Osteoarthritis is the progressive non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion-extension movements in it become difficult and then completely impossible.
Ligaments are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which provide all kinds of movement of the skeletal skeleton. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to the smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With arthrosis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. 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 45 and 65 and more than 65% of people over 65. The incidence has a marked dependence on age.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulder. The joints of the hand, foot and spine are most often affected by small joints.
In a late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint appears. 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 purpose of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase the range of motion, relieve pain. symptoms and inflammations.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the predominance of the consumption of hyaline cartilage over the process of its regeneration. This means that joint cartilage wears out and breaks down under stress faster than it can recover.
This happens due to the action of two factors - increased loads and/or slow recovery.
For the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, collagen is required, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, necessary for joints, but is also responsible for the body's heat level.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in the body's heat level. This can happen, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis belong to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
In order to continuously regenerate, joint cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with blood.
If the blood supply is interrupted for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them slows down. In this case, the joints that carry the maximum load - knees, ankles, hips and shoulders - suffer the most. The articular cartilage gradually begins to wear out and collapse.
When the cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "rats"), causing tightness, blockage, further limitation of movement and increased pain.
Another cause of the disease can be the lack of collagen due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This could be, for example, due to the functional insufficiency of the liver, which takes an active part in this synthesis.
Provocative factors for the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtraumas,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissues, etc. ).
Distribution
Arthrosis that develops 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 of the most common forms of the disease have their own names - gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (back).
With the increase of inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
First-stage arthrosis is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means a noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, the formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and deformation of the joints.
Stage 3 arthrosis means the almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization (ankylosis) occurs, the joint space completely disappears.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have already begun.
The symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased fatigue in the joint, small pains that occur after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long periods of immobility (the so-called "initial" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limited and there is no difficulty during the movements.
In stage 2, the pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, appearing even with small loads. When you move, a creaking or creaking sound is heard. The movements of bending, stretching, rotation become difficult, their volume is more and more limited. Rigidity develops.
In the third stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joints are made with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. This joint is severely deformed due to bone growth and increase in size. When the joints of the legs are affected, severe lameness occurs.
In stages 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually appears with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Pain with arthrosis can intensify with weather changes, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked with the rat.
Diagnosing
The diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of a survey, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor studies the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, the circumstances of their appearance and deterioration.
At the initial meeting in the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the nature of nutrition and lifestyle, since in Eastern medicine the human body is considered as a single system. In this unified system there are internal relations.
For example, the state of the joints closely depends on the metabolism, immune system, hormonal and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of depletion of the body's energy, a decrease in heat levels and the accumulation of cold. The main factors in this case are poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and humidity.
During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape of the joints, range of motion, as well as signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local increase in temperature.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for additional examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On an X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Based on the degree of narrowing, determines the stage of arthrosis.
An x-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that form during osteoarthritis.
X-rays visualize bone tissue well, but poorly show connective and soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
Using a tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule and detect "rats" of the joints, damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To study the blood supply to the joint, angiography is prescribed using a contrast agent (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging).
Treatment of arthrosis
In stage 4 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 presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically, these drugs are given by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Joint injections.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity are used. - The operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists in replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy and administration of medications using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used.
Mud applications, compresses, and heat improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue, and relieve pain. - Other treatments.To prevent arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed. Regularly performing simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm a sore joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment of arthrosis includes tools such as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Basically, these are not therapeutic agents, but prophylactic. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which act to increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows the destruction of cartilage, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate metabolic processes and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, the 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 cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually increase the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, this ensures long-term and stable results.
Diseases of the joints refer to disorders of the basic Bad Kan - one of the three control systems of the body, the balance of which means health, and the imbalance of which means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
An imbalance of Bad Kan usually causes not one, but several diseases at once. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always associated with concomitant disorders, diseases, for example, overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency states, endocrine disorders, gynecological diseases dependent on hormones (in women), etc. .
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Kan base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with arthrosis, other accompanying diseases also appear.
When treating arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but also on the body as a whole, in order to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high effectiveness of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists in the simultaneous or successive heating of bioactive points with wormwood cigars or burning cones (from wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally on the affected joint area and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the Bad Kan base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the restoration and renewal of connective tissues, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, and has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
Inserting medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect and promotes the release of inflammatory fluid.
Affecting the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
Influence 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 legs.
Acupressure.
The pressure of the strong point improves local 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 body's overall energy level.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal medicines have been prescribed that speed up the metabolism, increase the level of body heat, speed up recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Auxiliary tools.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as aids.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases the body's heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and restoration of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves joint pain, increases range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
For arthrosis, heating, hot foods are indicated.
Warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as garlic, onion, ghee and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, you must consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes containing a lot of animal connective tissue, for example, broths rich in bones and meat, are useful.
You should exclude cold foods, cold drinks, reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and milk products, sweets, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, oatmeal and legumes.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that provoke an imbalance in the base of Bad Kan - cooling food, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, humidity.
Warming food, physical activity, in particular, walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are helpful.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for osteoarthritis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. But they do not have any specific, preventive or therapeutic effect on joint diseases. To maintain the general health and balance of the body, the vitamins contained in food are sufficient, provided that proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with arthrosis?
No not always. Osteoarthritis can be associated with arthritis, but 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?
Warming up for osteoarthritis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. For arthritis, thermal procedures and heating are contraindicated.
How long does arthrosis treatment last?
Typically, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions, which are performed every other day and lasts 21 - 30 days. After that there is a break for 6 months. Six months later, an examination is carried out, based on which a decision is made to carry out a second course of treatment to improve and consolidate the results.