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How to treat arthritis and arthrosis of the legs

05 May 18

Arthritis symptoms, treatment and folk remedies

Arthritis is a disease of the joints, accompanied by inflammation, the symptoms and treatment of which are most clearly described in the medical literature. The name of the disease comes from the word “athron”, which translated from Greek means joint.

During arthritis, inflammatory changes occur in the inner synovium of the joint. In this place, synovitis develops, and often an inflammatory effusion - exudate - begins to accumulate.

Modern medicine understands arthritis as a whole group of diseases, united by common signs and characteristics. The main clinical manifestations of the disease are swelling and pain. Such problems indicate that the cartilage tissue is affected, which is accompanied by changes in the joint capsule. In this case, the person experiences pain in them and there is a restriction in movement.

The symptoms of different types of arthritis are more or less similar. Signs of arthritis include pain in the inflamed area, redness, heat over the inflamed joint, stiffness, and difficulty moving. You may have to deal with other troubles, such as fatigue, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. In some cases, patients may encounter difficulties with walking and household self-care.

Although the disease is common among adults, in some cases young people are also susceptible to arthritis. In the United States alone, more than 42 million people suffer from arthritis, and one in six are disabled as a result of the disease. It should be noted that among the causes of disability in this country, arthritis ranks first.

Various anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce inflammation and pain. It is best to combine drug therapy and therapeutic exercises during treatment. Therapeutic massage can reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. According to statistics, arthritis shortens life by about 10 years, but is rarely a direct cause of death. To date, unfortunately, there are no drugs that can completely cure rheumatoid arthritis.

How does arthritis develop and what is it? The disease can occur due to various factors, including wear and tear on the joint that occurs over time.

Also, the development of pathology is facilitated by joint infections and previous injuries, allergies and autoimmune processes with the formation of antibodies that destroy the body’s own tissues – components of the joint. Often arthritis occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection - sore throat, influenza, acute respiratory viral infection, etc.

Arthritis and arthrosis - what's the difference?

The names of these joint diseases are similar, but the accompanying symptoms, pathological process and treatment are different. So what is the difference, let's figure it out:

  • Arthrosis, or deforming osteoarthritis (DOA) is a chronic degenerative disease that occurs in waves. One of the main characteristics of this disease is damage to the cartilage tissue in the joint.
  • Arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory disease of the entire body; and inflammation of the joints during arthritis is only the “tip of the iceberg”, under which some other processes are hidden inside the body.
  • Osteoarthritis and arthritis differ in the nature of pain and discomfort during movements, accompanying symptoms and the age of the patients.

    In modern medicine, it is customary to divide the disease into several types, the symptoms and treatment methods of which will directly depend on the type of arthritis and the cause that caused it.

  • Rheumatoid - it accounts for more than 45% of diseases in which the causative agent is a staphylococcal infection.
  • Gouty – aka “gout”. A fairly common type of disease associated with the deposition of salts and uric acid in the body.
  • Reactive - develops after illness and is accompanied by severe pain.
  • Rheumatic – inflammation of the joints caused by rheumatism. In this case, the temperature rises, the elbow, knee and hip joints swell and turn red.
  • Traumatic - affects the largest joints, which bear the greatest load: shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles.
  • Infectious - most often caused by intestinal infections (typhoid fever, salmonellosis, dysentery).
  • Psoriatic is a chronic joint disease caused by psoriasis.
  • Chlamydial - caused by chlamydial infection after suffering urethritis, pneumonia, prostatitis and other inflammatory processes.
  • Arthritis can often lead to disability. If the first manifestations of the disease occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

    Arthritis, the first symptoms of which are most often felt in small joints, such as fingers or toes. Many experts believe that this disease was initially aimed at them.

    Symptoms of arthritis can include redness, swelling and changes in joint structure, which can lead to damage, pain and loss of joint function.

    The main signs of arthritis that should alert an adult:

  • joint pain;
  • swelling in the joint area;
  • swelling of the joints;
  • stiffness and limitation of movements in the joint area;
  • redness of the skin around the joint;
  • numbness of the joints, especially in the morning;
  • local temperature increase.
  • A person with arthritis gets tired quickly, and the pain intensifies when the patient is exposed to physical activity, sometimes the joints “crunch.” The test results show an increase in the number of leukocytes and ESR, and the presence of c-reactive protein may also be observed. Unfortunately, the uniformity of symptoms for different causes of the disease makes it difficult to make an accurate and timely diagnosis.

    In the dynamics of the pathological process in arthritis, four stages are distinguished:

  • The disease does not manifest itself clinically, but X-rays of the joints show the first signs of inflammation. Sometimes there is a slight stiffness of movement and periodic pain during physical activity.
  • The progressive inflammatory process leads to thinning of the tissues of the articular structures and erosion of the heads of the bones. Swelling appears in the area of ​​the affected joints; A local increase in temperature and redness of the skin are often observed, movements are accompanied by crunching.
  • The gradual destruction of articular structures leads to significant deformation of the joints, limited mobility, constant pain and partial loss of joint function, which is partly compensated by muscle tension.
  • Pathological changes in articular tissues become irreversible; the diseased joint is completely immobilized. When the knee joints are damaged, contractures form, and ankylosis develops in the hip joints - fusion of the heads of the articular bones due to the filling of the articular capsule with replacement bone or fibrous tissue.
  • How does an exacerbation manifest itself?

