Osteoarthritis is a serious degeneration of the cartilage in the joint without inflammation. This disease is very common, because it is directly related to the start of the aging processes in the body. They often suffer from slightly more than 10% of the population. Most often this disease occurs in people of middle age. Osteoarthritis often occurs in 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 there. The patient for some time can really feel the pain. Pain can 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 suspect that the sick.
As a result of this disease cartilage lose their elasticity a lot. General there are 2 types of osteoarthritis.
- Primary osteoarthritis. Happened without any particular reason. His victims are cartilage located in the joints at the same time. Most often seen in people over 40 years. As a result of such major changes, the cartilage begins to break down simply from the inside;
- Secondary osteoarthritis. This osteoarthritis changes in metabolism and circulation (blood flow and salt exchange worse). Women also often hormonal disorders, because Usually the change in hormonal levels.
So, who are the most suffering from arthritis:
- People who are overweight;
- People who have a congenital predisposition to the disease;
- The elderly;
- People working in dangerous jobs, high stress;
- People with metabolic disorders and micronutrient deficiencies in the body;
- People who have suffered a variety of injuries;
- Some of the athletes.
Also share the degree of osteoarthritis according to the severity of the disease.
- The manifestation of arthritis of the first degree is not accompanied by any visible symptoms. Pain may occur only during exercise. However, irreversible changes and deterioration of the muscles are already at this stage;
- Osteoarthritis of the second degree. At this stage it is quite serious and is associated with the irreversible deformation of the joint and the first appearance of osteophytes. Pain patient, more tolerant, but clearly expressed. In the diseased joints is rustling. Violated muscle activity;
- Osteoarthritis of the third degree. The most difficult stage of development. Cartilage currently already seriously endangered. Muscles under torn cartilage significantly lose their ability to contract.
Signs of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis has the following generalized signs:
- Cider pain, worse in cold and wet weather;
- Contact is deformed and greatly increased in volume;
- Increased skin temperature around the diseased joint, and also may increase the temperature of the whole body;
- There is swelling, is painful swelling;
- During exercise and the appearance of any load (such as climbing stairs), the connection began to crackle and creak.
If during the illness the blood stagnates, and intra-bone pressure increases, the pain may be less portable.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is generally attributed to the group of chronic diseases. It can often occur over a period of several years, manifesting only mild discomfort during the tension of the muscles and joints. But it so happens that the rapid development of the disease is enough for several months. Therefore, the appearance of these symptoms should immediately go to the doctor.
- Happen aching pain. Most often, it occurs during stress;
- Sore and cracking. Pain is most often seen at low temperatures. Crunch at first, almost inaudible, but with the development of the disease can become audible even to the other;
- Appear edema. This symptom is typical of a similar disease — arthritis. This is accompanied by an unpleasant aching pain.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
Prevention of this disease is necessary for anyone who has at least a predisposition to it. First of all, we should not forget about exercise, as well as mashed the joint remains more fluid and the muscles retain the ability to gracefully decline. Don't forget proper nutrition, and get enough vitamin.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
The treatment of this disease is still a topical problem, which confuses the doctors. Although we have developed a significant number of drugs that completely cure the disease not any of them. Listed below are the drug and their purpose.
- Ibuprofen, diclofenac and other nsaids. These medications can significantly reduce inflammation. Diclofenac is used for lubrication of external part of the patient's joint;
- The introduction of special substances inside the joint. These drugs are characterized by rapid removal of the inflammatory process and normalization of the movement;
- The introduction of the inside of the joint special "lubricants" such as hyaluronic acid. This measure applies after it was removed all of the inflammatory processes. Acid acts as a lubricant, significantly reduces friction in the joints and improve mobility.
Surgery worsening of the disease
If medicines do not help, have to resort to surgery. Among the most effective are listed below.
- Artificial joint surgery. Is a complete replacement of the cartilage of the joint is a specially prepared seal. Result of this operation reduces pain and improves mobility;
- Arthroscopy. Prevent joint destruction. The operation result are removed, inflammation;
- Prosthetics. In this case, all components of the joint is completely replaced with artificial components. Such components are made of materials that do not reiciendis the body. The service life of the prosthesis by an average of 10 years.
If the disease is aggravated, you should not delay surgical intervention because of progression of arthritis can seriously affect mobility.
After the approval of the medicines and surgeries do not forget about exercise. The results of such exercises should be to prevent the weakening of the ligaments. About different exercises, it is best to consult with your doctor. Experienced doctor selects exercises that you can perform in a week after the disappearance of pain. Result of the exercise, you can restore movement, increase flexibility and strength of muscles and joints.