 45 years of age are most susceptible to this.The disease is more common in women than in men.
• Ankle osteoarthritis.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises and similar problems are harbingers of this group of diseases.It occurs in all age groups and population groups.
• Primary polyosteoarthrosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by general weakening of the ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs in menopausal women 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.This allows the joint surfaces to move relative to each other without any problems.In other words: Healthy cartilage provides the necessary shock absorption and reduces the stress on bones, muscles and ligaments.

As a result of osteoarthritis, the surface of the cartilage becomes increasingly rough over time and friction occurs during joint movements.Small particles begin to detach from the cartilage and eventually enter the joint cavity and the fluid.

In addition, the cartilage becomes increasingly stiff until it ossifies.Cysts form in the central and deep zone, which come into direct contact with the joints.

This leads to constant damage to the joint capsule and the synovial lining, which leads to thickening of these joints.Over time, the structure of the bones themselves becomes damaged - they become deformed and strange protrusions appear at the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles contributes to the appearance of fibrous lesions.The likelihood of damage to the ligament-muscle system (sprains, tears, fractures) increases.If there is significant cartilage destruction, movements are severely restricted and ankylosis often develops.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of osteoarthritis are diverse and complex.However, there are groups of factors that increase the risk of developing the disease:

• age over 60 years;
• Obesity and large body weight, which leads to increased 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 with certain toxic substances;
• poor environmental conditions at home and at work;
• frequent hypothermia of the body.

Primary osteoarthritis

Primary arthrosis is a consequence that occurs as a result of disruption of regenerative processes and increased degeneration of the cartilage tissue of the joint without accompanying dysfunction of the body as a whole.

As a rule, primary osteoarthritis occurs due to hereditary factors:

• Composition of cartilage tissue.A genetic disorder in the composition of cartilage tissue, which accelerates its breakdown, is a direct prerequisite for osteoarthritis.The faster the cartilage is affected, the higher the likelihood that the disease will occur.
• Congenital defect of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, trauma occurs to a specific area of the joint's cartilage tissue, which in turn ultimately leads to disease.
• Inheritance.Osteoarthritis has a high risk of being inherited.If at least one parent suffers from this disease, it is worth paying more attention to the child's joints.

Secondary osteoarthritis

As already mentioned, secondary osteoarthritis does not occur on its own;It is always preceded by one factor:

• Mechanical damage to the joint.Trauma, intra-articular bone fractures, constant overload and many other factors have an extremely high risk of triggering a secondary disease.A complicating factor is inadequate or no treatment.
• Surgical intervention.It's not so much the surgery itself, but rather the medical error that can lead to joint or cartilage damage.
• Joint disease.Osteoarthritis often arises 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 result of partial destruction of the articular surface due to damage caused by external influences.

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

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is accompanied by characteristic and recognizable symptoms:

• Painful sensations.Joint pain is the hallmark of the disease.With osteoarthritis, pain occurs when moving or putting heavy strain on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but bearable.However, over time the symptoms worsen and eventually pain occurs even at rest.
• Crunch.Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by a grinding sensation in the inflamed joint.The symptom arises from the gradual destruction of the cartilage layer and the subsequent friction of the bones.If a person's joints crack, there is no reason to panic.With osteoarthritis, the grinding sensation is very specific - rough and dry.Therefore, you should not make an appointment with a specialist, as your joints are unlikely to crack.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Stiffness of movements.As osteoarthritis progresses, there is increasing restriction of movement due to ossification and destruction of the cartilage.
• Change in the appearance of the joint.One of the accompanying symptoms is deformation of the inflamed joint.An osteoarthritis sufferer may notice that the appearance of one or more joints has changed: for example, knees that have been sharp throughout their life have become rounder.
• Inflammation of soft tissues.However, osteoarthritis can lead not only to joint deformities, but also to inflammation of the soft tissues, which is accompanied by fluid accumulation around the cartilage (effusion).

