Arthrosis (deforming arthrosis, popular name - salt deposition) is a chronic disease of the joints of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which destruction of articular cartilage, the joint capsule, and deformation of the bone itself occur.
It should be noted that arthrosis is a whole group of joint diseases that have different origins and similar development mechanisms. The most common arthrosis of large joints is:
These are the most severe types of arthrosis.
Arthrosis of small joints is less common. More common are deforming arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints of the hands, as well as metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumbs. Patients note pain in the interphalangeal joints, a decrease in their mobility, and the appearance of seals near the joints (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes). This type of arthrosis is more common in old age. Arthrosis of the foot joints is common.
Polyarthrosis, or generalized arthrosis, is characterized by damage to several joints at once.
Arthrosis of the joints of the spine - spondyloarthrosis - belongs to the group of diseases of the spine, although it has a development mechanism similar to other arthrosis.
The main clinical symptom of arthrosis is joint pain and decreased mobility. Specific symptoms are determined by the stage of arthrosis and depend on the degree of destructive changes in the joint.
Arthrosis is usually divided into primary and secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis is a consequence of disruption of recovery processes and increased degeneration in the cartilage tissue of the joint without any deviations in the functioning of the whole organism. Secondary arthrosis occurs as a result of other pathological processes in the body, or in a joint already damaged by some external influence, with partial destruction of the articular surfaces.
Most often, traumatic arthrosis is diagnosed in young patients. And in older patients it is not always possible to draw a clear line between primary and secondary arthrosis.
Although the exact cause of arthrosis cannot be determined, the factors contributing to its occurrence and development are well known.
The following types of reasons can be identified that contribute to the development of primary and secondary deforming arthrosis.
The following hereditary disorders have been identified that can cause the development of primary arthrosis:
It is also noted that deforming arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints of the upper extremities occurs predominantly in women and is inherited through the female line.
Secondary arthrosis is a consequence of damage to the joint. These damages can be caused by various factors.
This group of factors includes various joint injuries, intra-articular bone fractures, as a result of which the structure of the joint is disrupted. The same result is caused by constant microtrauma of the joints as a result of excessive constant loads, both static and dynamic (for example, in athletes). Obesity also leads to overload and injury to joints.
Another factor that has a negative impact on the joints (primarily the hip joints) is incorrect posture.
The structure of the joint can also be disrupted by surgery.
Arthrosis can be a consequence of inflammatory diseases of the joints (acute and chronic arthritis, synovitis, primary aseptic necrosis of bone tissue, etc.)
Metabolic disorders, endocrine system diseases, mineral deficiency in the body.
Various metabolic disorders, lack of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals, vitamins and microelements cause changes in the composition of bone and cartilage tissue, synovial fluid, which leads to disruption of recovery processes and gradual destruction of the composition.
The development of arthrosis begins with the destruction of cartilage. It is believed that at the beginning there is a circulatory disorder in the capillaries of the subcartilaginous layer of the periosteum. Since the nutrition of cartilage occurs due to the supply of nutrients from the intra-articular fluid and adjacent bone tissue, poor circulation leads to the fact that the cartilage gradually loses its elasticity, becomes thinner, cracks appear on it, the smoothness of the articular surfaces is disrupted, the amount of synovial fluid decreases, providing gliding in the joint. The result is pain and crunching when moving . The width of the joint space gradually decreases, and osteophyte bone spines .
Ultimately, the joint becomes deformed and the range of motion in it decreases. This is how involutive arthrosis develops, associated with the aging of the body. The development of this form of arthrosis usually occurs gradually over many years.
Other forms of arthrosis of large joints, for example, post-traumatic, post-infectious, metabolic, intoxication, have slightly different development mechanisms, but as a result we get similar changes in the joint.
In Russia, the classification of arthrosis based on clinical and radiological signs, proposed by N. Kosinskaya (1961), is considered “classical”. In accordance with it, three stages of disease development are distinguished. It corresponds to a classification according to the degree of preservation of working capacity (according to A.I. Nesterov), distinguishing 3 degrees of arthrosis:
Let us consider in more detail the clinical symptoms and signs of arthrosis at each of the indicated stages.