    Rheumatoid arthritis has two phases. Remission is a period of relative well-being when the symptoms of the disease become less pronounced or disappear completely. On the contrary, during an exacerbation, not only signs of joint inflammation appear, but also general reactions.

    Exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis is manifested by the following symptoms:

    1. Loss of appetite;
    2. Increasing the temperature to 37-38.5 o C
    3. Severe weakness and apathy;
    4. Severe pain in the affected joints. It becomes constant and does not depend on the time of day. NSAIDs most often do not have any effect;
    5. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, discomfort in the eye area, and decreased vision may occur.
    6. It is important to recognize an exacerbation of arthritis as early as possible, since during this period all the patient’s organs suffer. Special treatment is required to relieve all symptoms and return the disease to remission.

      Diagnosing arthritis is quite challenging. This is due to the fact that the causes of inflammation in the joints can be different. Some types of arthritis are widespread and easy to diagnose, but there are those for which only an experienced doctor can make a correct diagnosis after a thorough examination of the patient.

      The cause of the development of arthritis can be any infectious process (local or general), joint injury, allergies, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders. There are also inflammatory diseases of the joints, the etiology of which is still not clear enough; an example of such a pathology is “Rheumatoid Arthritis.” To select therapy for the treatment of arthritis, it is necessary to make a diagnosis and determine which factor led to the development of the pathological process.

      Diagnosis of arthritis consists of the following data:

    7. A thorough medical history.
    8. Identification of its connection with allergic, infectious diseases, trauma.
    9. Characteristic clinical picture of arthritis.
    10. Laboratory examination method (when examining a patient, signs of inflammation, increased uric acid levels, the presence of antibodies to group A hemolytic streptococcus, etc. are revealed).
    11. Instrumental diagnostics (radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging).
    12. Synovial fluid studies.
    13. In recent years, for a more accurate diagnosis of arthritis, arthroscopy has been used, which allows for a thorough examination of the joint cavity and collection of synovial fluid for its subsequent analysis. The main method of instrumental diagnosis for arthritis is radiography. It is usually carried out in two projections; according to indications, x-rays can be taken in additional projections, allowing a more detailed identification of local changes occurring in the affected joints.

      To clarify changes in articular tissues that are usually poorly distinguishable during X-ray examination, for example, areas of the epiphyses, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is used. The main difficulty in diagnosing arthritis is that none of the methods of laboratory or instrumental diagnosis of the disease allows an unambiguous and accurate diagnosis to be made. To diagnose arthritis, identify its cause, and therefore choose the correct treatment, a comprehensive examination of the patient is necessary. All data obtained during the examination must then be associated with the clinical picture of the disease.

      Complications from arthritis can be early and late. Early complications include phlegmon, panarthritis (acute purulent arthritis). Late complications include osteomyelitis, sepsis, contractures and pathological dislocations.

      The sooner you start treating arthritis, the more effective it will be. This is due to the fact that the first and second stages of the disease are not characterized by a pronounced degree of joint deformation. First of all, the treatment of the disease depends on the nature and causes that caused it. Treatment of arthritis is mainly aimed at reducing pain, eliminating inflammation and preventing the progression of the disease.

      So, how to treat arthritis and what principles of therapy are the most important? The following main components are mainly used:

    14. Pharmacological methods of treatment: use of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal ointments, creams and gels; intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids.
    15. Vitamin therapy, intake of macro- and microelements, diet therapy, intake of amino acids (methionine, arginine) necessary for the construction of new tissues.
    16. Non-drug treatment methods: selection of orthopedic shoes, reducing stress on joints, getting rid of bad habits, therapeutic exercises, massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and electrical pulse stimulation of muscles.
    17. Surgical treatments or joint replacement are used only for the most advanced forms of arthritis.
    18. In the case of complicated forms, the introduction of stem cells can be used.
    19. For patients with arthritis, specialized exercise therapy complexes have been developed that are aimed at developing flexibility and strength. They are necessarily supplemented with aerobic exercises. Some patients may feel that such a load is too great for a person with sore joints. However, this is not quite true. Firstly, you should start exercising during remission, and secondly, the complex is selected individually, taking into account the degree of damage to the joints. Regular exercise gives an amazing effect.

      In addition, they need to adhere to a special diet, which we will talk about below.

      The following methods are highly effective:

    20. Galvanic currents;
    21. Irradiation of the joint with ultraviolet waves;
    22. Diathermy is the application of low-frequency current to the joint area in order to warm it up;
    23. Electrical stimulation according to Gerasimov is a new method of physiotherapy, the principle of which is to stimulate the tissues around the joint with low-frequency current. The course of treatment is 3-6 procedures, and the effect lasts for several years. After therapy, patients note a decrease in the severity of pain, stiffness and signs of inflammation (swelling and redness of the joints).
    24. It should be noted that physiotherapy does not replace drug treatment, but only complements it. Otherwise, rheumatoid arthritis will steadily progress and lead to damage and curvature of the joints.

      Modern drugs

      The latest generation of drugs against rheumatoid arthritis are drugs that selectively reduce the activity of inflammatory substances in the body: interleukins, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and others. They have proven their effectiveness not only in pharmacological trials, but also in real clinical practice. Another advantage is the rare occurrence of adverse reactions.