Stages of osteoarthritis

The process of osteoarthritis development includes three phases:

• Osteoarthritis in the first stage is characterized by mild pain when moving and slight strain on the affected joint.However, a change in the structure and composition of the cartilage tissue begins in the first stage.
• From the second stage onwards, the joint itself becomes deformed and destroyed.Symptoms of pain become more and more obvious, a loud and clear crunching sound occurs.
• The most severe stage of arthrosis, the third, leads to pathological deformation of the affected joint.The joints also begin to change visually.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: pain bothers the joints even when at rest, the person can no longer carry out the usual movements and the joints become visually less and less attractive.

The third stage of osteoarthritis 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 a radical intervention - endoprosthetics of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Premature, incorrect (or missing) treatment of osteoarthritis can have 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 herniated 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 disc;
• inability to perform movements;
• Deterioration in the patient's standard of living;
• the patient becomes disabled.

Specialist and diagnostics

If you notice symptoms of osteoarthritis, the first specialist you should see is an orthopedist.In the future, the doctor will take an anamnesis, conduct a general examination and refer the patient for examination, including:

• X-ray (usually in two projections), necessary to detect certain signs of arthrosis.
• Computed tomography (CT) to examine 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 identified, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologists, hematologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists.

Treatment

The treatment of osteoarthritis rarely involves just one therapy method.As a rule, the patient is prescribed a whole range of measures, from proper nutrition to drug treatment and physiotherapy.Cases in which surgical intervention is indicated are also not uncommon.

General recommendations

In addition to specific measures, the treatment of osteoarthritis includes several basic recommendations:

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

Drugs

Medications for osteoarthritis are often indicated.As a rule, these are the following types of medication:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.In the initial phase of treatment, the first step is to resolve pain and inflammation.The solution to the second problem involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs administered intravenously and intramuscularly.
• 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 also patches, ointments and tinctures.
• Chondroprotectors.The main purpose of the drug group is to restore cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of the synovial fluid.The patient needs to take the medication for a long period of time as the recovery process takes a lot of 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 to patients with osteoarthritis, especially in combination with drug treatment.The orthopedist selects a set of exercises that must be performed according to the following principles:

• No rush.Load and training volume should increase gradually;There is no need to rush, no matter how much you want to speed up the onset of a positive result.
• No pain.Physiotherapy exercises should not cause pain.Sporting activity can cause discomfort, tension and fatigue, but definitely not pain.If pain is still present, it means that the exercises are being performed incorrectly.
• No overvoltage.The exercises should be intense, but not force the patient to overexert themselves.It is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation.
• No breaks.Only regular exercise can really do the joints good and overcome the disease.Courses that are held once a month at will have no effect.
• No exacerbations.Exercises should only be performed during periods of remission of osteoarthritis.
• No concessions.Both the problem joints and the healthy joints should be subjected to equal stress.

Physiotherapy

The early stages of osteoarthritis are usually treated with medication.However, in combination with medication, physiotherapeutic procedures are often prescribed to enhance the effect of the medication.In addition, this prescription can reduce the dosage and side effects of medications.

The following measures are indicated for osteoarthritis:

• Electrophoresis.An absolutely painless procedure that allows the prescribed medication to act locally and in high concentration while minimizing side effects.Provides rapid relief of pain and inflammation, improves joint nutrition and promotes a number of other positive effects of medications.
• Exposure to ultrasound.Causes a list of positive effects (warming, micromassage, improvement of capillary blood circulation and metabolism in tissues).In other words, the physiotherapeutic procedure is aimed at improving the condition of articular and cartilage tissue in general.
• Exposure to a magnetic field.Physiotherapy reduces inflammation in the damaged joint and improves metabolic processes in it.Depending on the type of arthrosis and the general health of the patient, an orthopedist may prescribe general and (or) local magnetic therapy.
• Radiation exposure.Physiotherapy is prescribed not only when there are contraindications to other physiotherapeutic methods, but also in addition to others to speed up recovery.

massage

Massage is an effective method of treating osteoarthritis because it improves peripheral blood flow to the joint.The better the blood circulation, the better the supply of nutrients to the joint and cartilage.