In the initial stage of the disease, in the morning, after rest, there is stiffness and difficulty moving in the joints, which gradually disappears some time after the start of movement. There may be some limitation of mobility in the joint. “Starting” pain (pain when starting to move after a long period of rest) appears periodically. With sudden movements the joint crunches, but there is no pain when moving. Pain at this stage of arthrosis appears only with significant and prolonged stress, and subsides after rest. At rest and with light exertion there is no pain. At this stage of the disease, patients rarely see a doctor.
An X-ray with grade 1 arthrosis does not show any special changes in the joint; sometimes small osteophytes may be visible at the edges of the joint, the joint space is slightly narrowed.
With further development of arthrosis, the pain becomes more significant and becomes acute. A distinct crunching sound in the joint appears with any movement, there is a noticeable limitation of mobility in the joint (contracture), functional shortening of the limb, disturbances in the biomechanics of movements, but the mobility of the joint is still preserved. At this stage, there is a noticeable increase in the starting pains, they become acute and longer lasting. Under the influence of daily physical activity, constant fatigue appears, a feeling of pressure in the affected joints, and so-called “mechanical pain” occurs, caused by a decrease in the shock-absorbing abilities of the cartilage tissues of the joint.
The destruction in the joint is already quite significant, the joints are already beginning to partially deform.
Radiographs show noticeable osteophytes, a narrowing of the joint space by 2-3 times compared to the norm, sclerosis of the subchondral bone and the formation of cystic cavities in the epiphyseal zone are observed.
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by decreased ability to work and the inability to perform certain types of work.
Arthrosis of the 3rd degree is a severe, advanced stage of the disease. At this stage the following are observed:
The axis of the limb is deformed, varus or valgus curvature of the legs is noticeable (that is, in the shape of the letter “O” or “X”).
On radiographs with grade 3 arthrosis, an almost complete disappearance of the joint space, pronounced deformation of the articular surfaces, and extensive multiple marginal osteophytes are observed. Articular mice and calcification of paraarticular tissues can be detected.
In grade 3, the disease has progressed very far, and often it is already the cause of permanent disability. It appears as follows:
The photographs show the destruction of intra-articular structures (ligaments and menisci), as well as complete abrasion of cartilage and signs of sclerosis (replacement of functioning organs and structures with connective tissue).
The state of complete destruction of a joint with arthrosis , when the joint completely ceases to function, is often classified as a separate stage - 4th degree of arthrosis. There is a so-called “joint block” - an acute pain syndrome in which even limited movement in the affected joint is impossible. The fourth degree of arthrosis is accompanied by unbearable pain in the joints, which cannot be relieved even with strong painkillers and intensive physiotherapy. Complete ankylosis (fusion of the joint) or neoarthrosis (formation of a false joint between the displaced ends of the bones) is possible. Independent movement in both cases is almost impossible.
The photographs show rough sclerosis of the articulating surfaces with pronounced cystic clearings, fusion of the connecting bones in the area of the joint space. The development of the disease to this stage almost always means disability, which can only be prevented by implantation of an artificial joint prosthesis.
It is better to start treating arthrosis as early as possible, when the first signs appear - crunching in the joints, difficulty moving. At this stage, drugs are useful - chondroprotectors that improve the structure of cartilage tissue, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes.
Physical therapy, proper nutrition, and preventive measures are important. It should be noted that the prevention of arthrosis is of great importance to prevent exacerbation of the disease.
When the first painful sensations appear, use the NANOPLAST forte therapeutic plaster - at this stage of arthrosis , the plaster allows you to slow down the degenerative processes and speed up the recovery processes in the joint, which will help prevent the development of the disease.
Although it is no longer possible to completely cure grade 2-3 arthrosis, the process of its development can be significantly slowed down. Treatment of arthrosis at this stage involves the following steps:
In the acute period, treatment of arthrosis begins with pain relief. For this purpose, non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used. Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids are possible. It is necessary to reduce the load on the joint; you should not walk or stand for a long time, or lift heavy objects.
After relieving the acute pain syndrome, the main task becomes to ensure, as far as possible, the activation of restoration processes in the joint itself and periarticular tissues: improving blood circulation, increasing metabolism, eliminating inflammatory processes. Chondroprotectors, vasodilators, as well as therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy are prescribed. The new highly effective drug NANOPLAST forte can also help at this stage - it allows you to relieve pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, and reduce the dose of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
At this stage of the disease, the joint is almost completely destroyed. In this case, there is only one way out - surgery and replacement of the diseased joint with an endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis significantly improves joint mobility and allows the patient to resume an active life, at least without pain.
