Osteoarthritis is the progressive non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion and extension movements become difficult, and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which guarantee all types of movements of the bone skeleton. Free sliding in them is achieved thanks to the smooth surfaces of the hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With osteoarthritis, the hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. As a result, friction occurs that prevents movement in the joint and leads to its progressive destruction.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between 45 and 65 years old, and more than 65% of people over 65 years old. The incidence has a pronounced age dependence.
Most often, the disease affects large joints: the knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulder. Of the small joints, the most affected are those of the hand, foot and spine.
At a late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1-3 of osteoarthritis, conservative treatment is possible, the goal of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradual restoration of cartilaginous tissue, improvement of functions (mobility), increase in the amplitude of movement and pain relief. Symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapeutic methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of osteoarthritis
The cause of the disease is the predominance of wear and tear of hyaline cartilage over the process of its regeneration. This means that articular cartilage is worn down and destroyed under stress faster than it can be recovered.
This happens due to the action of two factors: higher loads and/or slow recovery.
For the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, collagen is needed, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, necessary for joints, but is also responsible for the level of body heat.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including osteoarthritis, is a decrease in the level of body heat. This can occur, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All osteoarthritis belongs to degenerative and dystrophic diseases. Its development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
To constantly regenerate, articular cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If for some reason the blood supply is interrupted, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them slows down. In this case, the joints that bear the maximum load (knees, ankles, hips and shoulders) suffer the most. The articular cartilage gradually begins to wear away and collapse.
When cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "mice"), causing pinching, blockages, further limiting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease may be collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be due, for example, to a functional insufficiency of the liver, which actively participates in this synthesis.
The factors that provoke the development of the disease can be:
- over weight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtrauma,
- cold exposure
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, connective tissue weakness, etc. ).
Classification
Osteoarthritis that develops against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary osteoarthritis 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 osteoarthritis-arthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
Osteoarthritis of the first stage is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means a noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes), and deformation of the joints.
Stage 3 osteoarthritis means the almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, deformation of the joints, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the fourth stage, complete immobilization (ankylosis) occurs, the joint space completely disappears.
Osteoarthritis symptoms
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteoarthritis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 osteoarthritis are increased fatigue in the joint, mild pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long periods of immobility (so-called "initial" pain), after which joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limited and there are no difficulties during the movements.
In stage 2, joint pain becomes more intense and lasts longer, occurring even with minor loads. When moving, a creak or crunch is heard. Flexion, extension and rotation movements become difficult and their volume is increasingly limited. Stiffness develops.
In the third stage of osteoarthritis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are performed with great difficulty, its volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint is severely deformed due to bone growth and increase in size. When the leg joints are affected, severe lameness develops.
In stages 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually presents with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Pain in osteoarthritis can intensify with changes in weather, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked with a mouse.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made on the basis of examination, 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 occurrence and their exacerbation.
At the initial appointment in the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but also about the nature of nutrition and lifestyle, since in Eastern medicine the human body It is considered a unique system. In this unified system there are internal relationships.
For example, the state of the joints depends closely on the metabolism, the immune system, hormones and the movement of body fluids, and the body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies osteoarthritis as a cold disease that develops against the background of depletion of the body's energy, decreased heat levels and accumulation of cold. The key factors in this case are poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and humidity.
During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape of the joints, range of motion, as well as signs of inflammation: swelling, redness and local increase in temperature.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for additional examination: x-ray, CT or MRI.
On an x-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Depending on the degree of narrowing, it determines the stage of osteoarthritis.
An X-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that form during osteoarthritis.
The x-ray visualizes the bone tissue well, but poorly shows the connective and soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
Using tomography, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule and detect joint "mice", damage to the menisci and ligaments.
To study the blood supply to the joint, angiography with a contrast agent (x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed.
Osteoarthritis treatment
In stage 4 osteoarthritis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In stages 1-3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medicines.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoids) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically, these medications are given by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injections into the joint.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow their destruction.
In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity are used. - Operation.The surgical treatment of osteoarthritis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the fourth stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.Physiotherapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and administration of medications using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used to relieve inflammation.
Mud applications, compresses and warming improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue and relieve pain. - Other treatments.To prevent osteoarthritis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment, physiotherapy (physiotherapy) is prescribed. Regular performance of simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm a sore joint and relieve symptoms. The balneological treatment of osteoarthritis includes remedies such as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of osteoarthritis. In essence, these are not therapeutic agents, but prophylactic ones. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which act by increasing the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitating sliding. Reducing friction slows cartilage destruction, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate metabolic processes and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for complete treatment.
Treatment of osteoarthritis in a specialized clinic.
In the clinic, the treatment of osteoarthritis in stages 1 to 3 is carried out using phyto, physio and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic aims to eliminate the cause of osteoarthritis, this ensures lasting and long-term results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders of the base of the Bad Kan, one of the three control systems of the body, whose balance means health and whose imbalance means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
An imbalance of Bad Kan usually causes not one, but several diseases at once. Therefore, osteoarthritis is almost always accompanied by concomitant disorders, diseases, for example, overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency states, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Kan base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with osteoarthritis, other concomitant diseases also occur.
In the treatment of osteoarthritis, the doctor works not only on the affected joint area, but also on the entire body, to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of the simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with a wormwood cigarette or smoking cones (wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for osteoarthritis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally, in the affected joint area, and in the meridians of the body to restore balance to the Bad Kan base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the restoration and renewal of connective tissue, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, and has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
The introduction of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect and promotes the release of inflammatory fluid.
The impact on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
The effect on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower part of the body in case of gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other osteoarthritis of the legs.
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 overall energy level of the body.
Phytotherapy.
For osteoarthritis, various herbal remedies are prescribed that accelerate metabolism, increase the level of body heat, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
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 the range of motion and mobility.
Diet for osteoarthritis
For osteoarthritis, hot and hot foods are indicated.
Hot foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, shellfish, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as garlic, onion, ghee and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, it is essential to consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes that contain a lot of animal connective tissue are useful, for example, broths rich in bones and meat.
Cold foods, cold drinks should be excluded and the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, sweets, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and sourdoughs should be reduced. legumes.
Osteoarthritis prevention
To prevent osteoarthritis, factors that cause an imbalance in the Bad Kan base should be avoided: refreshing nutrition, sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold and humidity.
Warm nutrition, physical activity, in particular, walking, outdoor games and physiotherapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for osteoarthritis?
Vitamin complexes influence metabolic processes in general. But they do not have any specific, preventive or therapeutic effect for joint diseases. To maintain general health and body balance, the vitamins contained in food are sufficient, provided adequate nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with osteoarthritis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis can be accompanied by arthritis, but the inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for osteoarthritis does not always help and is often useless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up for osteoarthritis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. For arthritis, thermal procedures and warming are contraindicated.
How long does osteoarthritis treatment last?
Typically, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10-15 complex sessions, carried out every other day, and lasts 21-30 days. After this there is a 6 month break. Six months later, an examination is performed, from which it is decided to perform a second cycle of treatment to improve and consolidate the results.