      The main representatives of this group of drugs:

    25. Infliximab (synonyms: Remicade, Flammegis);
    26. Etanercept (synonym: Enbrel);
    27. Adalimumab.
    28. Why are these drugs not widely used? It's a matter of price. The cost of 20 ml of the drug, on average, is 45,000-50,000 thousand rubles. Not every hospital or patient can afford this.

      How to treat arthritis with folk remedies

      In addition to traditional methods, the treatment of arthritis can be supplemented with folk remedies. There are a great many recipes in the arsenal of traditional healers. However, when starting home treatment, you need to be patient.

    29. Take 1 tbsp. l. salt and dissolve in a glass of boiled water. In a small mold, freeze in the freezer. Place the resulting ice on the sore joint and hold until completely thawed. Without rinsing, wrap the joint with a woolen scarf (shawl) for 3-4 hours.
    30. Treatment with a mixture of juices - chop one medium beet, one large apple and 2 carrots. Squeeze the juice from the pulp, add a third of a teaspoon of ginger powder, mix all the ingredients thoroughly and drink 3 servings of this mixture during the day.
    31. Twenty cyclamen tubers must be boiled in 10 liters of water. For one procedure, 1 - 2 liters of decoction is enough. Such therapeutic baths for hands and feet must be done daily for 30 minutes until the condition improves.
    32. Take a package of bay leaves and place half of them in a saucepan. Pour 300 ml of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. Then wrap it up better and let it sit for three hours. After 3 hours, strain and drink before bed. And so on for 3 days in a row. In a week you need to repeat the course.
    33. Take black elderberry flowers - 1 part. Birch leaves – 4 parts. Willow bark – 5 parts. The crushed ingredients are mixed, 1 tablespoon of the mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water. The infusion is wrapped up. After half an hour the product is ready. You need to take half a glass of infusion 4 times a day before meals.
    34. This method involves applying mustard plasters to the sore spot to warm the joints, thereby relieving the patient of pain.
    35. Adults suffering from various forms of arthritis are recommended to follow a special diet that helps reduce acidity.

      It is recommended to include in your diet:

    36. fresh vegetables and fruits;
    37. fresh juices;
    38. mackerel, trout, salmon;
    39. fish fat;
    40. mineral water;
    41. dairy products.
    42. A balanced diet for arthritis should be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids from the Omega 3 group and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

      You should remove strong tea and coffee from your diet, and reduce alcohol consumption. Avoid eating meat, mushroom and fish broths; all types of smoked meats; salted and fried fish; caviar; all varieties of legumes. Fans of baked goods, chips and jams will have to choose between their health and their food preferences.

      The main thing to remember is that the diet for arthrosis and arthritis should be balanced, low in calories, and also contain vitamins and minerals.

      For comprehensive prevention of arthritis, the following rules must be followed:

    43. Monitor your weight, as excess weight increases wear and tear on your joints;
    44. Do not smoke or drink alcohol - this also negatively affects the joints;
    45. Maintain correct posture, which reduces stress on the joints;
    46. Lift weights correctly, without bending the spine left or right, avoiding injuries and unnecessary stress on joints and muscles;
    47. Exercise regularly, as a well-developed “muscle corset” reduces the load on the joints;
    48. Reduce your intake of sugar and other easily digestible carbohydrates from carbonated drinks;
    49. Take breaks from work that involves prolonged sitting/standing. Do light exercises during breaks;
    50. Properly organize your workplace so that you can sit comfortably, without having to lean forward, throw your head back, or strain your back and neck.
    51. It is also worth eating a balanced diet, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (fatty fish, fish oil) and calcium (dairy products, fish), eliminating animal fats (a source of “bad” cholesterol), eating more vegetables and fruits. Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids alleviate the symptoms of arthritis (in particular, due to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory molecules - resolvins). A study of 2112 patients with radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee found that higher magnesium intake corresponded to a significant reduction in the risk of osteoarthritis (P=0.03)

      In the early stages, acute infectious arthritis responds well to treatment until complete restoration of joint function.

      If the development of the inflammatory process is associated with endogenous factors, it is more difficult to achieve recovery, but it is possible to slow down the rate of progression of the disease, prevent the development of complications and avoid disability.

      How to treat arthritis of the toes, their symptoms and treatment

      Arthritis of the toes is a rheumatoid disease accompanied by an inflammatory process. It primarily affects the big toe. If treatment is not started in time, all toes will be affected. Previously, arthritis was observed only in older people and those with severe chronic diseases (for example, diabetes). Today, arthritis of the big toe can be seen in young people, even in preschool and school-age children.

      Causes

      There can be several reasons why arthritis of the big toe may develop. In turn, they can be caused by other factors. Initially, it is worth understanding the causes of the disease, which may be as follows:

    52. Gout. This disease can cause arthritis of the joint of the big toe, since as a result of the action of gout, the natural metabolism in the body is disrupted.
    53. Injuries. If there is constant injury to the foot, arthritis may also develop. The injury may also be related to the ankle joint.
    54. Antibodies. Due to the body's acceptance of connective tissue as an antigen, rheumatoid arthritis begins to develop. To overcome this disease, it is necessary to constantly take special medications - immunosuppressants, which to some extent reduce the activity of the immune system.
    55. Weakened immune system. One of the most common factors for the occurrence of various diseases, including arthritis. Often, weakening of the immune system is observed after suffering from diseases such as acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, or in early spring, when there is a lack of vitamins in the body.
    56. Poisoning. Food poisoning causes arthritis only in children. In this case, the development of reactive arthritis is observed, which manifests itself a week after poisoning.
    57. The presence of chronic diseases accompanying arthritis: gonorrhea, diabetes, tuberculosis, syphilis and others.
    58. The first step is to correctly identify the causes of arthritis. These include not only previous injuries and illnesses, excessive physical activity, etc., but also age-related changes in the body (especially in people over 50).

