Osteoarthritis is a progressive non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, bending-extension movements in it become difficult and then become completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. There are more than 200 such joints in the human body that provide all kinds of movements of the bone skeleton. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With arthrosis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. As a result, friction occurs in the joint, which prevents movement and causes its progressive destruction.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They cover more than 30% of people aged 45-65, and more than 65% of people over 65. The disease is clearly age-dependent.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulder. Of the small joints, the joints of the hands, feet and spine are most affected.
In the late stage of the disease, joint ankylosis (complete immobilization) occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1 - 3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the goal of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore the cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase the range of motion, and relieve pain. symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved by the complex application of reflexological, herbal and physiotherapy methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is that the erosion of hyaline cartilage is superior to the process of its regeneration. This means that the articular cartilage wears down and breaks down faster than it can be repaired under stress.
This happens due to the influence of two factors - increased loads and / or slow recovery.
Collagen produced in the body with the participation of the liver is required for the regeneration of hyaline cartilage.
This organ is not only involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for joints, but also is responsible for the level of body temperature.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in body temperature. This can happen especially due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis refers to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
For its constant regeneration, articular cartilage needs collagen, the universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints together with the blood.
If for some reason the blood supply is disturbed, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process slows down in them. At this time, the joints that carry the maximum load - knees, ankles, thighs, shoulders - suffer the most. The articular cartilage gradually wears out and collapses.
When the cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "mice"), pinching, obstructing, further restricting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease can be a lack of collagen due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be due, for example, to a functional deficiency of the liver, which actively participates in this synthesis.
Predisposing factors for the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtraumas,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes in the body (dehydration),
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissues, etc. ).
Classification
Arthrosis that develops against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of inflammatory processes (arthritis, including autoimmune), endocrine diseases or injuries.
Some of the most common forms of the disease have their own names - gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (spine).
With the addition of inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages of disease development.
Stage 1 arthrosis is manifested by periodic pain and a slight narrowing of the joint space.
The 2nd stage of the disease means significant narrowing of the joint cavity, limitation of movement, formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and deformation of the joints.
The 3rd stage of arthrosis means the almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, deformation of the joints, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization occurs (ankylosis), the joint space disappears completely.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Symptoms may not be present for a long time, although changes in the cartilage tissue, the volume and characteristics of synovial lubrication have already begun.
Symptoms of the 1st stage of arthrosis are increased fatigue in the joint, small pain that occurs at the beginning of movements after physical activity or after a long period of inactivity (so-called "initial pain"), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limited and there is no difficulty during movements.
In the 2nd stage, joint pain is stronger and lasts longer, even with small loads. A creaking or creaking sound is heard when moving. Flexion, extension, rotation movements become difficult, their volume is increasingly limited. Hardness develops.
In the 3rd stage of arthrosis, joint pain is permanent. Movements in the joint are performed with great difficulty, their volume is minimized. Due to bone growth and increase in size, the joint is severely deformed. When the joints of the legs are affected, severe lameness develops.
In the 2-3 stages of the disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain, and increased local temperature.
Pain with arthrosis can be aggravated by weather changes, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked with a mouse.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of a survey, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor studies the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, conditions of their appearance and exacerbation.
At the initial appointment at the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the nature of nutrition and lifestyle, because in Eastern medicine, the human body is considered as a single system. There are internal connections in this unified system.
For example, the state of the joints is closely related to metabolism, immune, hormonal systems and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of exhaustion of body energy, decrease in heat level and accumulation of cold. In this case, the main factors are poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and dampness.
During the external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape, range of motion of the joints, as well as signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local increase in temperature.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for additional examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On the X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates that the cartilage is thinning. Based on the degree of narrowing, determines the stage of arthrosis.
The X-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that occur during arthrosis.
X-ray visualizes bone tissue well, but poorly shows connective, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides more information.
Using a tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilages, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule, and detect joint "mice", meniscus and ligament damage.
Angiography using a contrast agent (x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed to study the joint blood supply.
Treatment of arthrosis
In the 4th stage of arthrosis, surgical treatment is applied, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In stages 1-3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medicines.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically, these drugs are given by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. Chondroprotectors are prescribed to slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage.
- Joint injections.Hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint space, which has the ability to retain moisture molecules to reduce friction and improve gliding. Hyaluronic acid injections protect cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In case of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity are used. - Operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.Physical treatments such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and drug administration using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used to eliminate inflammation.
Mud applications, compresses, and heat improve local blood circulation, promote healing and regeneration of cartilage tissue, and relieve pain. - Other treatments.To prevent arthrosis, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is also prescribed as an auxiliary treatment method. Performing simple exercises regularly improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm painful joints and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment for arthrosis consists of such means as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. In fact, these are not therapeutic, but preventive agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows cartilage destruction, but does not repair it.
Not only to slow down the progression of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate metabolism and tissue regeneration processes. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a special clinic
Treatment of stage 1-3 arthrosis in the clinic is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are obtained in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ) that increase their mutual effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, which provides long-term and sustainable results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders of the Bad Kan principle - one of the body's three control systems, the balance of which means health and the imbalance of which means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
Bad Kan imbalance usually causes not one but several diseases. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by disorders, diseases, such as excess weight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergic and / or immune deficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Kan basis as a whole, thus eliminating the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with arthrosis, other accompanying diseases also occur.
When treating arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the affected joint area, but also on the body as a whole to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneously or sequentially heating the bioactive points with a wormwood cigarette or boiling cones (made of wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment of arthrosis in alternative medicine. Bad Kan is used both locally and in the affected joint area and in the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the recovery and renewal of connective tissues, improves the properties of synovial lubrication and normalizes its volume, has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
Insertion of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect and helps the flow of inflammatory fluid.
Effect on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
Effect on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the legs.
Acupressure.
Strong point pressure improves local circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, relieves muscle tension and spasms. Acupressure (Ku-nye) on the meridians of the body increases the overall energy level of the body.
Phytotherapy.
Various herbal remedies are prescribed for arthrosis that accelerate metabolism, increase body temperature, speed up recovery processes in the body, have anti-inflammatory effects, and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Aids.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy, shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body temperature levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates the healing and recovery of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves the painful joint, increases the range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
For arthrosis, warming up and hot food are indicated.
Fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as hot foods such as garlic, onions, butter and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, you must use spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot foods with lots of animal connective tissue, such as rich bone and meat broths, are beneficial.
You should exclude cold foods, chilled drinks, and reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, oil, milk and milk products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and legumes.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that cause imbalance based on Bad Kan - cold food, sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, humidity.
Warm food, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games and physiotherapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes generally affect metabolic processes. But they have no specific, preventive or curative effect for joint diseases. Vitamins contained in food are sufficient to maintain general health and body balance, provided proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with arthrosis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis can accompany arthritis, but the inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for arthrosis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up for arthrosis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only if there is no acute inflammatory process. Thermal procedures and heating are contraindicated for arthritis.
How long does the treatment of arthrosis last?
Typically, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions performed every day and lasts 21 - 30 days. After that, there is a break of 6 months. After six months, an examination is carried out, on the basis of which it is decided to conduct a second course of treatment to increase and strengthen the results.