Of all joint diseases, osteoarthritis is the most common.This pathology is observed in almost 20% of the world's population.It is relevant for both developing and developed countries.There are over 2 million registered patients suffering from various forms of osteoarthritis.The fatal outcome of osteoarthritis is extremely unlikely, but can lead to early disability, loss of ability to work and a significant deterioration in quality of life.
Prevention and treatment of arthrosis should be carried out by a highly qualified medical specialist.
Traditional treatment
For effective treatment of degenerative-dystrophic joint damage, the entire arsenal of drugs, physiotherapeutic, orthopedic and surgical agents is used.It should be noted that great importance in the treatment and prevention of arthrosis is attached to the selection of the optimal motor mode and normalization of body weight.Traditional therapy includes the following methods:
- Symptomatic treatment.
- Taking chondroprotectors.
- Local therapy.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical treatment.
Symptomatic therapy
In most cases, the cause of pain in arthrosis is considered to be reactive inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint.Therefore, it is quite reasonable to prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress pain and inflammation.Most often, standard drugs from the NSAID group are used.
When choosing a drug, he gives preference to those drugs that are effective enough, safe and accessible to the majority of the population.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can provoke the development of serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of erosions and ulcers.To prevent such complications, special drugs may be prescribed.
It is strongly recommended not to combine different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as this will not improve the therapeutic effect, but will only significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Chondroprotectors
Currently, chondroprotectors are successfully used to restore cartilage tissue and prevent the development of pathological changes in the joints.In the initial stages of the disease, these drugs effectively inhibit the progression of the degenerative process.However, in stages 3 and 4 of the disease, chondroprotectors are of little use.
Most chondroprotectors are well tolerated by patients.Unfortunately, however, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Their distinctive feature is that the therapeutic effect manifests itself on average 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they continue to act for 2-5 months after completion of chondroprotective therapy.
Synovial fluid prosthesis
Any specialist will tell you that without synovial fluid a joint cannot function normally.Some types of drugs are used as synovial fluid substitutes.
All drugs improve the properties of synovial fluid, simultaneously suppressing inflammatory and destructive processes in the articular cartilage.On average, a therapeutic course can include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended to take a maximum of two courses per year.The indication for repeated therapy with hyaluronic acid-based drugs is increased pain and severe limitation of the functionality of the affected joint.
Only the attending physician can determine the advisability of prescribing a particular drug.
Local therapy
It is rare for osteoarthritis to be treated without the use of local therapy.Intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids is used in case of chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint and lack of an adequate analgesic effect resulting from the intake of NSAIDs.During the year, 3-4 injections of glucocorticosteroids into the joint are allowed.The interval between injections is approximately 90 days.
If there are no contraindications, compresses with painkillers are used.To achieve the desired effect, 10-12 procedures are prescribed.The possibility of extending the therapy or repeating the cycles is not excluded.Also, to reduce pain and the dosage of prescribed NSAIDs, various pain-relieving ointments, gels or creams are used.
Physiotherapy
In all stages of degenerative-dystrophic joint disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures can be used.Basic methods of physiotherapy help eliminate pain resulting from stress on the joint, reduce inflammation and improve the restoration of cartilage tissue.What physical procedures are used for arthrosis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Ultraviolet irradiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Ultrasound.
- Inductothermy.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Mud applications.
Physiotherapy can also be used to prevent osteoarthritis.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths prevent pathological changes in articular cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise
The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to restore the function of the affected joints, strengthen the musculo-ligament system and prevent the progression of the disease.Let's consider an approximate set of exercises that can be used as prevention and treatment of the most common localization of arthrosis - the knee joint:
- Let's take a chair.We stand behind the back of the chair.Bend your left leg slightly at the knee joint.Let's take a step back with the right foot.Then the foot of this leg goes down.This movement creates tension in the muscles of the lower leg.You should stay in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and change legs.
- We sit on a chair.We straighten our legs at the knees and keep them straight in front of us.It is enough to hold your legs for about 5-7 seconds.If it is difficult to perform, you can perform the exercise by straightening only one leg.Perform 10-12 repetitions.If you feel good and there is no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We have our backs against the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back is against the wall.We lower ourselves to a half squat.We try to maintain this position for 5-7 seconds.Then we slowly get up.At the same time, your back does not come off the wall.Gradually increase the static load (holding the position in a half squat).
- Regular squats are considered the ideal exercise for the development of the knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the patient's condition and the severity of the disease.
- We lie down on the floor.Raise your legs and perform movements that resemble riding a bicycle.Perform the exercise for 20-30 seconds.Then a short rest and another approach.If your physical form allows, increase the time of performing the exercise and the number of approaches.
At any stage of arthrosis without exacerbation, therapeutic exercises will be useful to help restore the functionality of the joints.
Surgical treatment
As clinical practice shows, not all patients manage to cope with the disease using conservative methods.If standard therapy does not lead to the desired result and severe joint damage leading to disability is observed, surgical treatment is indicated.Many patients with severe deformities of large joints are advised to undergo endoprosthetics.The effectiveness of replacing the affected joint with an artificial one is more than 70%.Most patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life after endoprosthesis.
Traditional medicine
It is difficult not to recognize the fact that in recent years the popularity of the use of folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases, including arthrosis, has increased significantly.Today, without much difficulty, you can find many popular recipes for compresses, ointments, tinctures.We list the most common ones:
- Clay compress.Mix clay and water in such proportions as to obtain a homogeneous mass.Next, we place it on a small piece of fabric.We apply a clay compress to the affected joint.The duration of the procedure can reach about an hour and a half.You will notice the positive effect after 5-7 days.
- Cabbage and honey wrap.It is especially popular because it is quite simple to make and apply.Before going to bed take 3-4 cabbage leaves.On the one hand, you need to lubricate them with honey and apply them to the sore joint.To enhance the effect of the compress, you can wrap the joint in polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is better to apply a compress at night.
- Oatmeal compress.Take a glass of oatmeal and cook for 8 minutes.You will need less water than with regular cooking to get a fairly viscous porridge.Once cooked, let the polenta cool.Next, place the oatmeal on a thick fabric.And the compress is ready for use.In addition, it is also recommended to wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a woolen scarf.
- Horseradish compress.Horseradish roots need to be chopped.Fill them with water and boil them for a few minutes.Then we evenly place the horseradish on a natural fabric, which we apply to the sore joint.The compress is applied for approximately 2 hours.
- Rubbing oil from celandine.The leaves and stems of the medicinal plant must be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour them into a jar.Pour in 200 ml of vegetable oil.We insist for 14 days.So we try hard.This celandine oil can be used as an external remedy three times a day for a month.
- Rub the dandelion.Find an opaque glass bottle, jar, or any other container.Fill about half of the glass vase with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to this container.You will have to insist for at least a month.Before use, you need to filter the liquid.Dandelion tincture is used as a joint rub.Typically, it is best to do the rubbing procedure before going to bed.
- Medicinal herbal bath.To prepare this bath you will need medicinal plants such as St. John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettle and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each component and leave in hot water for 60 minutes.Then pour the infused liquid into the tub.Take a herbal bath for about 15-20 minutes.
Before using folk remedies in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis of the joints (elbow, knee, hip), you should definitely consult with your doctor.
Prevention
If you do not want to undergo long and continuous courses of treatment, undertake the prevention of osteoarthritis.Some useful tips that will significantly reduce the risk of developing degenerative joint disorders:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid injury and damage.
- Eat well.
- Stick to optimal movement patterns.
- The most useful sports for arthrosis are swimming, skiing and measured walking.
Your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent condition if you do not ignore the recommendations of medical specialists and undergo regular medical examinations.