      The first and main symptom indicating the appearance of an inflammatory process in the body is pain in the area of ​​the big toe, which over time spreads to neighboring toes, and then to the entire foot. The affected area is accompanied by swelling and redness. The patient's body temperature rises.

      If you don't see a doctor immediately, your fingers may lose the ability to move. Arthritis occurs very quickly, which allows it to develop into a chronic disease in a few days. Various symptoms indicate the need for treatment for arthritis of the toes. Do not delay visiting your doctor if you experience:

    59. Chills. Observed as a result of a sharp increase in temperature. The temperature may drop briefly and then rise again.
    60. Pain in the area of ​​the big toe. Pain sensations become stronger after short physical activity, less pronounced at rest. If the disease is neglected, pain will accompany the person constantly, even in sleep.
    61. Swelling of the joint.
    62. Arthritis comes in several varieties, each of which manifests itself differently. Some types of disease can mature in the body for years and appear in one day, others appear very quickly and progress rapidly. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered one of the most dangerous types, since it can cause deformation of the foot and fingers, which leads to disability.

      If one or more symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a specialist who will prescribe treatment for arthritis of the toe. The use of painkillers only relieves symptoms, but does not eliminate the disease or stop its development.

      Identifying arthritis is not difficult, since its symptoms appear sharply and rapidly. However, it may be difficult to determine its type - this will require laboratory test data and, possibly, additional research. After a preliminary interview and examination, doctors prescribe:

    63. X-ray. This procedure is prescribed to almost all patients diagnosed with arthritis of any kind. X-rays are necessary to determine the extent of joint damage.
    64. Biochemical tests. This group includes blood biochemistry analysis and special tests to detect the activity of the immune system.
    65. General tests. The group of general tests includes standard laboratory tests: general blood and urine tests.
    66. Immunological research. Prescribed to patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis.
    67. After passing a medical examination, the doctor will prescribe drug therapy to combat arthritis. In some cases, surgery is prescribed.
    68. The disease should be diagnosed by a specialized doctor - a rheumatologist or therapist who knows how to treat arthritis of the toes.

      Some patients decide to treat arthritis of the big toe with folk remedies. However, in most cases, an illiterate approach to treatment ends in dire consequences. The use of traditional medicine is possible, but only in combination with medications, according to doctor's indications.

      Almost always, arthritis can be treated with medications; surgery is resorted to in extreme cases. Treatment of arthritis of the big toe is carried out comprehensively: it is necessary to follow a special diet, regularly take medications, and wear comfortable shoes. In the early stages of the disease, therapy is usually successful. Below are various options for treating the disease in question.

      • Antibiotics are necessary to treat infectious arthritis. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the accuracy of identifying the causative agent of the disease.
      • Ointments and taking drugs of the NSAID category. Ointments are often prescribed when rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed to relieve swelling and redness in the affected area. Medicines of the NSAID group are used as injections and are injected directly into the joint.
      • Warming gels. Warming ointments and gels have a gentle effect on the affected area, eliminating pain, discomfort, swelling and redness.
      • Restoration of a damaged joint. In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible to prevent deformities in the toes through therapeutic treatment, without surgery. Doctors recommend wearing a special orthopedic pad placed between the toes to prevent them from layering on top of each other and subsequent deformation. By wearing such a pad for a long time, it is even possible to restore a joint that is already bent due to illness.
      • Chondroprotectors. These drugs are necessary for the complete restoration of cartilage tissue destroyed by arthritis. They are presented in ointments, tablets and injections - the exact type of administration must be prescribed by a doctor.
      • There are additional treatments for big toe arthritis. These include: massages, physical therapy at home or in a sanatorium, wearing orthopedic shoes or insoles, following a strict diet prescribed by a doctor, and staying in the fresh air.

        Treatment of arthritis of the toes must begin with the appearance of the first symptoms, since, otherwise, this disease will very quickly become chronic, and then it will be almost impossible to cure it.

        Prevention of arthritis

        Arthritis is an insidious disease that can appear at any age. To avoid its occurrence, you need to carefully take care of your health: support the immune system by taking vitamins. Alternate physical activity with rest, wear comfortable shoes made of natural material, and avoid injuries. If an injury does occur, it is necessary to consult a doctor promptly. To avoid consequences, and, if possible, eliminate the cause of the injury: remove high-heeled shoes, soften the force of sports training, etc.

        As a preventative measure, it is recommended to periodically take warm foot baths using sea salt, anti-inflammatory decoctions (chamomile, string), visit massage therapists, and do therapeutic exercises at home.

        In general, if all the doctor’s requirements are met and systematic treatment is given, arthritis can be overcome. As a rule, the prognosis for treating arthritis in the early stages is favorable. At the initial stages of the development of the disease, taking antibiotics, using appropriate ointments and injections is highly effective.

