Among all joint diseases, arthrosis is the most common.This pathology is observed in almost 20% of the world's population.It is relevant for both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients have been registered as suffering from various forms of arthrosis.Fatal outcomes from arthrosis are highly unlikely, but they can cause early disability, loss of work capacity and significant deterioration in quality of life.
Prevention and treatment of arthrosis should be carried out by highly qualified medical specialists.
Traditional treatment
For effective treatment of degenerative-dystrophic joint damage, a whole arsenal of drugs, physiotherapeutic agents, orthopedics and surgery are used.It should be noted that very important in the treatment and prevention of arthrosis is attached to the selection of optimal motor mode and normalization of body weight.Traditional therapies include the following methods:
- Symptomatic treatment.
- Take 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 synovial membrane of the joint.Therefore, it is quite reasonable to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress pain and inflammation.Most often, standard drugs from the NSAID group are used.
When choosing drugs, he gives preference to drugs that are relatively effective, safe and accessible to the majority of the population.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can trigger the development of serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of erosion and ulcers.To avoid such complications, special drugs may be prescribed.
It is strongly recommended not to combine different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as this will not increase 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 prevent the development of the degenerative process.However, in stages 3 and 4 of the disease, chondroprotectors are useless.
Most chondroprotectors are well received by patients.However, unfortunately, they should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Their distinctive feature is that the therapeutic effect occurs on average 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they still continue to act for 2-5 months after the completion of chondroprotective therapy.
Synovial Fluid Prosthesis
Every expert will tell you that without synovial fluid the joint cannot function normally.Certain types of drugs are used to replace synovial fluid.
All drugs improve the properties of the synovial fluid, while at the same time suppressing the inflammatory and destructive processes in the articular cartilage.On average, a therapeutic course can include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended to run up to two courses a year.Indications for repeated therapy with hyaluronic acid-based drugs are increased pain and severe limitation of the functionality of the affected joint.
Only the attending physician can determine the appropriateness of prescribing a particular drug.
Local therapy
It is rare that arthrosis is treated without using local therapy.Intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids is used in case of chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint and lack of proper analgesic effect from taking NSAIDs.During the year, 3-4 glucocorticosteroid injections into the joint are allowed.The interval between injections is about 90 days.
If there are no contraindications, compresses with painkillers are used.To achieve the desired effect, 10-12 procedures are prescribed.The option to extend the therapy or repeat the course is not excluded.In addition, to reduce pain and the prescribed dose of NSAID, various pain-relieving ointments, gels or creams are used.
Physiotherapy
At all stages of degenerative-dystrophic joint disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures can be used.The basic methods of physiotherapy help relieve pain due to pressure on the joints, reduce inflammation and improve the recovery of cartilage tissue.What physical procedures are used for arthrosis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Ultraviolet radiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Ultrasound.
- Inductothermy.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Mud application.
Physiotherapy can also be used to prevent arthrosis.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulfide 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 joint, strengthen the muscle-ligament system and prevent the development of the disease.Let's consider a set of approximate exercises that can be used as prevention and treatment of the most common localization of arthrosis - the knee joint:
- Let's take a seat.We stand behind 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 lower leg muscles.You should stay in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and switch legs.
- We sat on a chair.We straighten our legs at the knees and keep them straight in front of us.It is enough to hold your leg for about 5-7 seconds.If it is difficult to do, you can do the exercise by straightening one leg only.Do 10-12 repetitions.If you feel well and there is no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We stood with our backs to the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back was against the wall.We lowered ourselves into a half squat.We try to stay in this position for 5-7 seconds.Then we slowly get up.At the same time, your back does not come off the wall.Gradually increase the static load (holding the position in a half squat).
- Regular squatting is considered an ideal exercise for developing the knee joint.The optimal number of squats depends on the condition of the patient and the severity of the disease.
- We lay on the floor.Lift your legs and perform movements like riding a bicycle.Do the exercise for 20-30 seconds.Then take a short break and another approach.If your physical fitness allows, increase the time you do exercises and the number of approaches.
At any stage of arthrosis without exacerbation, therapeutic exercises will be useful to help restore joint function.
Surgical treatment
As clinical practice shows, not all patients successfully overcome this disease using conservative methods.If standard therapy does not bring the desired result, and severe joint damage is observed, leading to disability, surgical treatment is indicated.Many patients with severe deformities of large joints are recommended to undergo endoprosthetics.The effectiveness of replacing the affected joint with an artificial joint is more than 70%.Most patients after endoprosthetics experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.
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 increased significantly.Today, without much difficulty, you can find many folk recipes for compresses, ointments, and tinctures.Let's list the most common:
- Compressed clay.Mix clay and water in such proportions to obtain a homogeneous mass.Next, we put it on a small piece of cloth.We put a clay compress on the affected joint.The duration of the procedure can reach about an hour and a half.You will see positive effects after 5-7 days.
- Compressed cabbage and honey.It is very popular because it is relatively easy to make and use.Before going to bed, take 3-4 leaves of cabbage.On the one hand, you need to lubricate it with honey and apply it to the painful joints.To increase the effect of the compress, you can wrap the joint with polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is better to use the compress at night.
- Compressed oats.Take a glass of oatmeal and cook for 8 minutes.You need less water than during normal cooking to get a slightly viscous porridge.At the end of cooking, let the porridge cool.Next, place the oatmeal on a thick cloth.And the compress is ready to use.In addition, it is recommended to wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a woolen scarf.
- Compressed horseradish.Carrot roots need to be chopped.Fill them with water and boil for a few minutes.Then we evenly put the radish on a natural cloth, which we apply to the sore joint.Compressed used for about 2 hours.
- Rubbing oil from celandine.Leaves and stems of medicinal plants should be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour it into a small jar.Pour 200 ml of vegetable oil into it.We insisted for 14 days.Then we strain.This application of celandine oil can be used as an external medicine three times a day for a month.
- Dandelion rub.Look for bottles, jars 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 need to insist for at least a month.Before use, you must filter the liquid.Dandelion dye is used as a joint rub.Usually, the scrubbing procedure is best done before going to bed.
- Medicinal bath with herbs.To prepare this bath, you need medicinal plants such as St. wort.John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettle and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each component and leave it in hot water for 60 minutes.Then pour the infused liquid into the bathtub.Take a herbal bath for about 15-20 minutes.
Before using folk remedies in the prevention and treatment of joint arthrosis (elbows, knees, hips), you should definitely consult your doctor.
Prevention
If you do not want to undergo long and continuous treatment, take arthrosis prevention.Some useful tips that will significantly reduce the risk of developing degenerative disorders in your joints:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid injury and damage.
- Eat properly.
- Stick to optimal movement patterns.
- The most useful sports for arthrosis are swimming, skiing, and measured walking.
Your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent condition if you do not ignore the recommendations of medical experts and undergo regular medical examinations.