Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory, progressive damage to articular cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its function, flexion-extension movements in it become difficult and then completely impossible.
Joints are bone joints that can be moved. The human body contains more than 200 joints that provide all types of movement of the bone frame. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to the smooth surface of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With arthrosis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becoming rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. As a result, friction occurs which inhibits joint movement and causes progressive damage.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This disease affects more than 30% of people aged between 45 and 65 years, and more than 65% of people aged over 65 years. The incidence is highly dependent on age.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knees (gonarthrosis), hips (coxarthrosis), and shoulders. Of the small joints, the joints of the hands, feet, and spine are most commonly affected.
In the final stages of the disease, ankylosis (total immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In arthrosis stages 1 - 3, conservative treatment is possible, the purpose of which is to slow down and stop joint destruction, gradual restoration of cartilage tissue, improvement of function (mobility), increasing range of motion, eliminating pain. symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, this goal is achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthritis
The cause of this disease is the predominance of hyaline cartilage wear during its regeneration process. This means the articular cartilage wears down and breaks down from stress faster than it can recover.
This occurs due to two factors - increased load 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 colds, including arthrosis, is a decrease in body heat levels. This can occur, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis includes degenerative and dystrophic diseases. Its development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
In order to continuously regenerate, articular cartilage requires collagen, the universal building block of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If the blood supply is compromised 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 most. The articular cartilage gradually begins to wear and break down.
When the cartilage is destroyed, the fragments are torn apart and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "rat"), causing pinching, blockage, further limiting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of this disease may be collagen deficiency due to lack of synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be caused, for example, by functional insufficiency of the liver, which plays an active role in this synthesis.
Trigger factors for the development of this disease can be:
- obesity,
- unhealthy eating patterns
- hard physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtrauma,
- cold exposure
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, connective tissue weakness, 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 this disease.
Arthrosis stage 1 is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means marked narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes), and joint deformation.
Arthrosis stage 3 means almost complete loss of joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, total immobilization (ankylosis) occurs, the joint space is completely lost.
Symptoms of arthritis
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 nature of synovial lubrication have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased fatigue in the joints, mild pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movement after prolonged immobility (the so-called "starting" pain), after which the joints develop. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not restricted, and there is no difficulty in performing the movements.
In stage 2, joint pain becomes more intense and lasts longer, even with light loads. When moving, a creaking or crunching sound is heard. Flexion, extension, rotation movements become difficult, their volume becomes increasingly limited. Rigidity develops.
In stage 3 arthrosis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are carried out with difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. Joints undergo severe deformation due to bone growth and increase in size. When the foot joints are affected, severe lameness occurs.
In stage 2-3 disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain, and local fever.
Pain in arthrosis can increase with changes in weather, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked by mice.
Diagnostic
Diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of survey, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor studies the medical history, asks the patient about symptoms, the circumstances of their occurrence and exacerbations.
At the initial appointment in the clinic, the doctor usually 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 one system. In this integrated system there are internal relationships.
For example, the condition of joints is very dependent on metabolism, immunity, hormonal system and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of depletion of the body's energy, a decrease in heat levels, and the accumulation of cold. Key factors in this case are poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and humidity.
During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape of the joint, 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 examinations - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On x-rays, doctors see narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Based on the degree of narrowing, the stage of arthrosis is determined.
The x-ray image clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of the bones that form during arthrosis.
X-rays visualize bone tissue well, but do not show poor connective and soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides 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 "mouse" joint damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To study the blood supply to the joint, angiography is prescribed using a contrast agent (radiography, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging).
Treatment of arthritis
In 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.
- Drug.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression. In the presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoids) or non-steroidal (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) drugs are prescribed. Usually, this drug is given by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injection into the joint.To reduce friction and increase gliding ability, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, the molecules of which have the ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect the cartilage surface from drying out and slow its breakdown.
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 intervention is indicated at the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods are used, such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and administering drugs using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis).
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 additional treatment methods, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed. Performing simple exercises regularly improves the blood supply to the joints, increasing their mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm sore joints and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment for arthrosis includes remedies such as mud or radon baths.
That's important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Basically, it is not a medicine, but a prophylactic agent. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which function to increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows cartilage damage, but does not reverse 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 metabolic processes and tissue regeneration. 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 specialized clinics
In the clinic, treatment of arthrosis stages 1 - 3 is carried out using methods of oriental medicine, physiotherapy and reflexology. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
A complex treatment session includes several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which enhance each other's effects according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, this guarantees long-term and lasting results.
Joint disease refers to the basic disorder of Bad Kan - one of the three control systems of the body, balance means health, and imbalance means disease. In addition to 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 at once. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by abnormalities, accompanying diseases, for example overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern medicine restores the basic balance of Bad Kan as a whole and thereby 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 affected joint area, but also on the body as a whole, to restore the basic balance of Badk-an. This is the secret of the high effectiveness of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists in the simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with a smoldering wormwood cigar or cone (made from wormwood or coal). Ju Therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally, on affected joint areas, and on the body's meridians to restore the basic balance of Bad Kan and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the recovery and renewal of connective tissue, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, and has anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
Acupuncture.
The introduction of a medical needle into a bioactive point has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect, and improves the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
The impact on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the function of this organ and activates collagen synthesis in the body.
The impact on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the feet.
acupressure.
Strong point pressure improves local circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and spasms. Acupressure on the body's meridians (Ku-nye) increases the body's overall energy levels.
phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal medicines are prescribed that speed up metabolism, increase body heat levels, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve liver and kidney function.
Auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy, and shock wave therapy are used as aids.
Hirudotherapy has anti-inflammatory effects and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerating joint healing and recovery.
With the help of manual therapy, doctors relieve joint pain, increase range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthritis
With arthrosis, warming, hot food is 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 a food, it is best to consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes that contain a lot of animal connective tissue, for example rich bone and meat broths, are beneficial.
You should exclude cold foods, cold drinks, reduce consumption of cold foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and nuts.
Prevention of arthritis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that provoke the basic imbalance of Bad Kan - cold nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, dampness.
Warming nutrition, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games, and physical therapy exercises are beneficial.
Frequently asked questions about arthrosis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. But they do not have a specific, preventive or therapeutic effect for joint diseases. To maintain general health and body balance, the vitamins contained in food are sufficient, as long as proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with arthrosis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis may be accompanied by 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 in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. For arthritis, thermal and warming procedures are contraindicated.
How long does arthrosis treatment last?
Typically, the course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions, which are carried out every other day, and take 21 - 30 days. After that there was a break of 6 months. Six months later, an examination was carried out, on the basis of which a decision was made to carry out a second course of treatment in order to improve and consolidate the results.