Based on the results of clinical trials, the therapeutic plaster NANOPLAST forte has shown high effectiveness in the treatment of arthrosis . This patch can be used both in the initial stages of the disease and in severe forms of arthrosis.
But it is important to understand that while in the initial stages of the disease NANOPLAST FORITE can be effective as a monotherapy, then in the advanced stage complex treatment is required. Without the use of other medications, treatment of grade 2-3 arthrosis, especially in the acute stage, will not be effective. With complex treatment, the patch enhances the effect of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, which makes it possible to reduce their dosage, and if the pain syndrome decreases, cancel them altogether.
NANOPLAST forte allows you to relieve pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, and reduce the dose of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. It has no side effects, is not addictive and combines well with other treatment methods.
For arthrosis of the joints, the therapeutic plaster NANOPLAST forte is applied to the diseased joint. The application method depends on the type of arthrosis. To relieve acute symptoms, it is recommended to use a medicinal patch for 3 to 5 days. The duration of the course of treatment for osteoarthritis of the joints is from 15 days according to clinical studies. It is usually recommended to use the patch in the morning for 12 hours, but it can also be used at night.
High efficiency, unique composition, long-term (up to 12 hours!) therapeutic effects, ease of use and affordable price make NANOPLAST forte the drug of choice in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the joints.
Bruton's disease (primary hypo- or agammaglobulinemia of adults) is a hereditary disease of a familial nature, linked to the X chromosome, but is often also recessive inheritance. Often, already in early childhood, there is a tendency to repeated bacterial infections of various locations (lungs, paranasal sinuses, skin). Typical signs include diarrhea and enlarged peripheral lymph nodes and spleen. Systemic rheumatic manifestations of the type of diffuse connective tissue diseases are possible. Articular syndrome is characterized by episodic migratory polyarthralgia or acute, subacute, but more often chronic mono- or asymmetric oligoarthritis of large joints. In the synovial fluid, signs of inflammation are mild or absent altogether. Even with a long course, arthritis does not lead to radiological changes in the affected joints. In blood tests, ESR is normal, acute-phase indicators are not changed, but the level of gamma globulins is reduced (or absent), immunoglobulins (total or selective), and isohemagglutinins are absent. In the bone marrow, the absence or decrease in the content of plasma cells is revealed, and in the biopsy of the lymph node - a narrowing of the cortical layer, the primary follicles in it are rare and underdeveloped.
Volkoff's disease (multiple deforming articular chondrodysplasia) is a congenital malformation of articular cartilage, accompanied by excessive growth of cartilage tissue in the joint cavity and secondary gigantism of one or more limbs. The disease manifests itself from birth and leads to deformation of individual segments of the limbs in the form of abnormal lateral growth, lengthening or shortening. Exorbitant enlargement of the distal parts of the extremities (hands, feet) is also typical. The stiffness of the “swollen” joints turns into cartilaginous ankylosis in a vicious position. In addition, hyperostosis of the calvarial bones and dental dysplasia are observed. Skin changes are possible: hyperkeratosis, angiomatosis, lipomatosis. Radiographs show flattening of the epiphyses and the appearance of calcified cartilaginous growths associated with articular cartilage in the joint cavity. The epiphyseal growth plate does not ossify in due time. In the bones of the skull, massive bone growths with clear tuberous contours are detected.
