Joint damage from osteoarthritis is progressive.Pain, poor mobility and general unpleasant symptoms increase gradually.Without appropriate and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes quickly occur in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of working capacity.Comprehensive treatment of arthrosis with the help of special drugs and non-drug means is a prerequisite for stopping the destruction of the joints and restoring their functionality.
What is osteoarthritis and why does it occur?
Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic joint pathology with multiple lesions of nearby tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory and develops gradually over several years.It mostly affects women over 50.
The causes of the disease lie in the breakdown of cartilage tissue, which, due to the natural aging of the body, begins to disintegrate.
Adverse internal and external factors contribute to this process:
- bad heredity;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- untreated and advanced arthritis;
- heavy physical activity related to work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- joint injuries and surgeries;
- overweight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis affects almost all movable joints that carry the greatest load throughout life - ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical vertebrae and even the lower jaw.There is a gradual destruction of the joints, accompanied by pain during movement, external deformation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels and general malaise.
The disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of working capacity and disability.
Principles of treatment of arthrosis
Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, occurs exclusively in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be cured is unequivocal - the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and constant supportive therapy, it is possible to achieve long-term and stable remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, based on which an effective treatment regimen is selected.
The treatment of arthrosis has several important goals:
- relief of painful symptoms and accompanying discomfort;
- restoring the functionality of the joint;
- preservation of mobility and ability to work until old age;
- prevention of bone deformation and severe complications;
- stabilization of general welfare.
Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment approaches are used:
- medicinal– preparations with symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
- non-pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic gymnastics, diet, surgery.
The set of techniques is selected individually depending on the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the results of the diagnosis.Self-treatment of joint pathology is unacceptable.
Drug treatment of arthrosis of the joints
Arthritis of the joints at almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and topical medications are used directly on the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.
Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:
- anti-inflammatory and analgesic;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
In the presence of arthrosis pathology, the therapy is quite long and supportive measures are prescribed constantly.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.
- NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective in the initial stage of the disease.
- Analgesics help manage pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Medicines from these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.
Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid
What to do with arthrosis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?A course of chondroprotective drugs is recommended to stop complete breakdown of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine contained in them improve functionality and metabolism.
The knee and hip area is treated with several courses of intra-articular injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections can provide additional help, especially with gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer on the damaged cartilage, replenishes the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases the motor functionality of the joints.
You cannot expect a quick healing result from these drugs.It is used exclusively as a supportive therapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid hormones are indicated in cases of severe pain and inflammation.It is most often used in stages 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of the previous groups of drugs.
No more than three injections are allowed during treatment.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts for several months.
Vasodilators and muscle relaxants
Arthrosis often causes local deterioration of blood circulation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels and leads to congestion.
To improve blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxants.
The listed drugs are not always necessary, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosage and constant medical supervision.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins is recommended to improve cellular metabolism in the joints.Useful trace elements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent severe complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.
Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and maintenance purposes:
- a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
- neurotropic drug with a set of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
- a complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content, which plays the role of a building material for bone tissue.
Medicines from this group increase the body's resistance to various diseases, mental and physical activity and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Non-drug therapy
The non-drug approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthrosis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as on such simple and yet effective things as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In total they are:
- acceleration of rehabilitation;
- prolongs the period of remission;
- prevention of complications;
- improving general well-being.
As a last resort, surgery is used to maintain mobility.
How to treat arthrosis - folk recipes
Traditional medicine has a large number of recipes for all forms and stages of arthrosis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products familiar to many, but they are absolutely simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following means will help:
- Compresses of burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush a little to release the juice.Apply to the affected area overnight.
- Compress with ginger root to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the affected joint with a clean cloth.
- Baths with a solution of soda and salt for limbs.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in water at 40 degrees.Keep your arm or leg in the basin for 15-20 minutes, wrap it in heat.
- Rub from honey and mumio.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumio and 100 g of natural honey.Rub into the painful area with light massage movements.
- Compress with blue clay.The dry powder is dissolved in water, applied to a piece of cotton cloth, applied to the joint for 2 hours, wrapping it with a bandage and a film.