The following massage techniques are often prescribed for osteoarthritis:

• Japanese.The Japanese technique involves placing a point load on specific areas of the joint - hard and painful.The 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 the movements are carried out 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 following goals are achieved with the massage:

• Stretch the muscles and ligaments around the painful joint.
• free muscles of venous blood;
• remove debris from the joint;
• stimulate lymphatic drainage and blood circulation;
• resolve tensions;
• improve the motor function of the joint.

Eat

With arthrosis, jellied meat is the main dish that should be included in the diet - its consumption leads to the absorption of gelatin into the body, which is so important for the normal functioning of cartilage.But other animal foods containing cartilage are also recommended for consumption.

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

• do not eat a lot at night, as this can lead not only to weight gain, but also to an attack of illness;
• Try to eat fractionally - proteins separately, fats separately, carbohydrates separately;
• If you are heavy, reduce the weight to avoid putting additional strain on an already painful joint.
• The daily diet should be balanced and rich in vitamins and microelements.

Spa treatment

Depending on the stage of arthrosis, the patient may be shown sanatorium-resort treatments with special mud:

• Local mud applications.Healing hot (approx. 40 degrees) mud is applied to the affected joints for 15-20 minutes.The course takes place 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, which are carried out every other day.
• Mud baths with mineral water.Immersing a person in a special bath consisting of medicinal mud mixed with mineral water at an elevated temperature (36-37 degrees).The course is carried out in the same way as the application.
• Compressed.Mud compresses of different compositions are applied to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long period of time (from half an hour).The courses include 10 to 20 procedures.

You should not make the decision about spa treatment alone.Before you visit the facility, be sure to consult your treating specialist.

In addition, other procedures are also shown:

• hydrokinesitherapy;
• Underwater limb traction with hanging weights;
• vibration massage;
• reflexology;
• Spas.

surgery

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

Surgery for arthrosis is the last resort, which should be resorted to only when conservative treatment methods have not brought a positive result and the patient suffers from pain or partial or complete immobility of the joint.

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

The most common operation 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 combination prostheses.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies alone cannot defeat osteoarthritis, but they can be an excellent aid.The most important thing is that you consult your orthopedist before use.

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

Anoint

In order for them to work, 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.

Type of application.The painful joint should be lubricated and wrapped well at night.Use three times a week.

Ointment No. 2:

• 100 g honey;
• 3g mummy.

Mix all ingredients well.

Type of application.Apply daily in the evening for a week.

Compressed

If you have osteoarthritis, 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 must be briefly held over a pot of hot water to steam.

Type 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.fatty kefir.

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

Type of application.The product is distributed over the painful joint, covered with a linen cloth and cling film, then the joint needs warmth (e.g. under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

Baths

If a large joint suffers from osteoarthritis, warming is recommended; a bath is an excellent remedy.

Bath with salt and stone pine:

• 1 kilogram of sea salt;
• several fir branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers;
• 2 tbsp.l.Honey;
• 1 tsp.Turpentine.

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

You should not take medicinal 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.marigold;
• 3 tbsp.l.Oregano;
• 1 tbsp.l.Hemlock;
• 1 tbsp.l.burdock root;
• 500g clay.

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

Prevention measures

Despite the many causes of the disease, there are also effective measures to protect people from the occurrence of osteoarthritis:

• Physical activity.Healthy and moderate physical activity, especially with the correct technique, not only helps in the fight against excess weight, but also increases the microcirculation of blood 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 that covers your daily needs for nutrients as well as vitamins and microelements will help your joints live a long and happy life.
• Normal weight.By maintaining a normal weight for life, the likelihood of osteoarthritis is reduced to a minimum.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that can affect many people: from athletes (among whom this is the most common disease) to lovers of an absolutely unhealthy lifestyle.But preventive measures, timely contact with an orthopedist and following all instructions make it possible, although not to completely eliminate the risk of the disease, but at least to reduce the damage to a minimum.