Gaucher disease is a relatively rare disease, prevalent primarily among Ashkenazi Jews, caused by a deficiency of lysosomal beta-glucocerebrosidase. As a result, massive accumulation of glucocerebroside occurs in the spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow and other organs and tissues with the formation of characteristic giant cells containing glucocerebroside vacuoles (Gaucher cells). Patients usually have enlarged liver and spleen, and sometimes peripheral lymph nodes. In addition, focal skin pigmentation of ocher or brown color is detected, and in some patients - yellow spots on the sclera. In children, damage to the nervous system is observed. Blood tests show anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, which can lead to hemorrhagic syndrome with nosebleeds and subcutaneous hemorrhages. In some cases, monoclonal gammopathy is detected. Bone damage often develops (most often destruction of the neck, head or upper third of the femur), leading to pain, bone deformation, and pathological fractures. X-ray examination reveals an increase in bone volume, alternation of areas of compaction and rarefaction in it, or diffuse decalcification of bones with symptoms of spongiosis, thinning of the cortical layer, cystic and osteosclerotic changes. Pain and swelling of large joints, most often the lower extremities, may occur. Sometimes the lumbar spine is also affected, which leads to flattening (compression) of the vertebral bodies. The childhood form of Gaucher disease is characterized by rapid death, while the chronic course is characterized by slow progression. The diagnosis is based on the identification of giant Gaucher cells in the sternal punctate.
Mucha-Habermann disease is a fairly common but rarely recognized skin disease that occurs in children. The appearance of smallpox-like vesicles on the skin of the torso, thighs, and forearms is characteristic. These elements can develop into hemorrhages, become necrotic, and usually resolve with the formation of crusts. As a rule, skin lesions occur in isolation, but are sometimes accompanied by low-grade fever, and in some cases by arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis), scleroderma, interstitial pneumonitis, and increased sensitivity to bee stings. A possible connection between the disease and the reactivation of infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is suggested.
Thiemann's disease is a hereditary disease (autosomal dominant type of inheritance) that occurs in young men in the early stages of puberty and is manifested by multiple osteochondropathy (aseptic osteonecrosis) of the phalanges of the fingers and sometimes the feet. The epiphyses of the middle phalanges of the index, middle and ring fingers (except the thumb) are affected; usually 2-3 fingers of both hands are involved simultaneously, but not symmetrically. A fusiform swelling is detected in the area of the proximal and sometimes distal interphalangeal joints. The interphalangeal joint of the first toe and the first tarso-metatarsal joint may also be affected. An X-ray examination reveals a decrease and often resorption of the affected epiphyses, and the corresponding phalanx is shortened. Spontaneous recovery is possible, but more often the symptoms of severe secondary osteoarthritis remain.
Fabry disease is a congenital disease characterized by a hereditary deficiency of the enzyme alpha-G4-galactosidase, leading to the accumulation of glycolipids (ceramide) in the cytoplasm and lysosomes of cells of various organs and tissues. The disease begins in childhood. Skin changes are manifested by thickening and angioectasia, eye damage - clouding of the cornea. When the synovial membrane of the joints is damaged, the capsule of the joints and tendon sheaths thicken, burning pains are noted in the fingers and toes, legs, and forearms when the external temperature rises, and pain subsides when the extremities cool. Swelling of the ankle and knee joints is periodically observed against the background of unmotivated low-grade fever. Thus, the clinical picture often resembles an inflammatory rheumatic disease. X-ray examination reveals multiple enthesopathic calcifications in the bones of the hands, as well as small intra- and extra-articular erosions.
Firebank's disease (multiple epiphyseal dysplasia) is a hereditary disease characterized by impaired development of the epiphyses, mainly long bones. The disease manifests itself in childhood and adolescence. Patients have short stature, gait disturbances, contractures and deformities mainly of the joints of the lower extremities, wide hands with thickened and shortened fingers, dislocations and subluxations in the knee and elbow joints, and deformation of the feet due to shortening of the fingers. X-ray examination reveals a decrease in the diameter of the epiphyses, their deformation, flattening, and often a lobulated structure (fragmentation). These changes are symmetrical in nature and are most pronounced mainly in the hip, knee, shoulder and elbow joints.
Mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of hereditary diseases (autosomal recessive type of inheritance), which are based on a congenital defect of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans - the main components of the organic matrix of connective tissue. Abnormal production, excessive accumulation and release of one or more certain mucopolysaccharides are noted, as a result of which pathological changes develop in cartilage (multiple dysostosis), fascia, periosteum, tendons, heart valves (shrink as a result of scar processes), blood vessels, cranial meninges, cornea, liver, spleen (see Maroteaux-Lamy, Morquio, Pfaundler-Hurler, Shiyan syndromes).
