Osteoarthritis is a progressive, non-inflammatory destruction of joint cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, the flexion-extension movements performed in it become difficult and then become completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which provide all kinds of movement of the skeleton. Free sliding in them is achieved thanks to the smooth surface of hyaline cartilage and joint lubrication.
In the case of arthrosis, the hyaline cartilage thins and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and joint lubrication will not be sufficient for free gliding. As a result, friction occurs, which hinders movement in the joint and leads to its gradual destruction.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between the ages of 45 and 65, and more than 65% of people over 65. Occurrence has a pronounced age dependence.
Most often, the disease affects the large joints - the knee (gonarthrosis), the hip (coxarthrosis) and the shoulder. Among the small joints, the joints of the hands, feet and spine are most often affected.
In the late stages of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
Arthrosis 1-3. stage, conservative treatment is possible, the aim of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase range of motion, and relieve pain. symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated application of reflexology, herbal medicine and physiotherapy methods of Eastern medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the predominance of hyaline cartilage wear over the regeneration process. This means that the articular cartilage wears down and breaks down under stress faster than it can repair itself.
This is due to the effect of two factors - increased workload and/or slow recovery.
The regeneration of hyaline cartilage requires collagen, which is produced in the body with the help of the liver.
This organ is not only involved in the synthesis of collagen necessary for the joints, but is also responsible for the level of body heat.
From a medical point of view, all colds are diseases, so the cause of arthrosis is a drop in body temperature. This can especially occur due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis belongs to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, i. e. tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
Articular cartilage needs collagen, the universal building material of connective tissue, for continuous regeneration. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints together with the 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 bearing the greatest load - knees, ankles, hips, shoulders - suffer the most. Articular cartilage gradually wears out and collapses.
When the cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (called "mice"), causing pinching, blocking, further limiting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease may be a lack of collagen, which develops due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be due, for example, to the functional insufficiency of the liver, which is actively involved in this synthesis.
Factors provoking the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtrauma,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital abnormalities (dysplasia, connective tissue weakness, etc. ).
Classification
Arthrosis that develops on 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 (spine).
With the addition of inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
Stage 1 arthrosis manifests itself in periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes), and joint deformation.
Stage 3 arthrosis means the almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, deformation of the joint, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In stage 4, complete immobilization occurs (ankylosis), the joint space disappears completely.
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 joint lubrication have already begun.
The symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased joint fatigue, mild pain at the beginning of movements after physical activity or after a long period of immobility (so-called "starting" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limited, there are no difficulties during the movements.
In stage 2, joint pain becomes more intense and lasts longer, even with minor loads. A creaking or screeching sound is heard when moving. Bending, stretching and rotation movements become difficult, and their volume is increasingly limited. Rigidity develops.
In the 3rd stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes permanent. Movements in the joint encounter great difficulties, their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint is severely deformed due to bone growth and increase in size. If the joints of the legs are affected, severe lameness develops.
The disease is 2-3. In the second stage, the inflammation usually presents with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
The pain caused by arthrosis can increase with weather changes, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, and if the joint is blocked with a mouse.
Diagnostics
Arthrosis is diagnosed based on 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 their worsening.
At the initial appointment in the clinic, the doctor usually 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 connections.
For example, the condition of the joints is closely dependent on the metabolism, the immune system, the hormonal system, the movement of body fluids, and the body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold-like illness that develops due to the body's energy depletion, the decrease in heat level and the accumulation of cold. In this case, the key factors are poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and dampness.
During the external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape, and range of motion of the joints, as well as the signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local temperature rise.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for further examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On the X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. The degree of narrowing determines the stage of arthrosis.
Osteophytes are clearly visible on the x-ray - growths that develop along the edges of the bones that develop during arthrosis.
The X-ray makes the bone tissue clearly visible, but poorly shows the connective, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
With the help of the tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa and joint capsule, and detect damage to the joint "mice", meniscus and ligaments.
Angiography (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) using contrast material is prescribed to study the blood supply to the joint.
Treatment of arthrosis
In the 4th stage 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 performed.
- 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. These drugs are usually given into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injections into the joint.In order to reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, the molecules of which are able 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 are used in the joint cavity. - Operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease, with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.Physiotherapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and the administration of drugs with electricity (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used to relieve inflammation.
Mud packs, poultices and heating improve local blood circulation, promote the healing and restoration of cartilage tissue, and relieve pain. - Other treatments.Exercise therapy (physiotherapy) is prescribed for the prevention of arthrosis and as an additional treatment method. Performing simple exercises regularly improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm up sore joints and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment of arthrosis includes remedies such as mud or radon baths.
Important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. In essence, these are not therapeutic, but prophylactic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which increase the amount of lubrication (joint fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows cartilage destruction, but does not repair it.
In order to not only slow down the development of the disease, but to reverse it, it is necessary to improve the blood supply, activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but cannot replace full-scale treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a special clinic
At the clinic, stage 1-3 arthrosis is treated with phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods of Eastern medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of the treatment of the disease.
During the complex treatment, several procedures are included (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect based on the principle of synergy.
Treatment at the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, which ensures long-term and lasting results.
Joint diseases refer to disturbances in the foundations of the Bad Kan - one of the body's three control systems - whose balance means health, and imbalance means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is also responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
Bad Kan's imbalance usually causes not one, but several diseases at the same time. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by accompanying disorders, diseases, such as overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergy and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine diseases, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Kan base and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, in addition to arthrosis, other accompanying diseases also occur.
During the treatment of arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but also on the body as a whole to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneously or sequentially heating the bioactive points with wormwood cigars or smoldering cones (made of wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is applied both locally, in the area of the affected joint, 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 circulation, activates and accelerates the repair and renewal of connective tissues, improves synovial lubrication properties and normalizes volume, as well as anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
Acupuncture.
The insertion of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, pain-relieving effect, and promotes the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
The effect on the bioactive points of the liver meridian improves the functioning of this organ and activates collagen synthesis in the body.
The effect on the bioactive points of the kidneys improves blood circulation in the lower body in case of gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the leg joints.
Acupressure.
Strong point pressure 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 general energy level.
Phytotherapy.
In case of arthrosis, various herbal medicines are prescribed, which speed up the metabolism, increase the body's heat level, speed up the recovery processes of the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Auxiliary device.
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 heat level of the body.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and restoration of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves the painful joint, increases range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
In case of arthrosis, warming up and warm foods are recommended.
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, it is definitely worth using spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Warm foods with lots of animal connective tissue, such as rich bone and meat broths, are helpful.
You should exclude cold foods, chilled drinks, reduce consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, sweets, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and pulses.
Prevention of arthrosis
In order to prevent arthrosis, the factors that cause an imbalance in the foundations of Bad Kan should be avoided - cooling diet, sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, moisture.
Warming nutrition, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about arthrosis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes generally affect metabolic processes. But they have no specific, preventive or therapeutic effect on joint diseases. In order to maintain the general state of health and the balance of the body, the vitamins in food are sufficient, along with proper nutrition.
Is there always inflammation next to arthrosis?
Not always. Osteoarthritis can be accompanied by joint inflammation, but the inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in the case of arthrosis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up arthrosis improves blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. In case of arthritis, thermal procedures and warm-up are contraindicated.
How long does the treatment of arthrosis take?
A course of treatment at a rehabilitation clinic typically consists of 10-15 complex sessions performed every other day and takes 21-30 days. After that, there is a 6-month break. Six months later, an examination is carried out, on the basis of which a decision is made to carry out a second course in order to enhance and consolidate the results.