Arthrosis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur in them. It is mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, experts say man has the power to slow down the destructive process, delay arthrosis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of the cartilage - this is the main element of the movable connection of the bones, which protects them from friction at the point of contact and serves as a shock absorber in case of mechanical stress. In most cases, this process is due to age-related deterioration of the 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 cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and consists of the gradual loss, thinning, and destruction of cartilage elasticity.
The inability of cartilage to perform its functions fully causes negative changes in bone tissue that can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubers, spikes, hooks) that cause pain during movement. Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint may be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exertion;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- joint deformity and immobility (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hips, lumbar and cervical spine, and hands.
Causes and risk factors of the disease
The main causes of articular cartilage destruction and arthrosis are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which may be minor but multiple and recurrent, or single but severe (e. g. , meniscus damage);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthrosis. The most important are overweight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which disrupts the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints and impairs metabolism. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (such as menopause) can also provoke arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
It is impossible to completely cure this disease - this is the general judgment of rheumatologists whose job it is to fight arthrosis. Modern therapy can slow cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient’s condition. To this end, the following are used in the treatment of arthrosis:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physiotherapy exercises.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replace the joint with a prosthesis.
The main task in the fight against the disease, modern medicine, is to prevent arthrosis and promote a lifestyle that contributes to maintaining joint health. First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sport and who need to develop special skills to protect their joints during training (warming up and warming up joints, using special protective equipment): knee pads, elbow pads, etc. ). For people who do not engage in sports, the main measures to prevent arthrosis are to maintain normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
Several studies have found that obese people increase their risk of arthrosis threefold. This can be explained not only by the fact that being overweight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat causes a number of pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. , which has a negative effect on the condition of the joints.
Nutrition, like the prevention of arthrosis, aims to saturate the body with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of articular cartilage, slowing down degenerative processes. Adherence to the following principles not only helps maintain good joints, but also prevents overweight:
- reducing the caloric content of foods by excluding or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consuming sufficient amounts of low-fat dairy to supply calcium to the bones;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements that the joints need.
In the nutritional process, special attention should be paid to foods and foods that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances contain mainly collagen - a protein that is part of the cartilage, tape and skin of animals and fish. To this end, it is necessary to include in the diet jelly meat, aspic (mainly from fish), fruit jelly and other foods 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. While physical activity allows you to achieve the goals needed to maintain your joints and overall well-being at the same time:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents overweight;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep the joints in good condition, they should not be overloaded. However, this does not mean that you have to give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but should be moderate, consistent with each person’s physical shape, age, and other individual characteristics.
Experts say walking is the best prevention of knee inflammation at any age and recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps a day. Swimming is very beneficial if the movement takes place in the absence of a negative effect on the bones of body weight. If you engage in any of your favorite sports or exercise-related activities (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), if they are regular, it will help prevent arthritis and keep your joints in good condition for a long time.