Giaccai syndrome is a rare familial disease with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, observed in areas with a high frequency of consanguineous marriages and characterized by progressive symmetrical lysis of the distal parts of the limbs (acroosteolysis) with their subsequent deformation. The disease begins in adolescence, less often in childhood, and is clinically similar to osteomyelitis and sarcoma. Patients experience symmetrical lysis of the bones of the distal limbs and their subsequent deformation. Foci of painless swelling form on the plantar surface of the feet above the area of bone resorption, often without skin hyperthermia. After some time, long-term non-healing skin defects (ulcers) appear in these areas, through which spontaneous rejection of small bone sequestra occurs. After this, ulcerative defects heal, but torpid flow can also be observed.
The course of the disease is recurrent with remissions from several weeks to 3-4 years. As a result, severe deformation of the feet occurs with amputation of individual nail phalanges, deformation and shortening of the fingers. In addition, there are trophic changes in the nails, wasting of the leg muscles and callus of the plantar surfaces, hypoesthesia of the hands and feet with preservation of tactile sensitivity. X-rays reveal osteolysis of the phalanges and distal metatarsal bones, foci of their destruction without a clear periosteal reaction.
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a congenital vascular anomaly in the form of extensive varicose veins in the extremities (including hands and fingers) and the upper shoulder girdle. Hypertrophy of the soft tissues of the extremities gradually develops, and there is a tendency to ulceration of the skin. Deformation of bones (curvature, thickening) and joints occurs. The formation of ankylosis is possible. In the area of the affected joints, phleboliths can be palpated and radiologically determined.
Kuskokwim syndrome (named after the river in Alaska, USA, in the delta region of which patients with this syndrome were first identified) is a complex of hereditary anomalies (autosomal recessive inheritance), including multiple contractures of large joints (mainly knee and elbow), clubfoot and club-handedness
Lehry's syndrome is a hereditary bone disease, usually characterized by damage to one of the upper or lower extremities and manifested by pain spreading down the limb, and later by limited mobility in the joints on the affected side. Often, scleroderma, atrophy and calcification of soft tissues are also observed on the corresponding side. X-ray reveals endosteal and partially periosteal osteosclerosis; it is possible to detect longitudinal bands of calcification in the soft tissues of the affected limb.
Lutz-Jeanselme syndrome is hypereosinophilia combined with the formation of periarticular nodules. Gradually, painless subcutaneous nodules of various sizes and consistency appear, localized mainly over the bony protrusions on the surface of the joints, more often on the elbows, over the small joints of the fingers, and over the area of the hip joints. In the area of small joints, the skin above the nodules is normal in appearance, and above the large joints it is tense and bluish. Characteristic symptoms include arthralgia, intermittent fever, weakness, and cachexia. The development of non-erosive polyarthritis with the involvement of periarticular tissues is possible. High eosinophilia is detected in the blood and synovial effusion. The patients have a history of various allergic diseases. The disease drags on for years, exacerbations alternate with frequent periods of remission.
Healthy joints are a luxury, the value of which is difficult to appreciate for someone who has never experienced pain when walking or experienced difficulty when trying to lift an arm or leg, turn around or sit down. Meanwhile, millions of people around the world annually seek help from orthopedic doctors with similar complaints.
About 30% of people sooner or later encounter joint pathology: even if in their youth they managed to avoid injuries or serious illnesses, by old age the “shelf life” of the skeleton comes to an end. In addition to the elderly, those at risk are those who have inherited weak bone joints, as well as athletes, workers, and those suffering from obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Joint diseases such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis occur predominantly in minors. Others, such as gout, are considered the “disease of the aristocrats”: they develop due to excess meat, red wine and chocolate in the diet. It is known that joint inflammation associated with hormonal fluctuations is usually detected in the fairer sex. In men, traumatic injuries to the joints most often occur. In short, joint diseases can threaten a person regardless of social status, habits, age and gender.
Joint diseases are classified according to the nature of the pathological process.
In this case, the cause of the disease is an inflammatory reaction in response to an infectious, autoimmune or allergic process. The disease makes itself felt by pain and swelling in the joint. Symptoms can reach maximum severity within a few hours and then recede indefinitely. But behind the period of imaginary well-being lies the hidden development of the pathological process.
Some arthritis is not primarily manifested by pain, but by morning stiffness, fever, a rash on the skin over the joint, or manifestations of a primary disease complicated by damage to the musculoskeletal system (for example, disorders of the genitourinary system - Reiter's disease and gonorrheal arthritis).
