Joint damage from osteoarthritis is progressive.Pain, poor mobility and general unpleasant symptoms increase gradually.Without proper and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes occur quickly in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of ability to work.Comprehensive treatment of arthrosis using special drugs and non-drug agents is a prerequisite for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.
What is arthrosis and why does it appear?
Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic joint pathology with multiple lesions of nearby tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over 50 years old.
The causes of the disease lie in the degradation of the cartilage tissue, which, due to the natural aging of the body, begins to disintegrate.
Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:
- bad inheritance;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- untreated and advanced arthritis;
- heavy physical activity related to work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- injuries and surgical operations on joints;
- excess weight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis affects almost all moving joints that carry the greatest load throughout life - ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.There is a gradual destruction of the articular joints, accompanied by pain during movement, external deformation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels and general malaise.
The disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of performance and disability.
Principles of arthrosis treatment
Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, appears exclusively in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be cured is unclear - the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and continuous maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve long-term and stable remission.It is important that at the first signs you consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) and undergo an examination, based on which an effective treatment regimen is selected.
Osteoarthritis therapy has several important goals:
- relief of painful symptoms and associated discomfort;
- restoration of common functionality;
- maintain mobility and the ability to work until old age;
- prevention of bone deformation and serious complications;
- stabilize general well-being.
Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment methods are used:
- medicinal- preparations with symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
- not pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, diet, surgery.
The set of techniques is selected individually according to the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results.Self-medication of joint pathology is unacceptable.
Medicinal treatment of joint arthrosis
Arthrosis of the joints in almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local medications are used directly on the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.
Drugs from different pharmacological groups are used:
- anti-inflammatory and sedative;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
In the presence of arthrosis pathology, therapy is quite long and supportive measures are prescribed continuously.
Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs form the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.
- NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective in the initial stage of the disease.
- Analgesics help cope with pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Medicines from these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.
Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid
What should you do with arthrosis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?A course of chondroprotective drugs is recommended to stop complete degradation of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine they contain improve functionality and metabolism.
The knee and hip area is treated with several courses of intra-articular injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections can provide additional help, especially with gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer over the damaged cartilage, fills the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases the motor functionality of the joints.
You cannot expect a quick healing result from these medicines.It is used exclusively as maintenance therapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid hormones are indicated in cases of severe pain and inflammation.It is most often used in stages 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of previous groups of drugs.
During the treatment period, no more than three injections are allowed.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts several months.
Vasodilators and muscle relaxants
Arthrosis often causes a local deterioration of blood circulation, spasm of muscles and blood vessels and leads to overload.
To improve blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxants.
The listed drugs are not always necessary, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosage and constant medical supervision.
Vitamin complexes
To improve cellular metabolism in the joints, it is recommended to take vitamins.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.
Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and supportive purposes:
- a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle tissue and bones;
- a neurotropic drug with a group of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
- complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content, which acts as a building material for bone tissue.
Medicines of this group increase the body's resistance to various diseases, mental and physical activity and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Non-drug therapy
A drug-free approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthrosis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as on such simple and at the same time effective things as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In total they are:
- acceleration of rehabilitation;
- extending the grace period;
- prevention of complications;
- improve general well-being.
As a last resort, surgery is used to preserve mobility.
How to treat arthrosis - folk recipes
Traditional medicine has a large number of prescriptions for all forms and stages of arthrosis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products known to many people, but they are absolutely simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following tools will help:
- Compress from burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and chop them a bit to extract the juice.Apply it to the affected area at night.
- Compress with ginger root to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grind the root and wrap it around the sore joint with a clean cloth.
- Bath with soda-salt solution for the extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in water at 40 degrees.Keep the hand or foot in the pelvis for 15-20 minutes, wrap it warmly.
- Rub with honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Rub the painful area with light massage movements.
- Blue mud compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply it to a piece of cotton cloth, apply it to the joint for 2 hours, wrapping it with a bandage and film.
- Dandelion stew.2 spoons.Boil dried dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a bath for 10 minutes, leave until cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tsp.3 times a day.
