Arthrosis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, which is associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in them.The disease, primarily caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, it is quite possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, delay arthrosis and maintain the health of the joints for a long time.
Arthrosis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of cartilage - this is the main element of the movable connection of the bones, which protects them from friction at the point of contact and serves as a shock absorber in case of mechanical stress.In most cases, this process is caused by age-related deterioration of the metabolic processes of the human body and malnutrition of the joint.Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years.However, the development of negative changes in the cartilage tissue occurs at an early age and consists of a gradual loss of elasticity, thinning and destruction of the cartilage.
The inability of the cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in the bone tissue, which can grow, osteophytes are formed (in the form of tubercles, spikes, hooks), which cause pain during movement.Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments and tendons.The joint may be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity;
- reduced joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe forms of the disease).
Arthrosis primarily affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine, and hands.
Causes and risk factors of the disease
The main causes of the destruction of articular cartilage and the development of arthrosis are as follows:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which can be minor but multiple and repeated, or single but severe (for example, meniscus injuries);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthrosis.The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which disrupts the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, worsening the metabolism.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (e.g. menopause) can also provoke arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight arthrosis.Modern therapy can slow down the process of cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition.For this purpose, the following are used to treat arthrosis:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnet therapy, mud treatment);
- physiotherapy.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
Modern medicine considers the prevention of arthrosis and the promotion of a lifestyle that helps preserve healthy joints to be the main task of fighting the disease.This applies, first of all, to adolescents and young people actively playing sports, who need to develop special skills to protect their joints during training (warming up and warming up joints, using special protective equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For those who do not play sports, the main measures to prevent arthrosis are maintaining a normal body weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of many studies, it was determined that obese people have a 3 times higher risk of developing arthrosis.This can be explained not only by the fact that excess weight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat provokes the development of many pathological processes in the body, which lead to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affect the condition of the joints.
Nutrition, as the prevention of arthrosis, is aimed at saturating the body with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage and slowing down the degenerative processes in it.Adherence to the following basic principles not only helps to maintain the good condition of the joints, but also prevents the development of excess weight:
- reducing the calorie content of food by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consuming enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium for bones;
- increasing the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to fill the body with vitamins and microelements necessary for the joints.
During nutrition, special attention should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen the cartilage tissue.These substances mainly contain collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.For this purpose, jellied meats, aspic (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other foods containing gelatin - modified collagen should be included in the diet.
Physical activity to prevent arthrosis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.While physical activity allows for the simultaneous achievement of several goals necessary to maintain joints and general well-being:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight gain;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- helps improve mood.
In order to keep the joints in good condition, they should not be overloaded.But that doesn't mean you have to give up physical activity.Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate and suitable for each person's physical shape, age and other individual characteristics.
According to experts, walking is the best prevention against knee arthrosis at any age, and they recommend taking at least 6,000 steps a day.Swimming is very beneficial if the movement is done without the body weight having a negative effect on the bones.Any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), if done regularly, helps prevent arthrosis and keeps the joints in good condition for a long time.