Arthrosis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in them. Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, according to experts, it is within the power of a person to slow down the destructive process, delay arthrosis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of the cartilage - the main element of this movable connection of the bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical stress. In most cases, this process is due to age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint. Therefore, the 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 in the gradual loss of elasticity of the cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of the cartilage 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 movement. Gradually, the pathological process covers the articular muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint may become 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 mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine and hands.
Causes of the 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 minor, but multiple and repetitive, or one-time, but serious (for example, damage to the meniscus);
- 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 a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with normal blood supply and nutrition to the joints, impairing the metabolism in it. Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also provoke arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatology specialists, whose task is to combat arthrosis. Modern therapy can slow down the destruction of cartilage, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition. For this purpose, in the treatment of arthrosis, they use:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal 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.
The main task of counteracting the disease, modern medicine considers the prevention of arthrosis and the promotion of a lifestyle that contributes to the preservation of joint health. First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sports, in whom it is necessary to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warm-up and warming up of the joints, the use of special protective devices: knee pads, elbow pads, etc. ). For people who are not involved in sports, the main measures for the prevention of arthrosis are maintaining a normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of numerous studies, it has been found that obese people have a 3-fold increase in the risk of arthrosis. This is explained not only by the fact that excess weight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat provokes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which is negativeaffects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as prevention of arthrosis is aimed at saturating the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage, slowing down degenerative processes in it. Compliance with the following basic principles will not only help keep joints in good shape, but will also prevent excess weight gain:
- reducing the calorie content of food by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- eating a sufficient amount of low-fat dairy products to provide bones with calcium;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and microelements that joints need.
Particular attention in the nutrition process should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances, first of all, include collagen - a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish. To this end, it is necessary to include jellied meat, aspic (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin, a modified collagen, in the diet.
Physical activity to prevent arthrosis
A 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 necessary for maintaining joints and general well-being:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight gain;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep your joints in good shape, they should not be overloaded. But this does not mean that you should give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate, in accordance with the physical form, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of knee arthrosis at any age, and they recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps daily. Swimming is very beneficial, when movement occurs in the absence of a negative effect on the bones of body weight. Engaging in any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided they are regular, will help prevent arthrosis and keep joints in good condition for a long time.