Osteoarthritis is a progressive non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion-extension movements in it become difficult and then become completely impossible.
Joints are moving joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which provide all kinds of movement of the bone skeleton. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
During arthrosis, hyaline cartilage thins and gradually breaks down, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. As a result, friction occurs, which inhibits movement in the joint and causes its progressive destruction.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between the ages of 45 and 65 and more than 65% of people over the age of 65. The frequency has a pronounced age dependence.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulder. Of the small joints, the joints of the hand, foot and spine are most often damaged.
In the late stage of the disease, joint ankylosis (complete immobilization) occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
At the 1-3 stages of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the goal of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase the range of motion, relieve pain. Symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapeutic methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the priority of wear of hyaline cartilage over its regeneration process. This means that articular cartilage wears down and breaks down under stress faster than it can be repaired.
This happens due to the action of two factors - increased loads and/or slow recovery.
For the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, collagen is needed, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen necessary for joints, but is also responsible for the body's heat level.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in the body's heat level. This can happen, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis belongs to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, i. e. tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
For continuous regeneration, articular cartilage 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 the blood supply is disturbed for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process will slow down in them. In this case, the joints that carry the maximum load are most affected - knees, ankles, hips and shoulders. The articular cartilage begins to gradually wear out and collapse.
When the cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (so-called "mice"), which causes tingling, blockage, further limitation of movement and severe pain.
Another cause of the disease can be collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This can be caused, for example, by functional failure of the liver, which takes an active part in this synthesis.
Factors provoking the development of the disease can be:
- Excess weight,
- Unhealthy diet
- hard physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtrauma,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- Congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissues, etc. ).
classification
Arthritis developed against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis develops 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).
In addition to inflammation, the disease is diagnosed with arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages of disease development.
Stage 1 arthrosis is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
The 2nd stage of the disease means noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone formations (osteophytes) and joint deformation.
The 3rd stage of arthrosis means almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, there is complete immobilization (ankylosis), the joint space disappears completely.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Symptoms may not be present for a long time, but changes in cartilage tissue, volume and synovial lubrication properties have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis include increased fatigue in the joint, slight pain that appears after physical activity or at the beginning of movement after prolonged immobility (the so-called "initial" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotational movements is not limited, and the movementThere is no difficulty in timing.
In the 2nd stage, the pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, even with a small load. A creaking or creaking sound is heard when moving. Flexibility, extension, rotation movements become difficult, their volume is more and more limited. Strength develops.
At 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 is greatly deformed due to bone formations and increases in size. When the leg joints are damaged, severe lameness develops.
In stage 2-3 of the disease, inflammation is usually manifested by symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Pain in arthrosis can be aggravated by weather changes, dampness, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical exertion, as well as when blocking the joint with a mouse.
diagnosis
Diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of survey, external examination and equipment methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor studies the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, the circumstances of their appearance and exacerbation.
During the first visit to the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the nature of food and lifestyle, because in Eastern medicine, the human body is considered as a single system. In this unified system there are internal relations.
For example, the state of the joints is closely dependent on the metabolism, immune, hormonal systems and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a disease of cold, which develops against the background of decrease in body energy, decrease in fever level and accumulation of cold. In this case, the main factors are improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and dampness.
During the 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.
On the X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. The stage of arthrosis is determined by the degree of narrowing.
The X-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that occur during arthrosis.
X-rays show bone tissue well, but poorly show connective, 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, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule, and detect joint "mice", damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To study the blood supply of the joint, angiography using a contrast agent (x-ray, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed.
Treatment of arthrosis
At the 4th stage of arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, removing the joint and replacing it with an endoprosthesis. At stages 1-3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Drugs.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 (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. As a rule, these drugs are administered by injection into the joint or intramuscularly. 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 is injected into the joint cavity, the molecules of which have the ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect 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 involves replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetotherapy, and medication administration using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used.
The application of mud, compresses and heating improves local blood circulation, promotes healing and restoration of cartilage tissue and relieves pain. - other treatment.Exercise therapy (physiotherapy) is prescribed for the prevention of arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment. Regular performance of simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, 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 such means as mud or radon baths.
This is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. In essence, these are not therapeutic, but prophylactic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows the destruction of cartilage, 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 supply, activate metabolism and tissue regeneration processes. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, treatment of stage 1-3 arthrosis is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexological methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which have mutual effects according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, which ensures a long-term and long-lasting result.
Diseases of the joints refer to disturbances in the foundation of the bad skin - one of the body's three control systems, a balance of which means health, and an imbalance means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
Bad skin imbalance usually causes not one but several diseases at the same time. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by accompanying disorders, diseases, for example, excess weight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergy and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc. Sh.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the skin-base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with arthrosis, there are also other concomitant diseases.
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 efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Qiu or moxa therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with worm cigars or molten cones (made of wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment of arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally on the damaged joint area and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the base of the spine and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the recovery and renewal of connective tissues, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
Insertion of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, pain-relieving effect and promotes the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
Affecting the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
Effects on the bioactive points of the kidneys help to improve blood circulation in the lower part of the body in 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. Acupressure on the body's meridians (Ku-Nie) increases the overall energy level of the body.
Phytotherapy.
In case of arthrosis, various herbal remedies are prescribed, which accelerate metabolism, increase body heat level, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve liver and kidney function.
Aids.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and joint recovery.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves pain, increases the range of motion and mobility.
Diet during arthrosis
Warming, hot dishes are indicated for arthrosis.
Warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as garlic, onions, ghee and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, you must eat spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes that contain a lot of animal connective tissue, such as rich bone and meat broths, are helpful.
You should exclude cold food, chilled drinks, reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and legumes.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that provoke an imbalance in bad skin - soft food, tempting lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, dampness.
Warm-up meals, physical activity, in particular walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about arthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes affect general metabolic processes. But they do not have any specific, prophylactic or therapeutic effect in joint diseases. Vitamins contained in food are sufficient to maintain general health and body balance, provided proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with arthrosis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis can be accompanied by arthritis, but the inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 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 are contraindicated in arthritis.
How long does arthrosis treatment last?
As a rule, the course of treatment in the rehabilitation clinic consists of 10-15 complex sessions, which are held every other day and last 21-30 days. After that there is a break of 6 months. After six months, an examination is conducted, on the basis of which a decision is made to conduct a second course of treatment in order to strengthen and consolidate the results.