        What is and how to treat arthrosis of the toes

        To understand which treatment methods will be most effective, it is necessary to understand the structure of the development of the disease. Treatment for arthrosis of the toes is prescribed only after a complete diagnostic examination of the patient and determination of not only the disease itself, but also the reasons that contributed to its development.

        What is arthrosis of the toe joints

        Deforming arthrosis of the toes begins when, for one reason or another, the cartilaginous interphalangeal tissue ceases to receive a sufficient amount of nutrients. As a result of these changes, the interarticular part becomes thinner, mobility is lost, and disability may occur over time.

        Causes and symptoms of the disease

        Modern research confirms that the main causes of the disease are not only a person’s age, as previously thought. Other factors can also cause pathology. Namely:

      • Injuries, fractures, sprained tendons, cracks, and bruises can provoke arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints of the foot.

      Due to a lack of nutrients, mostly irreversible changes begin to occur. Arthrosis on the big toe is the end result of these deformities. The development of pathology occurs according to the following scheme:

    69. The joint loses its elasticity. At the same time, atrophy of the muscle tissue surrounding this area is observed.

      Post-traumatic arthrosis of the first toe can be observed in athletes, professional military personnel and people whose occupation involves stress on the foot and toes.

      How to stop and how to treat arthrosis of the toe joint

      In most cases, the disease can be diagnosed after the patient contacts an arthrologist with complaints of pain. After a visual examination, a general examination is prescribed, based on the results of which a decision is made on the course of therapy.

    70. Relieving stress on the joint. This is especially important after a broken toe or toe. The patient is prescribed wearing a bandage and bed rest. It is recommended to use comfortable shoes with orthopedic inserts.

    71. NSAIDs are prescribed to relieve inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective pain relievers for a patient with this diagnosis. Other medications may help relieve pain. In advanced cases, injections containing NSAIDs are prescribed.

      Prevention of arthrosis of the toes

      Anatomically, it has developed that the main load when walking falls on the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot. Patients diagnosed with arthrosis and anyone at risk can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing the disease through prevention. This requires the following:

    72. Wear comfortable shoes. Pain at rest and fatigue may indicate the need to switch to a more practical type of shoes or boots.

    The success of a course of treatment for arthrosis largely depends on the early diagnosis of the disease, as well as on the qualifications of the attending physician.

    Arthritis of the lower extremities - symptoms and treatment

    Arthritis of the legs is a disease that affects most of the population over 40 years of age. The inflammatory process develops under the influence of various reasons. Accordingly, clinical manifestations also differ. All joints of the legs suffer - from the small ones on the toes to the hip joints.

    There are a large number of joints in the human legs. In any of them, an inflammatory process - arthritis - can begin. There are several types of the disease depending on the location, cause, and nature of the course.

    Arthritis in the legs can occur anywhere. Based on location, the following types of joint damage are distinguished:

    When one joint is affected, it is called monoarthritis; inflammation of several is called polyarthritis.

    Based on their origin, the following types of disease are distinguished:

    Each type of pathology occurs with approximately the same frequency. The difference is that with each disease, damage to the joints of the legs develops at different stages.

    According to the degree of activity of the inflammatory process, a distinction is made between the stage of remission and the stage of exacerbation. This classification is applicable for chronic forms, which are rheumatoid, psoriatic, gouty. In most cases, reactive arthritis occurs acutely; it rarely becomes chronic.

    Each type of pathology develops for its own reasons.

    Psoriatic arthritis is joint damage caused by psoriasis. Large joints of the legs are affected 5-7 years after the onset of skin manifestations.

    Rheumatoid. The disease is of autoimmune origin - inflammation is caused by the production of antibodies to the body's own tissues. First, the toes are affected, then the process moves to large joints.

    Reactive. The development of this arthritis occurs against the background of a systemic infection - chlamydial or mycoplasma. Usually one large joint of the leg is affected, most often the knee.

    Gouty. It develops due to a disturbance in the metabolism of uric acid in the body and the accumulation of its salts in the joint tissues. At the beginning of the disease, the phalanx of the first toe becomes inflamed. After a few years, the knees become affected.

    Hypothermia, injury, physical and emotional stress can provoke the development of inflammation.

    Symptoms of arthritis in the joints of the legs depend on the specific disease. Common symptoms include pain in the legs and impaired mobility.

    This type of arthritis of the lower extremities begins with damage to the small joints of the fingers. First there is pain when moving. At this stage, the joints have not yet changed externally. With the further development of the disease, the person complains of pain at rest. The joints of the fingers swell, the skin over them turns red. Long-term arthritis of the toes leads to their deformation (photo).

    Damage to the large joints of the legs develops several years after the onset of the disease. In some patients, the arthritis stops only in the feet and does not spread further.

    A characteristic diagnostic sign of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness. This is a state of complete joint dysfunction that occurs in the morning and lasts more than half an hour.

    This type of pathology develops 2-3 weeks after contracting a genitourinary infection. The disease manifests itself as intense pain in the joint. Most often, only one knee is affected. It quickly swells and becomes noticeably larger than healthy. Skin red and hot. Movement in the affected knee is limited.

