Arthrosis is a disease characterized by the gradual destruction of joints due to the development of dystrophic changes in tissues.According to the WHO, every tenth population on the planet is facing this problem.After 50 years, the risk of the disease is approximately 30%, and 70 years reaches 80-90%.

General information
Arthrosis is a chronic process, long that affects not only the joints.As it lasts, dystrophic and degenerative changes are also impressing additional tools.In the process, the patient is faced with inflammation of the cartilage and bone tissue, joint capsules and periosemani bags, as well as muscles, ligaments and subcutaneous tissues that contact them.
Regardless of localization, the pathological process passes according to a single scheme.First, in the thickness of the fabric, the balance between the process of growth and the destruction of the cartilage is disrupted, and the balance is transferred in favor of the distrust and inverted development (degeneration).Currently, invisible changes to the eyes in the micro structure of the cartilage occur, leading to its thinning and cracking.
As the disease progresses, the joints lose its elasticity and become more dense.This reduces its ability to decline, the rate of tissue damage is constantly increasing due to vibration and microtrauma during movement.Depletion of the cartilaginus layer causes the active growth of the bone structure, as a result the spikes and curves appear on the smooth surface of the joints - osteoarthrosis develops.Movement is becoming more limited and painful.Muscle cramps -the muscles surrounding the affected area develop, which exacerbates the pain and deformation of the limbs.
Stage of disease
Joint arthrosis develops gradually and in a three -stage process that determines the severity of the disease:
- Level 1: Pathology is not detected on X -ray or ultrasound, but the process of destruction has been launched;The composition of the fluid change of the joints, as a result the tissues are obtained less than nutritious and more sensitive;Increased burden on the damage area causes inflammation (arthritis) and pain;
- The 2nd level is characterized by the destruction of active cartilage, and bone spikes and growth appear along the edge of the joint platform (surface contact area);Currently, the pain becomes common, and the process of inflammation is stronger or weaker;spasms associated with muscle joints regularly are observed;
- Level 3: The field of destruction affects almost the entire surface of the cartilage, the joint platform, the injured member deviates from the axis;The amount of movement is reduced, and the ligaments are weak and short.
Some experts also distinguish stage IV development of arthrosis.It is characterized by almost complete immobility of the joints.
Type
Depending on the cause of the disease, primary and secondary arthrosis is distinguished.In the first case, pathology arises freely on the background of the comprehensive effect of predisposing factors.The secondary form is the result of other diseases and is divided into the following groups:
- Damage to joints caused by metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases (gout, diabetes mellitus, acromegali, hyperparathyroidism);
- Destruction related to congenital pathology (pedgetic disease, congenital lip dislocation, scoliosis, hemophilia, and others);
- Post -traumatic arthrosis, which arises against the background of bone fractures, cracks, necrotic processes or surgical operations, and arises due to the characteristics of the profession.
The most demand is the classification of osteoarthritis, depending on the localization of the pathological process:
- Gonartrosis: knee injury, one of its types is a pallet - arthrosis - the destruction of joints between the femoral bone and the patella;
- Arthrosis of the ankle joint: occurs in the background of large loads and frequent injuries;
- Arthrosis of the joints: the thumb is most often suffering at the intersection with the feet;Defeat develops against the background of gout or valgus deformation;
- Shoulder arthrosis is characterized by damage to the shoulder and is often found at a young age against the background of increased physical activity (mover, athlete, builder);
- Coksartrosis: damage to the hip joint;Probably both -one and two -way and are one of the most common causes of defects in people over 50;
- Vertebral arthrosis: the destruction of cartilagin discs between the vertebra, most often affects the cervical and lumbar spine;
- Brush joint arthrosis: finger joints are most often affected, pathology is very vulnerable to women in menopause;
- Temporomandibular joint arthrosis: it is quite rare, most often against the background of chronic inflammation due to improper bite or prosthetic disorders;
- Elbow joint arthrosis: a rare form of disease, most often associated with injury to this area.
The grounds of development
The main factor in the development of arthrosis is the inaccuracies between the test and the joint ability to withstand this load.Acute or chronic, this process is inevitable leading to tissue destruction.
