Among all joint diseases, arthrosis is the most common.This pathology is observed in about 20% of the world's population.It is relevant for both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients suffering from various forms of arthrosis have been registered.The fatal outcome of arthrosis is extremely low, but it can lead to early disability, loss of work ability and significant deterioration of the 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 tools is used.It should be noted that in the treatment and prevention of arthrosis, great importance is attached to choosing the optimal motor mode and normalizing 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 suppress pain and inflammation.Standard drugs from the NSAID group are often used.
When choosing drugs, he prefers drugs that are sufficiently effective, safe and accessible to the majority of the population.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can lead to the development of serious pathology of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of erosion and ulcers.Special drugs can be prescribed to prevent such complications.
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 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 joints.In the early stages of the disease, these drugs effectively prevent the development of the degenerative process.However, chondroprotectors are rarely used in stages 3 and 4 of the disease.
Most chondroprotectors are well tolerated by patients.Unfortunately, it cannot 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 function for 2-5 months after the end of chondroprotective therapy.
Synovial fluid prostheses
Every expert will tell you that without synovial fluid, the joint cannot function normally.Certain types of drugs are used as synovial fluid substitutes.
All drugs improve the properties of synovial fluid, while suppressing inflammatory and destructive processes in articular cartilage.On average, one therapeutic course can include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended to take up to two courses per year.The indication for repeated therapy with drugs based on hyaluronic acid is 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
Treatment of arthrosis without the use of local therapy is rare.Intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids is applied 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 injections of glucocorticosteroids into the joint are allowed.The interval between injections is about 90 days.
If there are no contraindications, compresses with pain relievers are used.10-12 procedures are prescribed to achieve the desired effect.Extension of therapy or choice of repeated courses is not excluded.In addition, various pain-relieving ointments, gels, or creams are used to reduce pain and the dosage of prescribed NSAIDs.
Physiotherapy
Different physiotherapeutic procedures can be used in all stages of degenerative-dystrophic joint disease.The main methods of physiotherapy help to relieve pain caused by stress in the joint, reduce inflammation and improve the regeneration of cartilage tissue.What physical procedures are used for arthrosis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Ultraviolet radiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Ultrasound.
- Inductothermy.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Mud applications.
Physiotherapy can also be used to prevent osteoarthritis.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 joints, strengthen the musculo-ligament system and prevent the progression 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 sit down.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 muscles of the lower leg.You should stay in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and switch legs.
- We sit in the chair.We straighten our legs at the knees and keep 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 do the exercise by straightening only one leg.Do 10-12 repetitions.If you feel good and there is no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We stand with our backs against the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back is against the wall.We lower ourselves into a half-squat.We try to hold this position for 5-7 seconds.Then we rise slowly.At the same time, your back is not against the wall.Gradually increase the static load (half-squat position).
- Regular squatting is considered an ideal exercise for the development of knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the condition of the patient and the severity of the disease.
- We lie on the ground.Raise your legs and make movements reminiscent of cycling.Practice for 20-30 seconds.Then a short rest and another approach.If your physical fitness allows, increase the time you perform the exercise and the number of approaches.
At any stage of arthrosis without exacerbation, therapeutic exercises will help to restore the functionality of the joints.
Surgical treatment
As clinical experience shows, not all patients can cope with the disease using conservative methods.If standard therapy does not give the desired result and severe joint damage causing disability is observed, 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 one is more than 70%.After endoprosthetics, most patients notice a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Traditional medicine
It is difficult not to admit that the popularity of folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases, including arthrosis, has increased dramatically in recent years.Today, you can easily find many folk recipes for compresses, ointments and tinctures.Let's list the most common ones:
- Clay compress.Mix clay and water in such proportions to obtain a homogeneous mass.Then 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 feel the positive effect after 5-7 days.
- Cabbage and honey compress.It is especially popular because it is quite simple to prepare and apply.Take 3-4 cabbage leaves before going to bed.On the one hand, they should be lubricated with honey and applied to the painful joint.To increase the effect of the compress, you can wrap the joint with polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is good to apply a compress at night.
- Oatmeal compress.Take a cup of oatmeal and cook it for 8 minutes.To get a sufficiently viscous porridge, you will need less water than during normal cooking.Cool the porridge at the end of cooking.Then, put the oatmeal on a thick cloth.And the compress is ready for use.In addition, it is additionally recommended to wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a woolen scarf.
- Horseradish compress.Horseradish roots need to be chopped.Fill them with water and boil for a few minutes.Then we put horseradish evenly on the natural cloth, apply it 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 it into a small jar.Pour 200 ml of vegetable oil into it.We insist on 14 days.Then we filter.This celandine oil rub can be used as an external remedy three times a day for a month.
- Dandelion rub.Find a bottle, jar, or any other container made of opaque glass.Fill the glass jar about halfway with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to this bowl.You will have to insist for at least a month.You must filter the liquid before use.Dandelion tincture is used as a joint rub.Typically, the rubbing procedure is best done before going to bed.
- Medicinal bath with herbs.To prepare this bath, you will need medicinal herbs such as St. John's wort, thyme, calendula, nettle and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each component and keep it in boiling water for 60 minutes.Then pour the infused liquid into the bath.Take a herbal bath for about 15-20 minutes.
Before using folk methods for the prevention and treatment of arthrosis of the joints (elbow, knee, hip), you should definitely consult your doctor.
Prevention
If you do not want to go through long and continuous treatment courses, deal with the prevention of arthrosis.Here are some useful tips that will significantly reduce the risk of developing degenerative disorders in your joints:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid harm and damage.
- Eat right.
- Stick to optimal movement patterns.
- The most beneficial sports for arthrosis are swimming, skiing and moderate walking.
If you follow the recommendations of experts and undergo regular medical examinations, your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent condition.