    Damage to large joints of the legs with psoriasis begins several years after the appearance of skin rashes. It is much less common for arthritis to precede the rash. Inflammation of the joint is characterized by moderate pain, swelling, and limitation of movement. The activity of the inflammatory process depends on the severity of skin manifestations.

    The disease develops due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the periarticular tissues. For a long time there are no symptoms. The first attack of the disease occurs suddenly, against the background of complete health. More often this happens at night. A man wakes up with severe pain in his toe.

    The joint becomes so inflamed that the finger swells. The pain reaches such intensity that the person does not allow him to touch his leg. The skin over the joint is red, hot and shiny. The attack lasts from 12 to 24 hours, then stops as suddenly as it began.

    They provoke attacks of diet disorders and hypothermia.

    Often the pathological process affects only one joint and in the future the person will only be bothered by such attacks. But sometimes the knees are affected. The symptoms here are less pronounced, only moderate pain and crunching when moving are observed.

    To diagnose a particular type of arthritis, examination data and the results of laboratory and instrumental research methods are used.

    With rheumatoid arthritis, 70% of patients have rheumatoid factor in their blood. During an exacerbation, inflammatory indicators are determined. The most informative is an x-ray examination. There are several stages of arthritis:

  • Initial – swelling of the periarticular tissues is determined;
  • Second, bone erosions form;
  • Third - there are more erosions, a noticeable narrowing of the joint space;
  • Fourth – immovable bone joints are formed.
  • Reactive and psoriatic arthritis do not have specific radiological signs. In case of gout, the image shows deposits of uric acid salts.

    How to treat arthritis of the legs - therapy for each disease should be comprehensive, aimed at eliminating the cause and symptoms, and preventing the development of complications. The following methods of treating arthritis of the leg joints are distinguished:

  • Diet and regimen;
  • Medications;
  • Physiotherapy;
  • Physiotherapy;
  • Surgical treatment.
  • For any type of illness, it is recommended to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. It is important to give up bad habits and exercise in moderation.

    Drug treatment depends on the type of disease. Corticosteroids, cytostatics, gold preparations, and monoclonal antibodies are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. For reactive inflammation, antibacterial agents are prescribed. Allopurinol is used to treat gout.

    For any pathology, treatment with drugs from the NSAID group for oral and local use is indicated. Chondroprotectors are indicated to protect and restore cartilage tissue. Treatment is long-term, lasting for 6-12 months.

    Physiotherapy procedures include:

  • Magnetotherapy;
  • Electrophoresis;
  • Paraffin and ozokerite applications.
  • Physiotherapy is allowed only during remission, with the exception of gout. In this case, administering UHF to the sore finger can stop the attack.

    Surgical treatment is rarely used, mainly in cases of complications and severe joint deformities.

    Treatment of arthritis of the legs with folk remedies is permissible only with the permission of the attending physician. It is not effective in all cases, and sometimes it can even worsen the course of the disease. Such treatment may include the use of various compresses and rubbing.

    Arthritis of the legs is a whole group of diseases characterized by pain and dysfunction of the limbs. Treatment is carried out taking into account the origin of the disease and the activity of the inflammatory process. Only the reactive type of inflammation can be completely cured; other pathologies are chronic.

    Arthrosis of the legs: causes of development, occurrence and treatment methods

    How to treat arthrosis of the legs? Traumatologists, rheumatologists and orthopedists often hear a similar question. This disease (according to statistical information) is much more common than all types of arthritis. The main cause of the disease is degenerative-dystrophic damage to cartilage tissue, which leads to protrusion of the articular surface, disrupting the basic function of the articulation.

    In principle, this disease is nothing more than humanity’s retribution for walking on two legs. After all, the most active process of tissue destruction is observed precisely in those joints where there is an increased load. In the process, the thickness of the cartilage changes and its structure is seriously damaged. In addition, changes occur in the surrounding elements of the joint: bones, elements of the circulatory system. Arthrosis of the legs, as a rule, is not distinguished by the presence of inflammatory processes.

    Specialists involved in the treatment of joints cannot clearly establish the cause of this disease. The reasons are very diverse. And in recent years, statistics have inexorably noted that arthrosis has become much “younger.” Half a century ago, the disease affected older people, but now it is diagnosed even in young people 20-25 years old.

    Nowadays, the disease “Arthrosis” is already found not only in old people, but also in young people

    Causes of arthrosis of the legs

    Changes in a diseased joint may not appear for a very long time. Their appearance is associated with the moment when the damage has already reached the periosteum, located under the cartilaginous tissue. This degeneration often appears for the following reasons:

  • Very long-term static load on the joint. Under the influence of such pressure, metabolic processes in cartilaginous tissues are disrupted.
  • Joint injuries. These are usually small cracks or damage to the cartilage that no one pays attention to. Over time, minor problems turn into serious troubles when you have to treat arthrosis of the leg.
  • Problems of heredity, expressed in impaired metabolism in tissues. As a result, the cartilage is subject to rapid wear.
  • Age-related deviations. Over time, the main elements of the joint begin to lose their plasticity and become very sensitive to any damage.
  • Excess body weight. With an increase in body weight of 6 kilograms or more, the load on the joints increases significantly.
  • Disturbed metabolic processes cause arthrosis of the legs.
  • Symptoms and treatment of leg arthrosis

    The manifestation of the disease is expressed in impaired motor functions in the joint. Pain sensations appear when there is stress on the affected area. In complicated stages, pain can occur even at rest. Unpleasant sensations may occur during the first steps and then disappear on their own. Arthrosis of the joints manifests itself in the form of swelling. This symptom is associated with impaired blood circulation in the affected area. Persistent deformation is clearly visible on X-ray studies.

