Osteoarthritis is a severe degeneration of the cartilage of the joint without inflammation. This disease is very common, because it directly linked with incipient ageing processes of the organism. Often they suffer a little more than 10% of the population. Most often this disease occurs in people of middle age. Osteoarthritis often appears those who are younger as a result of broken limbs and injuries.
One of the most dangerous places — knee and phalangeal joints. The disease often occurs. The patient for a time really can not feel pain. The pain may occur in situations where the joint affects some of the load. If the load is absent, the pain may also be absent, and the patient may not suspect that the sick.
As a result of this disease, the cartilages lose their elasticity very much. In general there are 2 types of osteoarthritis.
- Primary osteoarthritis. Occurs without any special reasons. Its victims are cartilage located in the joints, at the same time. Most often seen in people over the age of 40. As a result of significant changes, the cartilage begins to break down simply from the inside;
- Secondary osteoarthritis. In this osteoarthritis changes in the metabolism and circulation (blood flow and salt exchange worse). Women also often hormonal disorders due to a General change in hormone levels.
Thus, those who most often suffer from arthritis:
- People who are overweight;
- People with congenital predisposition to the disease;
- Elderly;
- The people who work in dangerous jobs with a high level of stress;
- People with metabolic disorders and micronutrient deficiencies in the body;
- People who have suffered various injuries;
- Some athletes.
They also share the degree of arthrosis according to the severity of the disease.
- The manifestation of arthritis of the first degree is not accompanied by any visible symptoms. The pain may occur only during physical activity. However, irreversible changes and the weakening of the muscular system already at this point;
- Arthrosis of the second degree. This stage is very serious and is associated with the irreversible deformation of the joint and the first appearance of osteophytes. The pain felt by the patient, more tolerant, but expressed with clarity. In affected joints there is a rustling. Violated muscle function;
- Osteoarthritis of the third degree. The most difficult stage of development. The cartilage at this time already seriously depleted. Muscles under cartilage torn significantly lose their ability to contract.
Signs of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis has the following general signs:
- Cider pain, worse by cold and wet weather;
- The joint is deformed and a large increase in volume;
- Increase in the temperature of the skin around the ailing joint, and can also increase the temperature of the whole body;
- There is inflammation, there is painful swelling;
- During physical activity, and the emergence of loads (like climbing stairs), the joint starts to crackle and creak.
If during the disease, the blood stagnates, and intra-bone pressure increases, the pain may be less portable.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is commonly attributed to a group of chronic diseases. Can often occur during a period of several years, manifesting only mild discomfort during the tension of the muscles and joints. But what happens is that the rapid development of the disease is sufficient for several months. Therefore, the appearance of these symptoms you should go immediately to the doctor.
- Occurs pain pain. Most often manifested during the stress;
- Pain and cracks. A pain is most often seen at low temperatures. The crisis, in a first moment, almost inaudible, but with the development of the disease can become audible even to others.
- Appear to inflammation. This symptom is typical of similar disease — arthritis. This is accompanied by an unpleasant pain pain.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
Prevention of this disease is necessary for any person with at least a predisposition to it. First of all, we must not forget about physical activity, so the puree of the joint remains more fluid and the muscles retain the ability to decline. Don't forget about proper nutrition and get enough vitamin.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
The treatment of this disease is still a topical problem, which baffled the doctors. Although we have developed a considerable number of drugs that completely cure the disease fails to any of them. Listed below are the drug and its purpose.
- Ibuprofen, diclofenac and other Nsaids. These drugs can significantly reduce the inflammation. Diclofenac is used for the lubrication of the external part of the patient's joint;
- The introduction of special substances within the joint. These drugs are characterized by a rapid elimination of the inflammatory process and the normalization of the mobility;
- Introduction to the interior of the joint special "lubricants" such as hyaluronic acid. This measure applies after it had removed all of the inflammatory processes. The acid acts as a lubricant, significantly reduces friction in the joints and improving mobility.
The surgery in the exacerbation of the disease
If medications do not help, have to resort to surgery. Among them, the most effective are those that are listed below.
- Arthroplasty. It is a total replacement of the cartilage of the joint is a fact especially gasket. The result of this operation reduces pain and improves mobility;
- Arthroscopy. Prevents joint destruction. The result of the operation are removed, inflammation, l'
- Prosthesis. In this case, all the parts of the joint is completely replaced with artificial components. These components are made of materials that do not reiciendis body. The service life of the prosthesis in an average of 10 years.
If the disease is aggravated, you should not delay the surgical intervention due to the progressive of arthritis can seriously affect your mobility.
After the adoption of the medicines and surgeries do not forget about the exercise. The results of these exercises should be to prevent the weakening of the ligaments. About the range of exercises it is best to consult with your doctor. Experience as a doctor will select the exercises that will take place a week after the disappearance of the pain. The result of the exercise, which will restore mobility, increase flexibility and strength of the muscles and joints.