The stages of inflammatory joint pathology can be differentiated thanks to an X-ray examination. Thus, at the beginning of the disease, no significant abnormalities are detected in the photographs; with stage 2 arthritis, signs of destruction of bone and cartilage tissue appear. At grade 3, the doctor will see deformation of the joint - at this point the patient feels severe limitations in mobility. Finally, stage 4 arthritis is accompanied by total changes in the joint: only surgeons can help the patient.
This group of pathologies, along with rheumatoid arthritis (in which the body’s immune system destroys the joints), includes infectious-allergic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Hoffa’s disease, gout, psoriatic arthritis, etc.
The main prevention of arthritis is the prevention of infections through vaccination and other measures to protect against diseases that can be complicated by bacterial infection of the joint (gonorrhea, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, etc.)
These diseases, as a rule, appear in older people: they are associated with wear and tear of the joint, which leads to the destruction of the cartilage responsible for shock absorption during operation. Another factor in the development of degenerative diseases is osteoporosis, which reduces bone density.
Degenerative diseases appear gradually: the first sign will be a short period of pain after a tiring day spent on your feet. Over time, the pain in the joint will cease to subside after rest, and movement in the joint will become limited. Sometimes swelling occurs in the affected area, and the joint ache when the weather changes and at night.
The severity of arthrosis is determined by examination and radiography. At the beginning of the process, only a slight reduction in the height of the gap between the bones is visible on the pictures due to the thinning of the cartilage tissue. In the second degree, the doctor will record a decrease in the joint cavity by a third of normal and the appearance of bone outgrowths or areas of dead cartilage. Finally, stage 3 arthrosis is characterized by deep, irreversible deformations of the articulation, up to ankylosis - bone fusion.
The most common cause of disability among all joint diseases is deforming osteoarthritis, affecting mainly the hip and knee joints. Also, the source of the problem may be intervertebral osteochondrosis, a typical disease of office workers.
Experts note that yoga, a set of exercises that strengthen ligaments and muscles through static loads, can be an excellent prevention of age-related changes in joints. Scientists recently found that daily 12-minute yoga sessions for 10 years help to increase the density of the bones of the hip and spine, which eliminates osteoporosis and arthrosis, preventing fractures in old age.
Congenital joint diseases attract attention from the very first days of a baby’s life: the possible consequences of the developmental defect for the child’s health depend on therapeutic measures. Thus, infants are often diagnosed with congenital hip dislocation, which is often combined with hip dysplasia. If left unattended, this disease will lead to problems with gait and posture. However, timely intervention by an orthopedist will allow congenital hip dislocation to be corrected conservatively, without surgery.
Another common congenital joint pathology is Marfan syndrome, which includes a complex of developmental disorders of internal organs. Patients with Marfan syndrome have extremely loose joints, poor posture, and a keeled chest. These are tall, thin, sickly people who, as a rule, end up in emergency rooms with dislocations and fractures. If they follow the doctor's recommendations, they can live a long time without experiencing serious health problems.
Diseases from this group do not affect the joint itself, but if left untreated they can worsen its function. This includes inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis), joint capsules (bursitis), ligaments (ligamentitis), and fascia (fibrositis). Sometimes the source of the pathological process is inflammation in the joint itself, but much more often the cause of the development of such ailments is physical activity and “coldness” of the neck or limbs.
Symptoms of diseases of the periarticular tissues have their own characteristics: unlike joint pathology, pain in the ligaments, tendons and joint capsules is felt only during active movements and is absent when the limb is affected in the office of a doctor or massage therapist. With arthritis, patients complain of “diffused” pain, and with damage to periarticular tissues, they can indicate the specific point where the pain is maximum. X-rays and MRIs make it possible to definitively determine the nature of the disease and prescribe treatment.
Many joint diseases have their own “favorite” location, thanks to which the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis even before receiving the results of medical imaging.
Don't forget that it is important to pay attention to any symptoms - pain, stiffness, swelling, rash or crunching noise heard when moving. The overwhelming majority of joint diseases can be successfully cured in the initial stages, but in an advanced state, the diseases can disrupt life and professional plans, requiring expensive surgical intervention and complex rehabilitation measures.