    The doctor to whom the patient turns, with signs of the above ailment, will definitely perform an examination. This will help rule out arthritis and any autoimmune processes. And yet, how to treat arthrosis of the legs? The doctor's prescription must contain anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal origin), special therapy, as well as a complex of vitamins, massage sessions. Like all other ailments, treatment of arthrosis of the legs is most effective when early signs appear. This will avoid irreversible consequences of damage to bone and cartilage tissue.

    In advanced cases, it is possible to eliminate the disease using folk methods. First of all, you need to lead a healthy life. The disease is associated with metabolic disorders in the body, so it is very important to eat properly, excluding some dishes from the diet. First of all, these are products with various additives, as well as sweet and salty foods. But under no circumstances should you limit your diet in the amount of food! How to treat arthrosis of the legs with folk remedies? They are used in the form of teas, compresses, and herbal ointments.

  • Oatmeal. To do this, you need a few spoons of oatmeal flakes. They are brewed with boiling water and infused for about six minutes. After cooling the porridge, it should be used in the form of a compress, but it is important to use only fresh product.
  • Fermented milk products with added chalk. To do this, the mineral is crushed and mixed with sour cream and kefir. The resulting paste must be spread on the affected area, covering the top with a bandage. This remedy reduces pain well and stimulates blood circulation.
  • Cabbage. All you need is a head of this vegetable. It needs to be crushed and crushed with a mortar. Additionally, this mass can be passed through a juicer. Next, prepare a piece of natural fabric, which needs to be soaked in cabbage juice and then applied to the joint.
  • Cabbage compress will help you fight the disease

    • Osteoarthritis of the legs treatment with burdock leaves. All you need is fresh burdock leaves. They are applied to the sore spot and wrapped in gauze or a thin cloth. This compress will help relieve pain.
    • Aromatic collection. To make it, you will need propolis and oil (corn or sunflower). Propolis is melted and mixed with oil. This mixture is cooled and rubbed into the skin around the joint.
    • Apple juice. This drink has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and blood purification. You need to drink at least 250 ml of this juice per day with breakfast or dinner.
    • Garlic tincture. To prepare it, you actually need garlic and oil (corn or sunflower). One part of garlic juice should be mixed with ten parts of oil. If it is corn, you will need twelve parts. The resulting mixture is taken half a teaspoon strictly before breakfast every day.
    • Arthritis of the foot joints: symptoms, causes, how to treat the disease

      Any foot disease, especially arthritis of the foot, creates enormous discomfort and difficulty in moving. The structure of a person's lower limbs is designed to support his weight. The foot redistributes the load, reacts to a shift in the center of mass instantly, helping to maintain the body in an upright position, in various positions when moving, playing sports, dancing, or working. This is facilitated by the complex anatomical structure of the foot and the way it is connected to the tibia.

      The foot has numerous bone articulations, both between the tubular bones of the metatarsus and the phalanges of the toes, and directly in the toes. Their inflammation is classified as arthritis of the foot joints.

      It is important to know! Doctors are shocked: “An effective and affordable remedy for ARTHRITIS exists. " Read more.

      Predisposition to this disease may not only be genetic; the prerequisites also depend on:

    • Previous infectious diseases, as a result of which microparticles of a virus or bacteria enter the joint;
    • Autoimmune diseases that cause metabolic disorders and prolonged stress;
    • Immunodeficiency state;
    • Presence of diabetes mellitus;
    • Injuries suffered;
    • Increased body weight;
    • Microelement imbalance in the body due to poor nutrition (leads to depletion of cartilage tissue in the legs);
    • Wearing shoes that are inappropriate for the size and width of the foot, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes;
    • Lack of mobility or excessive stress on joints (often professional);
    • Addiction to bad habits.
    • There are a very large number of causes of foot arthritis, but the main ones can be attributed to the following five pathologies:

      Characteristic symptoms

      Arthritis of the foot can develop in one or more joints. Symptoms of different types of foot arthritis at the initial stage have similar characteristics, so the doctor will prescribe treatment after a thorough diagnosis.

    • Pain syndrome. It increases with the progression of inflammation and becomes difficult to tolerate without painkillers. Active movements are difficult.
    • The site of inflammation of the joint swells, the skin turns red. When the disease goes into remission, symptoms may go away. If you neglect treatment, after a while the inflammation will make itself felt, but with greater force.
    • Local elevated temperature.
    • The function of the affected joints is impaired. The early stage of arthritis is characterized by stiffness and limited mobility when a person gets to his feet after resting. The feeling of stiff feet goes away within a short time as soon as you start moving. As the disease progresses, stiffness becomes more prolonged and becomes permanent unless treated.
    • Inflamed joints become deformed. The form of the deformity depends on the type of arthritis: the fingers turn out (valgus deformity), growths form in the form of lumps or form hammer-shaped and claw-shaped fingers.
    • The gait changes.
    • Feet with rheumatoid arthritis become thicker and painful. Over time, they become deformed. The disease develops rapidly and can lead to disability within two years. It is of an autoimmune nature. The immune system perceives cartilage cells as foreign. In most cases it affects small joints. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs more often in men.

