Osteoarthritis is a progressive non-inflammatory destruction of joint 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 movable joints of bones. There are more than 200 such joints in the human body that provide all types of movement of the skeleton. In them, free movement is carried out thanks to smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
In arthrosis, the hyaline cartilage becomes thin, gradually disintegrates and becomes rough, and the synovial lubricant becomes insufficient for the free movement of the joint. As a result, friction occurs, which prevents movement in the joint and leads to 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. Age dependence of the disease is observed.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knees (gonarthrosis), hips (coxarthrosis), shoulders. Among the small joints, the joints of the hands, feet and spine are most often affected.
Ankylosis of the joint (complete immobilization) occurs in the late stage of the disease. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1-3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the goal of which is to slow down and stop joint damage, gradually restore cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase range of motion, relieve pain. symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of Eastern medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the wear and tear of hyaline cartilage, which dominates its regeneration process. This means that the joint wears out and destroys the cartilage under stress faster than it can regenerate.
This is due to the influence of two factors - increased loads and/or slow recovery.
To restore hyaline cartilage, collagen produced in the body with the participation of the liver is required.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for the joints, but also responds to the temperature level of the body.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in body temperature. In particular, this may be due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis are degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to lack of blood.
For constant regeneration, joint cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material, connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the blood and joints.
If the blood supply is impaired for any reason, the hyaline cartilages lack collagen. The regeneration process slows down in them. In this case, the joints that carry the maximum load - knees, ankles, hips, shoulders - are more affected. The articular cartilage gradually wears out and begins to collapse.
When cartilage is damaged, fragments of it break off and move freely in the joint cavity (called "mice"), pinching and blocking, further limiting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease may be a lack of collagen due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be due, for example, to a functional deficiency of the liver, which actively participates in this synthesis.
There may be factors that encourage the development of the disease:
- overweight,
- wrong diet
- heavy physical activity, intensive sports,
- trauma, multiple microtraumas,
- catch a cold
- age-related changes in the body (dehydration),
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissues, etc. ).
Classification
Arthrosis that occurs against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of inflammatory processes (arthritis, including autoimmune), endocrine diseases or injuries.
Some common types of the disease have their own names - gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (spine).
With the addition of inflammation, the disease is defined as arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages of disease development.
Arthrosis in the 1st stage manifests itself with periodic pain and a little narrowing of the joints.
In the 2nd stage of the disease, there is a noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limitation of movement, formation of bone growths (osteophytes), deformation of the joints.
The 3rd stage of arthrosis means that the joint space is almost completely absent, the limitation of movement is minimal, the deformation of the joints, the involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization occurs (ankylosis), the joint space completely disappears.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Although changes in the cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have begun, symptoms may be absent for a long time.
Symptoms of stage 1 osteoarthritis are fatigue in the joints, after physical activity or prolonged immobility at the beginning of the movements (called "initial pain"), and then the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limited, there are no difficulties during the movements.
In the 2nd stage, the pain in the joints becomes intense and lasts for a long time, and even minor loads appear. A crunching or creaking sound is heard when moving. Flexion, extension, rotation movements are difficult, and their volume is more and more limited. Hardness appears.
In the 3rd stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes permanent. Movements in the joint are performed with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. Due to bone growth, the joint is severely deformed and increases in size. Severe lameness occurs when the joints of the legs are damaged.
In the 2nd and 3rd stages of the disease, inflammation is often accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain, and local fever.
Arthritis pain can be aggravated by changes in weather, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked by a mouse.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of survey, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor examines the history of the disease, asks about the patient's symptoms, the circumstances of their occurrence and exacerbation.
At the first admission to the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about nutrition and lifestyle, because in Eastern medicine, the human body is considered as a single system. This integrated system has internal connections.
For example, the state of the joints is closely dependent on metabolism, immune, hormonal systems and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease, which develops against the background of a decrease in the body's energy, a decrease in the level of heat and accumulation of cold. In this case, the main factors are improper diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and humidity.