To study and find methods for curing joint diseases, a separate branch of medicine has been identified - orthopedics. However, the quality of care for patients at the level of the state health care system sometimes leaves much to be desired: many clinics simply do not have a specialized specialist, and patients are examined by a general practitioner. For this reason, errors in diagnosis may occur, and the true cause of the symptoms is revealed only during hospitalization, when the consequences of the disease are already irreversible.
If you want to avoid such a scenario, take the time to search for an orthopedic clinic as soon as you are faced with suspected joint disease. Qualified doctors from a medical center such as “Healthy People” can almost always make the correct diagnosis at the first consultation and prescribe treatment that will relieve pain in a matter of hours. Here you will be helped with long-standing joint diseases, the consequences of previous injuries and other chronic pathologies that require systematic and competent assistance. Orthopedists will offer you free sets of therapeutic exercises and prescribe physical procedures that eliminate the need for daily medication. Discounts on services and price levels can pleasantly surprise even the most demanding clients.
License No. LO-77-01-008730 dated August 6, 2014, issued by the Moscow Department of Health.
Joint diseases are common. Their increase and the growth in the number of patients is due to the characteristics of modern life: a sedentary lifestyle, little physical activity at work and bad habits. As a result, the body does not receive the necessary load, which becomes a prerequisite for the formation of diseases.
It is important to know! Doctors are shocked: “An effective and affordable remedy for joint pain exists. " Read more.
In most cases, joint diseases have similar causes, leading to the formation of a pathological condition. The situation is aggravated by the fact that patients turn to the doctor late or do not start treatment in a timely manner. Their condition worsens, and joint diseases progress, as a result of which the disease moves to the next stage or leads to the formation of complications.
An example of such a condition is ankylosis - fusion of joint surfaces, leading to their immobility. The causes of the disease are associated with the following factors:
Joint diseases have similar manifestations, which makes diagnosis difficult. Thus, during the formation of ankylosis, pain occurs, making it difficult to move the joint. The patient is advised to seek medical help, since many cannot distinguish the characteristics of one disease from the manifestations of another.
For ankylosis, analgesics are prescribed in the form of ointments. An important component of treatment is eliminating the cause that led to the onset of the disease. To eliminate pain and stiffness of movement, a complex of physical therapy is used, however, the choice of exercises must be entrusted to an experienced specialist.
Arthrosis is a degenerative condition. The disease leads to a deterioration in motor functions and their capabilities, which significantly complicates the life of a sick person. Pathology often occurs in old age, which is associated with a decrease in the body's protective functions and a lack of ability to resist factors leading to inflammation. In addition, the causes of occurrence are represented by the following factors:
Sometimes it can be very difficult to distinguish between arthrosis and arthritis. Dr. Evdokimenko explains in this video how arthritis differs from arthrosis:
Pain syndrome is also characteristic of arthrosis. The process of inflammation is accompanied by pain as a result of thinning of the cartilage layer. Against the background of decreased motor activity, atrophy of ligaments and muscles may occur. This happens especially often in elderly people. During diagnostic measures, the doctor detects compactions and swelling.
Treatment of arthrosis is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and rehabilitating the patient. The symptoms of the disease can be treated with chondroprotectors and anesthetics:
The surgical method is prescribed in severe cases caused by the development of the disease as a result of the addition of other pathologies or lack of treatment. Endoprosthesis replacement is often prescribed, especially if the joint is severely deformed.
The classification of joint diseases is represented by another condition that occurs quite often. We are talking about arthritis, a condition in which inflammation affects one or more joints. The reasons for the formation of the disease are associated with the following points:
The symptoms of arthritis, like most diseases of this nature, have similar features. The presence of swelling often leads to redness on the skin. In old age and in severe forms, a febrile state may occur. Humeral periarthritis affects various tissues of the joint. As a result of the onset of pathology, the degree of motor activity decreases due to severe pain.
Arthritis needs to be treated using different means. Use systemic drugs or drugs of a certain group of effects:
It is also necessary to treat glenohumeral periarthritis comprehensively. To reduce pain, apply a fixing bandage, which will avoid involuntary actions. Elimination of pain is achieved through local anesthesia.