    • Morning stiffness in the area of ​​small joints;
    • Pain when walking, fatigue;
    • In the area of ​​inflammation, the skin turns red and swelling is visually observed;
    • Characterized by symmetry of inflammation of the same joints of both legs;
    • The inflammatory process is accompanied by a disturbance in general well-being with slight chills.
    • The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor based on special tests; the detection of a specific protein in a biochemical blood test is the most important factor.

      Rheumatoid arthritis is fraught with complications affecting other organs and systems, as well as reduced resistance to infectious diseases and frequent depression.

      With gout (gouty arthritis), the inflammatory process begins with the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, followed by damage to the interphalangeal, ankle, calcaneal-talar and other joints. The formation of nodules due to the accumulation of uric acid salts (urates) is typical, but not always. An age-related disease (after 50 years) based on metabolic disorders.

      Arthritis begins with paroxysmal, sudden pain, mainly at night. Develops relatively quickly.

    • Due to accumulations of uric acid crystals, which have sharp edges, pain increases when moving or touching the big toe.
    • Swelling, growth (“bump”) and redness appear at the base of the finger,
    • Inflammation of the joint is accompanied by a local increase in temperature.

      Visual signs make it easy to make an accurate diagnosis, which is confirmed by a blood test (increased uric acid levels).

      Even “advanced” ARTHRITIS can be cured at home! Just remember to apply this once a day.

      Osteoarthritis affects the joint itself and the tissues adjacent to it. Such inflammation is fraught with destruction of the articular cartilage with deformation of the foot. If left untreated, the toes become everted and the foot resembles the flippers of a walrus. The disease is typical for older people.

      In reactive arthritis, inflammatory processes are provoked by past infectious diseases: syphilis, tuberculosis, intestinal infections, etc. The disease affects most men over the age of 20 years.

      How to treat foot arthritis? The duration of treatment always depends on the stage of the disease at which the person consulted a doctor. Neglecting the first symptoms of arthritis can lead to further exacerbations and deformation of the foot. An orthopedist or rheumatologist makes a final diagnosis and prescribes the most effective treatment for foot arthritis based on complaints, x-rays, and laboratory tests.

      Traditional therapy

      Treatment is as follows:

    • Reducing pain and autoimmune inflammation with the help of hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (depending on the stage of the disease, the drug can be injected directly into the joint cavity), painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments.
    • Destroying bacterial infection with antibiotics.
    • Neutralization and removal of excess uric acid from the body.
    • Suspension of the destruction of cartilage tissue and its restoration through chondroprotectors.
    • A specific diet is selected.
    • For all types of arthritis of the joints, comprehensive treatment is necessary and, first of all, it is necessary to reduce physical stress on the legs.

      In addition to drug treatment, the following is prescribed:

    • A course of physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, UHF, ultrasound procedures, phonophoresis, hydrocortisone);
    • exercise therapy;
    • Treatment at the resort;
    • Dispensaries;
    • Sanatoriums.
    • Ointments that are used for a long time significantly reduce pain and slow down the development of joint arthritis. Indomethacin ointment and Diclofenac gel are rubbed into the skin over the damaged joint 2-4 times a day. Homeopathic ointment with a chondroprotector helps relieve pain and inflammation, and regenerate joint tissue. Essential oils of plants such as menthol, eucalyptus, cloves, as well as bee and snake venom included in warming ointments improve blood circulation and are used for massage.

      The exercise therapy complex is compiled taking into account the type of arthritis and includes exercises that restore joint mobility.

      Specialized orthopedic shoes, as well as a cane or crutches will significantly reduce the load on inflamed joints.

      Among the physiotherapeutic procedures, hydrogen sulfide, mud, radon and iodine-bromine baths are effective. In the case of gouty arthritis, treatment is prescribed with UV irradiation, electrophoresis of novocaine, acetylsalicylic acid or sodium salicylate. If foot arthritis is a consequence of injury, UHF therapy is prescribed in the initial stages and hydrocortisone phonophoresis in the development of synovitis. Swelling is relieved by magnetotherapy.

      Paraffin therapy. Applications or baths with paraffin heated to a certain temperature effectively relieve pain, swelling, restore joint mobility and give lasting results.

      The first signs of arthritis cannot be ignored. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner leads to such severe destruction of the joint, especially the ankle, that surgical intervention is indispensable. Endoprosthetics, even with a successful operation, does not guarantee the absence of complications. In addition, treatment of foot arthritis and rehabilitation is a long and not always easy period, especially for older people.

      Treatment of arthritis with traditional methods

      At home, for chronic arthritis, make concentrated foot baths with the addition of iodized salt, warm compresses (mostly at night), and warm the feet in hot sand. It must be taken into account that in the acute stage, in the presence of pus, these procedures are contraindicated.

      The diet for arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, is aimed at preventing the formation and deposition of urate. Foods that provoke the deposition of uric acid salts are excluded from the diet: meat, greens containing oxalic acid (sorrel, rhubarb). Also, do not overuse smoked meats. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Remember that arthritis of the foot joints can relapse if you do not follow the diet. It is worth giving preference to cereals, dairy products, vegetables and fruits, and herbs.

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      That’s all for today, dear readers, share your opinion about the article in the comments.

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      • Joint pain limits your movements and full life...
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