Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur in them. Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, according to experts, it is within a person's power to slow down the destructive process, delay osteoarthritis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Osteoarthritis and its symptoms.
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of the cartilage, the main element of this mobile connection of the bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical stress. In most cases, this process is due to age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and joint malnutrition. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years. However, the development of negative changes in the cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and consists of the gradual loss of elasticity of the cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of the cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in the bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, spines, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement. Little by little, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint can become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of osteoarthritis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exertion;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- Deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine, and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors.
The main reasons for the destruction of articular cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which can be minor, but multiple and repetitive, or single, but serious (for example, damage to the meniscus);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the probability of developing osteoarthritis. The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, which impairs the metabolism in them. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also lead to osteoarthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of specialists in rheumatology, whose task is to combat arthrosis. Modern therapy can slow down the destruction of cartilage, relieve inflammation, reduce pain, and improve the patient's condition. To do this, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, they use:
- chondroprotectants based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal medications;
- physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetotherapy, mud applications);
- physical therapy exercises.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
The main task of counteracting the disease, modern medicine, considers the prevention of osteoarthritis and the promotion of a lifestyle that contributes to the preservation of the health of the joints. First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sports, in which it is necessary to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming and warming of the joints, the use of special protective devices - knee pads , elbow pads, etc. ). For people who do not play sports, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and being physically active.
Weight loss and nutrition.
As a result of numerous studies, obese people have been found to have a 3 times higher risk of osteoarthritis. This is explained not only by the fact that excess weight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat provokes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as diabetes. type 2 and cardiovascular disorders. which is negative affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as prevention of osteoarthritis aims to saturate the body with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage, slowing down the degenerative processes in it. Adhering to the following basic principles will not only help keep your joints in good shape, but will also prevent excessive weight gain:
- reduce the caloric content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- eat enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium for your bones;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with the vitamins and microelements that the joints need.
Particular attention should be paid in the nutrition process to foods and dishes that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances, first of all, include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish. For this, it is necessary to include in the diet meat in jelly, aspic (especially fish), fruit jelly and other dishes that contain gelatin, a modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent osteoarthritis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including your musculoskeletal system. While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many of the goals necessary for maintaining your joints and general well-being:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excessive weight gain;
- builds muscles, which in turn strengthen the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep your joints in good shape, they shouldn't be overloaded. But this does not mean that you should give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it must be moderate, according to the physical form, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee at any age and recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps a day. Swimming is very beneficial, when the movement occurs in the absence of a negative effect on the bones of the body weight. Practicing any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), as long as it is regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.