Osteoarthritis is the progressive non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion-extension movements in it become difficult and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which provide all types of movements of the bony skeleton. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to the 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 gliding. As a result, friction occurs, which impedes movement in the joint and leads to its progressive destruction.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between 45 and 65 years of age, and more than 65% of people over 65 years of age. The incidence has a pronounced age dependence.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - the knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis), and shoulder. Of the small joints, the joints of the hand, foot and spine are most often affected.
At a late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
At stages 1 - 3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the purpose of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradual restoration of cartilage tissue, improvement of functions (mobility), increase range of motion, relief of pain symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the predominance of wear of hyaline cartilage over the process of its regeneration. This means that articular cartilage is worn down and destroyed under stress faster than it can recover.
This happens due to the action of two factors - increased loads and/or slow recovery.
For the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, collagen is required, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, necessary for joints, but is also responsible for the level of body heat.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in the level of body heat. This can happen, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis belongs to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
In order to constantly regenerate, articular cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If the blood supply is disrupted for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them slows down. In this case, the joints that bear the maximum load - knees, ankles, hips, and shoulders - suffer the most. Articular cartilage begins to gradually wear out and collapse.
When cartilage is destroyed, its fragments tear off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "mice"), causing pinching, blocking, further limiting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease may be collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be due, for example, to functional insufficiency of the liver, which takes an active part in this synthesis.
Provoking 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 (dehydration) in the body,
- 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 in the development of the disease.
Arthrosis of the 1st stage is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means a noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, the formation of bone growths (osteophytes), and joint deformation.
Stage 3 arthrosis means almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of range of motion to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
At the 4th stage, complete immobilization occurs (ankylosis), the joint space completely disappears.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased fatigue in the joint, minor pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long periods of immobility (the so-called "starting" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotational movements is not limited, and there are no difficulties during movements.
At stage 2, pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, occurring even with minor loads. When moving, a creaking or crunching sound is heard. Flexion, extension, rotation movements become difficult, their volume is increasingly limited. Stiffness develops.
At the 3rd stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are made with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint is severely deformed due to bone growths and increases in size. When the joints of the legs are affected, severe lameness develops.
At stages 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain, and local fever.
Pain with arthrosis can intensify with changes in weather, dampness, 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, the circumstances 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, since in Eastern medicine the human body is considered as a single system. In this unified system there are internal relationships.
For example, the condition of the joints is closely dependent on metabolism, immune, hormonal systems and the movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of energy depletion of the body, a decrease in heat levels and the accumulation of cold. The key factors in this case are poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and dampness.
During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape of the joints, range of motion, as well as signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local increase in temperature.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for additional examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On an x-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Based on the degree of narrowing, it determines the stage of arthrosis.
An x-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that form during arthrosis.
X-ray visualizes bone tissue well, but poorly shows connective, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
Using a tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa, joint capsule, and detect joint "mice, " damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To study the blood supply to the joint, angiography using a contrast agent (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed.
Treatment of arthrosis
At stage 4 arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. At stages 1 - 3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medicines.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the presence of 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. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injections into the joint.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Injections of hyaluronic acid protect the cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity are used. - Operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated at the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and the administration of medications using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used.
Mud applications, compresses, and heating improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue, and relieve pain. - Other treatments.To prevent arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed. Regularly performing simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm up a sore joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment for arthrosis includes such remedies as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Essentially, these are not therapeutic, but prophylactic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which act to increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows down the destruction of cartilage, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a replacement for full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, treatment of stage 1 - 3 arthrosis is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, this ensures long-term and lasting results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders of the basis of Bad Kan - one of the three control systems of the body, 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.
An imbalance of Bad Kan usually causes not one, but several diseases at once. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by concomitant disorders, diseases, for example, overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Kan base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with arthrosis, other concomitant diseases also occur.
When treating arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but also on the body as a whole, in order to restore the balance of the Badk-an basis. This is the secret of the high effectiveness of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with a wormwood cigar or smoldering cones (made of wormwood or coal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally, on the area of the affected joint, and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the Bad Kan base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the restoration and renewal of connective tissues, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, and has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
The introduction of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect, and promotes the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
Impact on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
Impact on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps improve blood circulation in the lower body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the legs.
Acupressure.
Strong point pressure improves local circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and spasms. Acupressure on the meridians of the body (Ku-nye) increases the overall energy level of the body.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal remedies are prescribed that speed up metabolism, increase the level of body heat, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy, and shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and restoration of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves the sore joint, increases range of motion, and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
For arthrosis, warming, hot meals are indicated.
Warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as garlic, onions, ghee, and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, you should definitely consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes containing a lot of animal connective tissue, for example, rich bone and meat broths, are useful.
You should exclude cold foods, chilled drinks, reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina, and legumes.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that provoke an imbalance in the basis of Bad Kan - cooling nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, dampness.
Warming nutrition, physical activity, in particular, walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about arthrosis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes influence metabolic processes in general. But they do not have any specific, preventive or therapeutic effect for joint diseases. To maintain general health and body balance, the vitamins contained in food are sufficient, provided proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with arthrosis?
No not always. Osteoarthritis may be accompanied by arthritis, but 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 in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. For arthritis, thermal procedures and warming up are contraindicated.
How long does treatment for arthrosis last?
Typically, a treatment course in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions, which are carried out every other day, and takes 21 - 30 days. After this there is a break for 6 months. Six months later, an examination is carried out, on the basis of which a decision is made to conduct a second course of treatment to enhance and consolidate the results.