Gonarthrosis affects the patient's knee joint. Being a type of arthrosis, this disease has its own characteristics. There are primary and secondary forms of pathology. The reasons for the formation of the first form have not been fully studied by specialists. More information is available about the secondary type. The disease at this stage is formed as a result of a failure in the development of joint tissues and their damage.
During the development of gonarthrosis, crunching and painful sensations occur under heavy loads. The patient's gait changes as lameness develops. Stiffness in movements is especially noticeable in the morning. The affected joint swells, and during examination, signs of cartilage destruction and deformity may be detected.
These diseases must be treated promptly. Timely medical care will help avoid the progression of pathological conditions, their transition to complex forms and the formation of complications. Before starting the procedures, you must consult a doctor, undergo diagnostics and receive recommendations for treatment. Therapy is carried out using several methods:
Treatment of gonarthrosis is associated with providing rest for the patient. When walking, it is recommended to use the following elements:
The presented elements will reduce the load on the diseased joint, which will have a beneficial effect on treatment. The doctor prescribes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Prescription of systemic medications is carried out only after identifying the causes of the disease and identifying symptoms of inflammation.
Even “advanced” joint problems can be cured at home! Just remember to apply this once a day.
Damage to the hip joint is called coxarthrosis. The following reasons lead to the formation of pathology:
With coxarthrosis there are similar manifestations. An important difference is the proliferation of osteophytes - skin spurs. The inflammatory process leads to a decrease in mobility, which characterizes joint diseases and their general manifestations.
Treatment of coxarthrosis differs little from previous cases. To reduce the degree of development of the inflammatory process, systemic or other drugs are prescribed. An example is the drug Ibuprofen. To improve the patient's condition, arthroplasty is used - an operation designed to restore the functions of the damaged joint. Massage or therapeutic exercises are prescribed.
Osteochondrosis is a fairly well-known joint disease that occurs not only in old age, but also in young people. The list of factors contributing to the formation of the inflammatory process is presented as follows:
Neuropathologist and vertebrologist R.G. tells more about osteochondrosis. Ignatiev:
Symptoms of osteochondrosis are represented by painful sensations in the affected area. As a result, the patient’s movements are constrained, since unpleasant manifestations arise when performing actions. The patient has the following signs of the disease:
Disease prevention is of great importance. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits. An active lifestyle will not only increase the body's resistance, but also improve well-being. In addition, prevention is associated with the elimination of diseases and their symptoms, so therapy must be carried out in a timely manner.
Manual correction is used to treat osteochondrosis. Chondroprotectors are used to restore tissue. Traction therapy leads to good results. The presented technique is aimed at stretching the spinal column using special means and techniques.
A type of arthritis is gout. Uric acid salts are deposited in the patient’s tissues, which is why small formations in the form of nodules form. The reasons for the appearance of the presented condition are as follows:
Symptoms of gout are characterized not only by painful discomfort in the affected joints. There is redness at the site of inflammation, and during diagnosis an increased concentration of uric acid is detected in the blood.
To treat gout, the patient is admitted to a hospital. Prevention of urolithiasis is important. Such actions will eliminate the presented factor that provokes the development of the disease. Treatment is carried out with systemic agents or the following drugs:
Joint diseases can be localized in individual parts. An example is bursitis, which affects the periarticular bursa. Inflammation occurs as a result of heavy loads, however, there are other factors:
Symptoms of bursitis have common features with other diseases:
The doctor tells interesting facts about bursitis and its treatment in the program “About the Most Important Things”:
Treatment for bursitis is aimed at eliminating the symptoms and causes of inflammation. An important condition for recovery is adherence to the following principles:
If the conservative type of treatment and the use of systemic drugs does not lead to a positive result, then surgical intervention is prescribed. The surgeon's task is to hide the bursa and perform cleaning. In some cases, complete or partial removal is carried out.
Hip dysplasia is a congenital condition. The pathology is represented by a dislocation obtained while the fetus is in the womb. This situation occurs due to improper development of the child, which is caused by several factors:
Manifestations of the disease are represented by venous stagnation and the formation of areas with dead tissue. Despite the congenital nature of hip dysplasia, treatment of the pathology and elimination of symptoms is quite feasible. The time of initiation of therapy is of great importance, so it is necessary to begin eliminating the disease on time. It is necessary to perform gymnastics, massage and wear fixing bandages every day.
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