Among all joint diseases, arthrosis is the most common.This pathology is observed in almost 20% of the world population.It is relevant for both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients have been registered as suffering from various forms of arthrosis.A fatal outcome from arthrosis is extremely unlikely, but it can lead to early disability, loss of working capacity and a significant deterioration in the quality of life.
The prevention and treatment of arthrosis should be carried out by a highly qualified medical specialist.
Traditional treatment
For effective treatment of degenerative-dystrophic joint damage, the entire arsenal of medications, physiotherapeutic, orthopedic and surgical agents is used.It should be noted that great importance in the treatment and prevention of arthrosis is attached to the selection of the optimal motor mode and normalization of body weight.Traditional therapy includes the following methods:
- Symptomatic treatment.
- Taking chondroprotectors.
- Local therapy.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical treatment.
Symptomatic therapy
In most cases, the cause of pain in arthrosis is considered to be reactive inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint.Therefore, it is quite reasonable to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress pain and inflammation.Most often, standard drugs from the NSAID group are used.
When choosing a drug, he gives preference to those drugs that are quite effective, safe and accessible to the majority of the population.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can provoke the development of serious pathology of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of erosions and ulcers.To prevent such complications, special medications may be prescribed.
It is strongly recommended not to combine different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since this will not enhance the therapeutic effect, but will only significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Chondroprotectors
Currently, chondroprotectors are successfully used to restore cartilage tissue and prevent the development of pathological changes in joints.In the early stages of the disease, these drugs effectively inhibit the progression of the degenerative process.However, at stages 3 and 4 of the disease, chondroprotectors turn out to be of little use.
Most chondroprotectors are well tolerated by patients.However, unfortunately, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Their distinctive feature is that the therapeutic effect occurs on average 3–4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they still continue to act for 2–5 months after completion of chondroprotective therapy.
Synovial Fluid Prostheses
Every specialist will tell you that without synovial fluid a joint cannot function normally.Certain types of drugs are used as synovial fluid substitutes.
All medications improve the properties of synovial fluid, while simultaneously suppressing inflammatory and destructive processes in articular cartilage.On average, a therapeutic course can include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended to conduct up to two courses per year.The indication for repeated therapy with hyaluronic acid-based drugs is increased pain and severe limitation of the functionality of the affected joint.
Only the attending physician can determine the advisability of prescribing a particular drug.
Local therapy
It is rare that arthrosis is treated without the use of local therapy.Intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids is resorted to in case of chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint and the lack of proper analgesic effect from taking NSAIDs.During the year, 3-4 injections of glucocorticosteroids into the joint are allowed.The interval between injections is approximately 90 days.
If there are no contraindications, compresses with painkillers are used.To achieve the desired effect, 10–12 procedures are prescribed.The option of extending therapy or repeating courses is not excluded.In addition, to reduce pain and the dosage of prescribed NSAIDs, various pain-relieving ointments, gels or creams are used.
Physiotherapy
At all stages of degenerative-dystrophic joint disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures can be used.Basic methods of physiotherapy help eliminate pain resulting from stress on the joint, reduce inflammation and improve the restoration of cartilage tissue.What physical procedures are used for arthrosis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Ultraviolet irradiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Ultrasound.
- Inductothermy.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Mud applications.
Physiotherapy can also be used to prevent arthrosis.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths prevent pathological changes in articular cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise
The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to restore the function of affected joints, strengthen the muscular-ligamentous system and prevent the progression of the disease.Let's consider an approximate set of exercises that can be used as prevention and treatment of the most common localization of arthrosis - the knee joint:
- Let's take a chair.We stand behind the back of the chair.Slightly bend the left leg at the knee joint.We take a step back with our right foot.Then the foot of this leg moves down.This movement creates tension in the lower leg muscles.You should remain in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and change legs.
- We sit down on a chair.We straighten our legs at the knees and keep them straight in front of us.It is enough to hold your legs for about 5–7 seconds.If it is difficult to perform, you can do the exercise by straightening only one leg.Do 10–12 repetitions.If you feel well and there is no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We stand with our backs to the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back is pressed against the wall.We lower ourselves down to a half squat.We try to hold in this position for 5–7 seconds.Then we slowly rise.At the same time, your back does not come off the wall.Increase the static load (holding the position in a half-squat) gradually.
- Regular squats are considered the ideal exercise for developing knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the patient’s condition and the severity of the disease.
- We lie down on the floor.Raise your legs up and perform movements reminiscent of riding a bicycle.Do the exercise for 20–30 seconds.Then a short rest and another approach.If your physical fitness allows, increase the time you perform the exercise and the number of approaches.
At any stage of arthrosis without exacerbation, therapeutic exercises will be useful to help restore the functionality of the joints.
Surgical treatment
As clinical practice shows, not all patients manage to cope with the disease using conservative methods.If standard therapy does not bring the desired result, and severe joint damage is observed, leading to disability, surgical treatment is indicated.Many patients with severe deformities of large joints are recommended to undergo endoprosthetics.The effectiveness of replacing the affected joint with an artificial one is more than 70%.Most patients after endoprosthetics experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Traditional medicine
It is difficult not to recognize the fact that in recent years the popularity of the use of folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases, including arthrosis, has sharply increased.Today, without much difficulty, you can find a lot of folk recipes for compresses, ointments, and tinctures.Let's list the most common ones:
- Clay compress.Mix clay and water in such proportions to obtain a homogeneous mass.Next, we place it on a small piece of fabric.We place a clay compress on the affected joint.The duration of the procedure can reach about an hour and a half.You will notice the positive effect after 5-7 days.
- Cabbage and honey compress.It is especially popular because it is quite simple to make and apply.Before going to bed, take 3-4 cabbage leaves.On the one hand, you need to lubricate them with honey and apply them to the sore joint.To enhance the effect of the compress, you can wrap the joint in polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is best to apply a compress at night.
- Oatmeal compress.Take a glass of oatmeal and cook for 8 minutes.You will need less water than during normal cooking to get a fairly viscous porridge.At the end of cooking, let the porridge cool.Next, place the oatmeal on a thick fabric.And the compress is ready for use.In addition, it is additionally recommended to wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a woolen scarf.
- Horseradish compress.Horseradish roots need to be chopped.Fill them with water and boil for a few minutes.Then we evenly place the horseradish on natural fabric, which we apply to the sore joint.The compress is applied for about 2 hours.
- Oil rubbing from celandine.The leaves and stems of the medicinal plant should be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour it into a small jar.Pour 200 ml of vegetable oil into it.We insist for 14 days.Then we strain.This celandine oil rub can be used as an external remedy three times a day for a month.
- Dandelion rub.Find a bottle, jar or any other container made of opaque glass.Fill approximately half of the glass vessel with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to this container.You will have to insist for at least a month.Before use, you must strain the liquid.Dandelion tincture is used as a joint rub.Typically, the rubbing procedure is best done before bed.
- Medicinal bath with herbs.To prepare this bath you will need medicinal plants such as St. John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettle and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each component and leave in hot water for 60 minutes.Then pour the infused liquid into the bath.Take a herbal bath for about 15–20 minutes.
Before using folk remedies in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis of the joints (elbow, knee, hip), you should definitely consult your doctor.
Prevention
If you do not want to undergo long and continuous courses of treatment, take up the prevention of arthrosis.Some useful tips that will significantly reduce the risk of developing degenerative disorders in your joints:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid injury and damage.
- Eat right.
- Stick to optimal movement patterns.
- The most useful sports for arthrosis are swimming, skiing, and measured walking.
Your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent condition if you do not ignore the recommendations of medical specialists and undergo regular medical examinations.