A list of causes that increase the risk of any arthrosis -where localization includes:
- descendants;
- endocrine pathology (diabetes);
- Articular apparatus injury: bruises, dislocations, bone fractures or bone cracks in a joint bag, full rest or partial ligaments that penetrate the wound;
- increased joint loads related to profession;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- Transfer of inflammation of inflammation: acute arthritis, tuberculosis, and so on;
- blood diseases where bleeding often occurs in the joints (hemophilia);
- sharp changes in hormone background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Local circulation disorders related to atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and others;
- autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.);
- Dyplasia of connective tissue (congenital pathology, accompanied, including excessive joint movement);
- Congenital pathology of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, displacement or congenital hip joint, etc.);
- over 45-50 years old (increased risk is associated with decreased collagen synthesis);
- osteoporosis (bone vacuum);
- chronic intoxication (including heavy metal salts, drugs, alcohol);
- Surgical intervention on the joints.
Symptom
Symptoms of arthrosis are practically free of its cause and localization, as changes in the joints go according to the same scenario.The disease develops gradually and begins to realize, already when the cartilage is slightly damaged.
One of the first signs of dysfunction is the problem in the problem area during movement.Often, it occurs when the knee or shoulder is damaged.At the same time, one can feel a slight decrease in mobility after a prolonged action, for example, in the morning.
When asked what symptoms arise with arthrosis, most patients first call pain.At first, it was not important and weak, gradually gained strength, preventing it from moving normally.Depending on the level and localization of the pathology, one may feel:
- Starting pain: occurs during the first movement after prolonged uncertainty of the joints and is associated with the formation of the cartilage surface of the thin film from the destroyed cloth;After the start of the work, the film shifted, and the discomfort disappeared;
- Pain with prolonged physical work (standing, walking, walking, etc. -more): appearing due to a decrease in shock -absorbing nature;
- Weather pain: provoked by low temperature, moisture, changes in atmospheric pressure;
- Night pain: associated with venous stagnation and increased blood pressure in the bone;
- Joint restrictions: sharp and severe pain associated with a violation of a piece of cartilage or bone located in the joint cavity.
As arthrosis develops, the symptoms become more prominent, the patient records the following signs:
- increased morning stiffness;
- strengthening and increasing the duration of pain;
- decrease in mobility;
- joint deformation due to bone growth;
- Deformation of bone and surrounding tissue: This process can be seen well on the limbs and fingers, which is curved.
When inflammation is attached, the affected area is swollen, squeezing and heating to the touch.Pressing on it causes a sudden increase in pain.

Analysis and diagnostics
Diagnostic arthrosis is involved in an orthopedic doctor.He conducted a detailed survey of patients to identify complaints and anamnesis.Doctors in detail about the appearance of the first signs and the speed of their development, injury and disease, the presence of similar problems in the relatives.
General blood tests allow you to identify the inflammation process, which often accompanies arthrosis.
The main method of diagnosis is radiography.In the picture, the following signs are clearly described:
- narrowing the joint gap;
- Change the contour of the contact;
- bone structure that is interrupted in the affected area;
- bone growth (osteophytes);
- the curvature of the limbs or fingers;
- Joint subluxation.
For more detailed diagnostics, they can be set:
- Computed tomography (CT);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
- Ultrasound joints;
- arthroscopy (internal examination of the joint cavity using a camera introduced through a small puncture);
- Scintigraphy (assessment of bone condition and metabolism in it with the introduction of radiopharmaceutical drugs).
If suspected of the secondary nature of the disease, appropriate tests and narrow expert consultations are prescribed.
Treatment of joint arthrosis
The choice of methodology for the treatment of joint arthrosis depends on the cause of the disease, the stage and the symptoms.Inside the doctor's weapon there:
- medicine;
- Non -Drug treatment;
- Methods of surgery.
In addition, the patient must adhere to the diet strictly and adjust his lifestyle to minimize further damage to the joints.
Drug
Drug appointments for arthrosis pursue two main goals:
- removal of pain and inflammation;
- Recovery of cartilage or, at least, stop further degeneration.
