Of all joint diseases, arthrosis is the most common.This pathology is observed in almost 20% of the world's population.This is relevant for both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients suffering from various forms of arthrosis have been registered.A fatal outcome from arthrosis is very unlikely, but it can lead to early disability, loss of work ability and significant deterioration of quality of life.
Prevention and treatment of arthrosis should be carried out by a highly qualified medical specialist.
Traditional treatment
For the effective treatment of degenerative-dystrophic joint damage, the entire arsenal of drugs, physiotherapeutic, orthopedic and surgical means is used.It should be noted that great importance in the treatment and prevention of arthrosis is attached to the choice of optimal motor regime 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 joint synovial membrane.Therefore, it is quite reasonable to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and inflammation.Standard drugs from the NSAID group are most often used.
When choosing a drug, it gives priority to those drugs that are quite effective, safe and available to the majority of the population.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause the development of serious pathology of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of erosions and ulcers.To prevent such complications, special drugs can be prescribed.
It is strongly recommended not to combine different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as this will not enhance 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 early 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 benefit.
Most chondroprotectors are well tolerated by patients.However, unfortunately, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Their characteristic feature is that the therapeutic effect occurs on average 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they continue to work 2-5 months after the end of chondroprotective therapy.
Prostheses for synovial fluid
Any expert will tell you that without synovial fluid, the joint cannot function normally.Certain types of drugs are used as substitutes for synovial fluid.
All drugs improve the properties of synovial fluid, and at the same time suppress inflammatory and destructive processes in articular cartilage.On average, a therapeutic course can include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended to hold up to two courses per year.The indication for re-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
Rarely, arthrosis is treated without the use of local therapy.Intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids is resorted to in the case of chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint and the absence of an appropriate analgesic effect from taking 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 therapy or repeating courses is not excluded.In addition, various ointments, gels or pain relief creams are used to reduce pain and dosage of prescribed NSAIDs.
Physiotherapy
Different physiotherapeutic procedures can be used in all stages of degenerative-dystrophic joint disease.Basic physiotherapy methods help to eliminate pain caused by stress on the joint, reduce inflammation and improve cartilage tissue regeneration.What physical procedures are used for osteoarthritis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Ultraviolet radiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Ultrasound.
- Inductothermy.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Application of mud.
Physiotherapy can also be used to prevent osteoarthritis.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulphide 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 muscle-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 go to the chair.We stand behind the back of the chair.Bend the left leg slightly at the knee joint.We take a step back with our right foot.Then the foot of this leg moves down.This movement creates tension in the calf muscles.You should stay in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and switch legs.
- We sit on a chair.We straighten our legs at the knees and hold 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.Do 10-12 repetitions.If you feel well and there is no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We stand with our backs to the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back is pressed against the wall.We lower ourselves into a half-squat.We try to stay in this position for 5-7 seconds.Then we rise slowly.At the same time, your back doesn't come off the wall.Gradually increase the static load (holding the half-squat position).
- Regular squats are considered an ideal exercise for the development of the knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the condition of the patient and the severity of the disease.
- We lie on the floor.Raise your legs and perform movements reminiscent of riding a bicycle.Do the exercise for 20-30 seconds.Then a short rest and another approach.If your physical fitness allows, increase the time of the exercise and the number of approaches.
In any stage of arthrosis without exacerbation, therapeutic exercises will be useful in order to restore the functionality of the joints.
Surgical treatment
As clinical practice shows, not all patients manage to cope with the disease with conservative methods.If standard therapy does not bring the desired result, and severe joint damage is observed, leading to disability, surgical treatment is indicated.Endoprosthetics are recommended for many patients with severe deformities of large joints.The effectiveness of replacing the affected joint with an artificial one is more than 70%.Most patients experience a significant improvement in quality of life after endoprosthetics.
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 grown rapidly.Today, without much difficulty, you can find a lot of folk recipes for poultices, ointments and tinctures.Let's list the most common ones:
- Clay compress.Mix clay and water in such proportions that you get a homogeneous mass.Then we put it on a small piece of cloth.We put a clay poultice on the affected joint.The duration of the procedure can reach about an hour and a half.You will notice a positive effect after 5-7 days.
- Cabbage and honey compress.It is especially popular because it is quite easy 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 painful joint.To enhance the effect of the wrap, you can wrap the joint in polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is best to apply compresses at night.
- Oatmeal compress.Take a glass of oatmeal and cook for 8 minutes.You will need less water than during normal cooking to get a fairly viscous slurry.At the end of cooking, let the porridge cool down.Then place the oatmeal on a thick cloth.And the compress is ready for use.In addition, it is recommended to additionally wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a woolen scarf.
- Horseradish compress.The horseradish root needs to be chopped.Fill them with water and boil for a few minutes.Then we lay horseradish evenly on the natural fabric that we apply to the painful joint.The compress is applied for about 2 hours.
- Rubbing celandine oil.The leaves and stems of the medicinal plant should be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour into a small jar.Pour 200 ml of vegetable oil into it.We insist on 14 days.Then strain.This celandine oil rub can be used as an external remedy three times a day for a month.
- Rub the dandelion.Find a bottle, jar, or any other container made of opaque glass.Fill about half of the glass container with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to this container.You will have to insist for at least a month.Before use, the liquid must be strained.Dandelion tincture is used as a joint rub.Usually, the rubbing process is best done before going to bed.
- Medicinal bath with herbs.To prepare this bath, you will need medicinal plants such as St. John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettle and thistle.Take 3 tablespoons of each component and leave in hot water for 60 minutes.Then pour the poured 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), be sure to consult your doctor.
Prevention
If you do not want to undergo long and continuous courses of treatment, take the prevention of arthrosis.A few useful tips that will significantly reduce the risk of developing degenerative joint disorders:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid injury and damage.
- Eat right.
- Stick to optimal movement patterns.
- The most useful sports for arthrosis are swimming, skiing and moderate walking.
Your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent condition if you do not ignore the recommendations of specialist doctors and undergo regular medical examinations.