Arthrosis is the most common joint injury in medical practice, associated with the degenerative dystrophic processes that occur in them. Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, according to experts, it is within a person's reach to slow down the destructive process, delay arthrosis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
Joint destruction begins with the gradual wear of cartilage - the main element of this mobile connection of bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a buffer under mechanical stress. In most cases, this process is due to age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition in the joints. Therefore, symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years. However, the development of negative changes in the cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and consists of the gradual loss of cartilage elasticity, its thinning and destruction.
The cartilage's inability to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in the bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, spines, hooks), which are a source of pain during movements. Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint may be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exertion;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis primarily affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine, and hands.
Causes of disease and risk factors
The main reasons for the destruction of articular cartilage and the development of arthrosis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which can be mild but multiple and repetitive, or single but severe (eg, meniscal injury);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthrosis. The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, impairing their metabolism. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (eg menopause) can also cause osteoarthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure for this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of specialists in rheumatology, whose task is to combat arthrosis. Modern therapy can slow cartilage destruction, alleviate inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition. Therefore, in the treatment of arthrosis, they use:
- 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);
- physiotherapy exercises.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
Having as its main task the fight against the disease, modern medicine considers the prevention of arthrosis and the promotion of a lifestyle that contributes to the preservation of joint health. Firstly, this applies to adolescents and young people who actively play sports, who need to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming and warming the joints, wearing special protective devices: knee pads, elbow pads, etc. ). ). For people who do not play sports, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are to maintain a normal weight and practice physical activities.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of several studies, it was found that obese people have a 3 times greater risk of osteoarthritis. This is explained not only by the fact that being overweight increases the load on joints, but also by the fact that excess fat causes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders . what is negative affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as prevention of arthrosis aims to saturate the organism with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage, delaying its degenerative processes. Compliance with the following basic principles will not only help keep your joints in good shape, it will also prevent excess weight gain:
- reduce the caloric content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- eating enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium to your bones;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements that the joints need.
Special attention in the nutrition process should be given to foods and dishes that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances, in the first place, include collagen - a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish. Therefore, it is necessary to include gelatinous meats, peas (especially fish), fruit jellies and other dishes containing gelatine, a modified collagen, in the diet.
Physical activity to prevent arthrosis
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including its musculoskeletal system. While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many of the goals needed to maintain joints and general well-being:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excessive weight gain;
- builds muscle, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep your joints in good condition, they should not be overworked. But that doesn't mean you should give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it must be moderate, according to the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say walking is the best prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee at any age and recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps a day. Swimming is very beneficial when movement occurs in the absence of a negative effect on bones body weight. Practicing any favorite sport or activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), as long as they are regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep your joints in good condition for a long time.