To facilitate the condition of the patient, various types of drugs are used:
- anti -anti -non -—steroid drugs in the form of tablets, injections, ointments or candles;They relieve pain and inflammation well;
- Hormones (corticosteroids): are shown in severe pain and, most often, are introduced directly into the joint cavity;
- Other analgesics, for example, antispasmodic actions: help reduce the level of pain with relaxing muscles;
It is important to remember: all types of painkillers are only used 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 preparation for today's joint recovery is chondroprotectors.They contribute to cartilage saturation with nutrients, stop the monument and begin the process of cell growth.It means having an effect only in the early stages and average disease progression and is subject to normal long use.
Preparation that improves micro -circulation in tissues and anti -determinations helps improve the effects of chondroprotectors.The first provides a good supply of affected areas with oxygen and nutrients, and the last slows down the process of tissue destruction.
The selection of certain drugs, their doses and the administrative regimen are involved in the doctor.
Treatment Non -Drug
Non -Drug treatment includes the following methods:
- Physiotherapy:
- Shock wave therapy: destroy bone growth and stimulate blood circulation due to ultrasound effects;
- Automatic Electromiostimulation: Exposure to electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contraction;
- Ultrafonophoresis: the effect of ultrasound in the combination of drugs;
- Ozonotherapy: Introduction of special gas mixtures into joint capsules;
- Physiotherapy physical education;
- Mechanotherapy: training therapy using simulator;
- Joint traffic to reduce load;
- Massage.
Surgical
Often, the help of the surgeon is required at severe stages of the disease.Depending on the localization of the pathological process and the level of the lesion, it can be set:
- Stabs: puncture joints with removal of part of fluid and, according to guidance, drug administration;
- Correction osteotomy: removal of part bone, followed by setting from different angles to remove the load from the joints;
- Endoprosthetics: replacing damaged joints with prosthesis;Used in a very neglected case.
Arthrosis in children
Arthrosis is considered an elderly disease, but it is also available in children.The most common cause of pathology is:
- congenital pathology of connective tissue;
- severe injuries;
- descendants;
- metabolic disorders and internal secretion of glands;
- orthopedic disorders (flat feet, scoliosis, etc.);
- Excessive weight.
Children's arthrosis is rarely accompanied by obvious symptoms: pain, and almost no stiffness and functional limitations.Monotetic changes are detected on X -ray, MRI and ultrasound.In the process of treatment, the same product is used as in adults.Maximum attention is paid for therapeutic training and physiotherapy, because at a young age they are very effective.Without treatment, the disease will soon enter the further stage with complete loss of mobility.
Diet
Diet is one of the most important factors in the treatment of arthrosis.With the presence of excess weight, it is necessary to reduce it to reduce the burden on the joints.In this case, the diet is balanced with the lack of calories.Regardless of the body mass index, doctors recommend completely leaving:
- fast carbohydrates (sugar, dessert, flour);
- alcohol;
- spices -spices;
- legumes;
- strong tea and coffee;
- Excessive fatty and sharp dishes.
Canned and external is not excluded, but are significantly limited, as well as salt.Ideal nutrition for osteoarthritis includes:
- low meat type;
- fish and seafood;
- eggs;
- dairy products;
- hemp oil and olive vegetable oil;
- vegetables and fruits, large amounts of vegetables -
- Medium grain, pasta from hard pasta;
- Products with high collagen content (jelly, pouring, jelly).
Prevention
Arthrosis is easier to warn than treat.To maintain mutual health for years, it is recommended:
- leading an active lifestyle;
- regularly exercise and visit the pool;
- Eat properly, use enough omega-3 and collagen;
- prevent exceeding BMI;
- Wear comfortable shoes.
If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, it is recommended to undergo regular spa treatment, as well as exclude professional risk factors: long -term feet, lifting, vibration.
Consequences and complications
Arthrosis lasts very slowly.When performing a doctor's prescription, as he slows down significantly, it allows you to maintain mobility longer.Inaccessible effects develop without treatment:
- deformation together;
- decrease in mobility to complete loss (ankylosis);
- shorten the limbs (with damage to the knee or femoral joints);
- Bone deformation, curvature of limbs and fingers.
Prophesy
The prognosis for arthrosis depends on the form of the disease, the level and quality of the treatment.Pathology is one of the most common causes of defects, and in advanced cases, the ability to move and self -service.In the form of severe damage to the knee and hip joints, the patient receives the first or second defect (depending on the level and amount of the damage).