Folk remedies help cope with painful symptoms and relieve arthrosis, but they do not replace drugs.
Tibetan methods of joint medicine
Tibetan healers and healers give a leading role to physiotherapy and manual techniques.
Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat arthrosis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– influence on biologically active points in the human body by inserting special thin needles, which are used to relieve pain and improve tissue metabolism;
- acupressure (acupressure)- massage by pressing certain points of the body responsible for the health of each organ or area;
- vacuum massage- with the help of cups or a special device, a targeted effect is performed on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, eliminating congestion;
- stone therapy– massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, promoting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.
As a result of the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints slow down, natural regeneration is activated and the overall health of the body occurs.
Treatment of arthrosis with stem cells
Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that trigger regenerative processes in cartilage.The patient's autologous (own) material, isolated from adipose tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as the "medicine".Sometimes donor material is obtained from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus.
The procedure goes as follows:
- The collected material is sent to the laboratory for stem cell growth.The process takes from 7 days to 2 months.
- The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical way.The course is chosen individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results are visible after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility is improved.Gradually, the structure of the cartilage is restored, the metabolism is normalized and the complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the early stages;in advanced cases it is ineffective.
The right food
The state of the musculoskeletal system mainly depends on the metabolism in the body.A balanced diet can normalize the metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and possibly permanently, it is recommended to adhere to a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- rabbit, chicken, turkey meat as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits rich in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);
- marine fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- buckwheat, rice, oats, durum wheat pasta;
- fermented milk products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- legumes, nuts, bran;
- linseed, olive, sesame oil;
- aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin, replenishing collagen reserves.
From the products offered, you can prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking in the oven, boiling or stewing.You can not eat fried food.
To benefit your joints, you should avoid:
- fatty meats and sausages;
- baked goods and sweets;
- home and store canned food;
- semi-finished products and fast foods;
- whole milk;
- table salt;
- alcoholic beverages.
With arthrosis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid being overweight, so as not to create additional stress on your injured legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Food should be balanced and regular.
How to cure arthrosis with exercise
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help to restore joint mobility, expand the range of motion and prevent severe deformities.It is used for all forms of joint pathology during the remission period.
Depending on the location, different groups of special exercises have been developed:
- Ankle arthrosis
- With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving to the leg area;
- sit on a chair, raise your leg a little and slowly rotate your leg counterclockwise and clockwise;
- from the previous position, pull your toe away from you and toward you.
- Hip joint
- sit at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
- from a standing position, make wide swings of your legs back and forth;
- perform the "Bicycle" and "Scissors" exercises known to everyone from school in a lying position.
- Knee arthrosis
- kneel down, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
- the exercise mentioned "Bicycle" is equally useful for the knees;
- standing straight, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- move slowly around the apartment in a squat, the so-called "goose walk";
- When hands and fingers are touched
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with outstretched arms, tightly clench and unclench the fist, spreading the fingers like a fan;
- roll a round object (ball) in your hands, spinning it in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- roll your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
- from a standing position, stretch your arms up, as if trying to reach the ceiling;
- bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, extending them in front of you with palms up.
Gymnastics at home should be performed carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If there is severe pain and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercise is allowed only with the doctor's permission.
operation
Surgery is the last resort for the treatment of arthrosis.The direct indications for surgery are the low effectiveness of conservative therapy, the rapid deterioration of the condition of the joints and well-being.With significant deformations of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only and life-saving method.
Depending on the state of the nodes, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation that involves inserting a device into the articular cavity to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as to diagnose and treat pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of articular surfaces with the application of a cushion made of artificial material or the patient's own tissues between them;
- chylectomy- surgery with preservation of the joint, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprosthetics– radical surgery to replace a dysfunctional joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility for many years;
- arthrodesis– surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if prosthesis is not possible.
Often, surgery is the only method that can prolong the patient's active life and avoid disability.
CONCLUSION
The answer to the question "Is arthrosis curable?"received - the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but it can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The right combination of medical and non-medical methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, get rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment at the right time and constantly monitor your health.