Arthrosis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, which is associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes taking place in them.First of all, the disease caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue is completely curable.However, according to experts, it is quite possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, postpone arthrosis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of cartilage - the main element of this moving connection of bones, which protects them from friction at the point of contact and serves as a shock absorber during mechanical loading.In most cases, this process is caused by the age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and the inferiority 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 of a gradual loss of cartilage elasticity, 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 (growth in the form of tubercles, spines, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement.Gradually, the pathological process involves articular muscles, ligaments and tendons.The joint may become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- Deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe forms of the disease).
Arthrosis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine and hands.
Disease causes 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 repeated, or single, but serious (for example, meniscus damage);
- Age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthrosis.The main thing is excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which prevents normal blood supply and nutrition to the joints, worsens its metabolism.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also provoke arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
It is impossible to completely cure this disease - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight arthrosis.Modern therapy can slow down the process of cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition.For this purpose, the following are used to treat arthrosis:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal preparations;
- Physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, use of mud);
- Physiotherapy.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacing the joint with a prosthesis.
Modern medicine considers the prevention of arthrosis and the promotion of a lifestyle that helps maintain healthy joints to be the main task of fighting the disease.First of all, this applies to adults and young people actively involved in sports, who need special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, use of special protective equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For people who do not exercise, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and being physically active.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of many studies, it was determined that obese people have 3 times the risk of developing 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 causes the development of many pathological processes in the body, which leads to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affect the condition of the joints.
Nutrition, as a prevention of arthrosis, aims to saturate the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of articular cartilage and slow down degenerative processes in it.Adherence to the following basic principles will help not only to keep the joints in good shape, but also prevent you from gaining excess weight:
- reducing the calorie content of food by excluding or limiting fatty meat and poultry;
- consuming enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium for bones;
- Increasing the proportion of grains, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and microelements.
During nutrition, special attention should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue.These substances primarily include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet jellied meat, aspic (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin - modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent arthrosis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.Although physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many goals necessary to maintain joints and general well-being:
- improves blood supply 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;
- Helps improve mood.
To keep the 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 and suitable for each person's physical shape, age and other individual characteristics.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of knee arthrosis at any age and recommend taking at least 6,000 steps a day.Swimming is very beneficial when movement occurs without the negative impact of body weight on the bones.Any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided that they are regular, will help prevent arthrosis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.