Arthrosis is the most common joint damage in medical practice associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in them.Caused primarily by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, the disease cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, it is entirely possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, postpone arthrosis and preserve joint health for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wearing away of cartilage - the main element of this mobile connection of bones, which protects them from friction at the point of contact and serves as a shock absorber during mechanical loads.In most cases, this process is caused by aging, deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and joint malnutrition.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 (outgrowths in the form of tubercles, spines, hips), which are a source of pain when moving.Gradually, the pathological process covers joint muscles, ligaments and tendons.The joint can be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity;
- reduced 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 causes of 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 injuries);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthrosis.The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, worsening their metabolism.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also cause arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure for this disease is impossible - 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 is used in the treatment of arthrosis:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physical therapy.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacement of 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 disease control.First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sports, who need to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, using 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 numerous studies, it was established that obese people have a 3 times higher 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 lead to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of arthrosis is aimed at saturating the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of joint cartilage and slowing down degenerative processes in it.Following these basic principles will not only help you keep your joints in good shape, but also prevent you from gaining extra pounds:
- reducing the caloric content of food by eliminating or limiting fatty meat and poultry;
- consuming enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium to the bones;
- increasing the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits in order to fill the body with vitamins and microelements that the joints need.
During nutrition, special attention should be paid to food and dishes that contain 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 meat jelly, aspic (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin - modified collagen.
Physical activity for the prevention of arthrosis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many goals necessary for joint maintenance and general well-being:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- helps improve mood.
In order for the joints to be in good condition, 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 correspond to the physical form, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of knee arthrosis at any age, and they recommend taking at least 6,000 steps a day.Swimming is very useful when the movement takes place without the negative impact of body weight on the bones.Practicing any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided they are regular, will help prevent arthrosis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.