Osteoarthritis is a progressive, non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, being difficult flex-extension movements there and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. There are more than 200 such joints in the human body, which provide all kinds of movements of the bony skeleton. They slide freely thanks to the smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With arthritis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication is insufficient for free gliding. As a result, friction occurs, which hinders movement in the joint and results in its progressive destruction.
Arthritis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people aged 45 to 65, and more than 65% of people over 65. The frequency has a pronounced age dependence.
The disease often affects large joints - the knees (gonarthrosis), hips (coxarthrosis), and shoulders. Of the small joints, the joints of the hand, foot and spine are often affected.
At a late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - endoprosthesis removal and replacement.
At stages 1 - 3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment can be carried out, the purpose of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore the cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase range of motion, relieve pain. 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 arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the consumption of hyaline cartilage over the regeneration process. This means that articular cartilage is worn down and destroyed under stress faster than it can recover.
This is due to the action of two factors - increased loads and/or slow recovery.
To regenerate hyaline cartilage, collagen is needed, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
Not only does this organ participate in the synthesis of collagen, which is essential for the joints, but it is also responsible for the body's heat level.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including osteoarthritis, is a decrease in the body's heat level. This can happen, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthritis is related to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
In order to constantly regenerate, articular cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material for connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If the blood supply is interrupted for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process slows down in them. In this case, the joints that carry the maximum load - the knees, ankles, hips and shoulders - suffer the most. Articular cartilage begins to wear out and fall gradually.
When cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break and move freely in the joint cavity (the "mice"), causing pinching, blocking, further restriction of movement and increased pain.
Another cause of the disease could be a collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This could be due, for example, to the functional insufficiency of the liver, which takes an active part in this synthesis.
Stimulating factors for the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtrauma,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, connective tissue weakness, etc. ).
Classification
Arthritis that develops against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthritis 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 arthritis-arthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
1st degree arthrosis is characterized by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means significant narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes), and joint deformation.
Stage 3 arthrosis means almost complete cancellation of the joint space, limitation of range of motion to at least, joint deformation, removal of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
At the 4th stage, complete immobilization occurs (ankylosis), the joint space disappears completely.
Symptoms of arthritis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthritis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have already begun.
The symptoms of stage 1 arthritis are increased fatigue in the joint, a slight pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long periods of immobility (the so-called "starting" pain), after which thet-section after that. The range of flexion-extension and rotational movements is not limited, and there are no difficulties during movements.
At stage 2, pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, occurring even with small loads. When you move, a creaking or crunching sound is heard. Flexibility, extension, rotational movements become difficult, their volume is becoming more limited. Stiffness develops.
At the 3rd stage of osteoarthritis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are made with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint is severely deformed due to bone growth and increases in size. When the joints of the feet are affected, a large obstruction develops.
At stages 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain, and local fever.
Arthritis pain 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 by a mouse.
Diagnostics
Arthrosis is diagnosed on the basis of survey, 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 appearance, and more.
At the initial appointment at the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthritis, but also about the nature of the diet and lifestyle, since in Eastern medicine it is considered a systemthe human body is individual. In this unified system there are internal relationships.
For example, the condition of the joints is closely dependent on metabolism, immunity, hormonal systems and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of energy depletion of the body, a decrease in heat levels and cold accumulation. The main factors in this case are poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and dampness.
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, local increase in temperature.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for further 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. Based on the degree of narrowing, he determines the stage of the arthrosis.
An x-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that form during arthritis.
X-ray visualizes bone tissue well, but shows soft connective structures poorly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
By using a tomogram, the doctor can examine the state of the hyaline cartilage in detail, as well as detect the synovial bursa, joint capsule, and joint "mice", damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To study the blood supply to the joint, angiography is prescribed using a contrast agent (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging).
Treatment of arthritis
At stage 4 arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. At 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 inflammatory processes, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. These drugs are usually 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. Injections of hyaluronic acid protect the cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down 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 arthrosis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated at the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and administration of medications using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used.
Mud, compress, and heating applications improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue, and relieve pain. - Other treatments.To prevent arthrosis, as well as an auxiliary method of treatment, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed. Performing simple exercises regularly improves the 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. Balmological treatment for arthritis includes such remedies as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Basically, these are not therapeutic agents, but prophylactic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which act to increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows cartilage destruction, but does not reverse it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve the 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 replacement for full treatment.
Treatment of arthritis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, arthrosis stage 1 - 3 is treated using phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of treatment cases of this disease.
Among the complex treatment sessions are several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually improve the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, this ensures long-term and permanent results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders of the origin of Bad Kan - one of the three control systems of the body, which means its health balance, and the imbalance means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
Bad Kan imbalance is usually not caused by one disease, but several diseases at the same time. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by concomitant disorders, diseases, for example, overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and / or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, gynecological diseases depending on hormones (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, in addition to arthritis, other concomitant diseases also occur.
When treating arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but also on the body as a whole, to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret to the high effectiveness of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with a mormon cigar or smoldering cones (made from mormons or coal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthritis in alternative medicine. It is used locally, on the area of the affected joint, and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance of 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 symptoms and normalizes the amount 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 outflow of inflammatory fluid.
Affecting the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activates collagen synthesis in the body.
Influence on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis 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 body's overall energy level.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal remedies are prescribed that speed up metabolism, increase the body's heat level, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Means assistant.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy, and shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary methods.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases the body's 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 sore joint, increases range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
For arthrosis, heating, hot meals are indicated.
Warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as garlic, onions, ghee, and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, you should definitely eat spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes containing a lot of animal connective tissue, for example, rich bone and meat broth, are useful.
You should exclude cold foods, chilled drinks, reduce the consumption of chilled foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina, and legumes.
Prevents arthritis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that provoke an imbalance in the Bad Kan tire - cooling diet, sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, moisture.
Warming nutrition, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are useful.
Common questions about arthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for osteoarthritis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. But they have no specific, preventive or therapeutic effect on joint diseases. To maintain the general health and balance of the body, the vitamins contained in food are sufficient, provided that proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with osteoarthritis?
No not always. Osteoarthritis may be accompanied by arthritis, but inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for osteoarthritis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up for osteoarthritis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. Except in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. In the case of arthritis, thermal procedures and warming up are contraindicated.
How long does treatment for arthritis last?
Usually, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions, performed every other day, and takes 21 - 30 days. After this there is a break for 6 months. Six months later, an examination is carried out, on the basis of which it is decided to carry out a second course of treatment to improve and consolidate the results.