- Decoction of dandelion.2 tspBoil dry dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a bath for 10 minutes, let cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.
Folk remedies help to cope with painful symptoms and relieve arthrosis, but they do not replace drugs.
Methods of Tibetan medicine for the joints
Tibetan healers and healers give a leading role to physical therapy and manual techniques.
Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat arthrosis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)- impact on biologically active points of the human body by introducing special thin needles used to relieve pain and improve tissue metabolism;
- acupressure (acupressure)– massage by pressure on certain points of the body, responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
- vacuum massage- with the help of suction cups or a special device, a targeted impact is made on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, removing congestion;
- stone therapy– massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, promotion of the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulation of metabolic processes.
As a result of the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated and the body is completely healed.
Treatment of arthrosis with stem cells
Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that induce regenerative processes in cartilage.The patient's autologous (own) material, isolated from adipose tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as "medicine".Sometimes donor material is taken from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus.
The procedure proceeds as follows:
- The collected material is sent to the laboratory for growing stem cells.The process takes from 7 days to 2 months.
- The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical way.The course is chosen individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results are noticeable after the first procedure.Pain decreases and mobility improves.Gradually, the structure of the cartilage is restored, the metabolism is normalized and complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the first stages;in advanced cases it is ineffective.
The right nutrition
The condition of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the metabolism of substances in the body.A balanced diet can normalize the metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and preferably forever, it is recommended to adhere to a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- rabbit, chicken, turkey meat as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits with a high fiber and vitamin content (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limiting citrus fruits);
- sea fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, durum wheat pasta;
- fermented dairy products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- legumes, nuts, bran;
- linseed, olive oil, sesame oil;
- aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin, replenishing collagen reserves.
From the offered products, you can prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking in the oven, boiling or stewing.You cannot eat fried foods.
To benefit your joints, you should avoid:
- fatty meat and sausages;
- pastries and cakes;
- home and store canned goods;
- semi-finished products and fast food;
- whole milk;
- table salt;
- alcoholic beverages.
With arthrosis of the lower limbs, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to create additional stress on the sick legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Food should be balanced and regular.
How to treat osteoarthritis with exercise
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help restore joint mobility, expand range of motion and prevent severe deformity.It is used for all forms of joint pathology in the period of remission.
Depending on the location, different sets of special exercises have been developed:
- Ankle arthrosis
- With light movements, massage each toe separately, gradually moving to the area of the foot;
- sit on a chair, slightly raise your leg and slowly rotate your leg counterclockwise and clockwise;
- from the previous position, pull the toe away from you and towards you.
- Hip joint
- squat at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
- from a standing position, make wide swings with the legs forward and backward;
- perform the "Bicycle" and "Scissors" exercises known to everyone from the school program in a lying position.
- Arthrosis of the knee
- kneel, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
- the mentioned "Bicycle" exercise is equally useful for the knees;
- standing straight, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- slowly move around the apartment in a squat, the so-called "goose gait";
- When hands and fingers are affected
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with outstretched arms, strongly clench and unclench your fist, spreading your fingers like a fan;
- spin a round object (ball) in your hands, rolling it in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- roll your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
- from a standing position, stretch your arms up as if you are trying to reach the ceiling;
- bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, extending them in front of you with the palms up.
Gymnastics at home should be done carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If there is severe pain and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.All exercises are permissible only with the permission of a doctor.
Operation
Surgery is the last resort for treating osteoarthritis.The direct indications for surgery are the low effectiveness of conservative therapy, the rapid deterioration of the condition of the joints and well-being.With significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only and life-saving method.
Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy- minimally invasive manipulation, including the introduction of a device into the joint cavity in order to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as diagnosis and treatment of pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of joint surfaces with placement between them of a pad made of artificial material or the patient's own tissue;
- cheilectomy– operation with preservation of the joint, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprosthetics– a radical operation to replace a non-functioning joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility for many years;
- arthrodesis- surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion in case of impossibility of prosthetics.
Often, surgery is the only method that can prolong the patient's active life and avoid disability.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "Is arthrosis curable?"received - the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but it is successfully treated with complex therapy.The right combination of drug and non-drug methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, get rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment in a timely manner and constantly monitor your health.