During an 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 the patient and conducting a survey, the doctor sends him for additional examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On an X-ray, the doctor will see a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. The degree of involvement determines the stage of arthrosis.
Osteophytes are clearly visible on the x-ray - growths on the edges of bones that occur during arthrosis.
X-rays visualize bone tissue well, but poorly visualize connective, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides more information.
Using a tomogram, the doctor can thoroughly examine the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule, and determine the "mice" of the joint, meniscus and ligament damage.
Angiography (x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) with the help of a contrast agent is prescribed to study the blood supply of the joint.
Treatment of arthrosis
At the 4th stage of arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In stages 1-3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medicines.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the event of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically, these medications are given by injection into a joint or muscle. To slow down the process of destruction of joint cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Joint injections.Hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity to reduce friction and improve floatation, its molecules are able to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their degradation.
In case of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs are used in the joint cavity. - Operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.Physical therapy techniques such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and the administration of drugs using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used to reduce inflammation.
Applying mud, compresses, and heat improves local circulation, promotes cartilage healing and regeneration, and relieves pain. - Other treatments.Physical therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed for the prevention of arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment. Regularly performing simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm the affected joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment for arthrosis includes, for example, mud or radon baths.
Does it matter!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Basically, these are preventive, not curative. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which increase lubrication (synovial fluid) and ease inflammation. Reducing friction slows cartilage damage, but does not repair it.
Not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate the processes of metabolism and regeneration of tissues. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for complete treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
At 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 the treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, which provides long-term and permanent results.
Joint disorders indicate a disturbance in the foundation of Bad Kan - one of the body's three governing systems, a balance of which means health and an imbalance of which means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones, and metabolism.
Bad blood imbalance usually causes more than one disease at the same time. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by accompanying disorders, diseases, for example, excess weight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergic and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc. b.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the total Bad Blood base and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with arthrosis, other accompanying diseases also appear.
In the treatment of arthrosis, the doctor works not only in the area of the affected joint, but also in the whole body to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tzu or moxa therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points. Ju therapy is the main treatment of arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is used locally in the area of the affected joint and in the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the Bad Blood base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a complex effect: improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the recovery and renewal of connective tissues, improves the properties of synovial lubrication and normalizes its volume, 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.
The effect on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
The effect on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower part of the body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the foot.
Acupressure.
Pressure on a strong point improves local blood circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and spasms. Acupressure on the body's meridians (Ku-nye) increases the overall energy level of the body.
Phytotherapy.
Various herbal remedies are prescribed for arthrosis, they speed up metabolism, increase body temperature, speed up 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.
Hydrotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local circulation, accelerates joint healing and recovery.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves pain in the joint, increases the range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
Warming and hot food are indicated for arthrosis.
Warm foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, and garlic, onions, butter, and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, it is necessary to consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot foods rich in animal connective tissue, such as rich bone and meat broths, are beneficial.
Avoid cold foods and cold drinks, reduce the use of cooling foods such as sugar, oil, milk and milk products, pastries, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina, beans.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you need to avoid factors that cause imbalance based on Bad Blood - cooling diet, sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), cold, humidity.
A warm diet, physical activity, particularly walking, outdoor games, and physical therapy exercises are beneficial.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes generally affect metabolic processes. But they have no specific, preventive and therapeutic effect on joint diseases. To maintain general health and balance of the body, the vitamins contained in the food are sufficient under the condition of proper nutrition.
Is there always inflammation with arthritis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis can accompany arthritis, but the inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for arthrosis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Heat for osteoarthritis helps improve circulation and is generally beneficial. But only if there is no acute inflammatory process. For arthritis, thermal procedures and inflammation are contraindicated.
How long does arthritis treatment last?
As a rule, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10-15 complex sessions, which are held daily and take 21-30 days. After that there will be a break of 6 months. After six months, an examination is carried out, based on which a decision is made to conduct a second course of treatment to strengthen and strengthen the results.