Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in them.Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, the disease cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, it is quite possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, delay arthrosis and preserve 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 bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical loads.In most cases, this process is caused by age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint.Therefore, symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years.However, the development of negative changes in cartilage tissue occurs at an early age and consists of a gradual loss of elasticity of cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, spines, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement.Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments and tendons.The joint may become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe forms of the disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors
The main causes of destruction of articular cartilage and development of arthrosis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which can be mild, but multiple and repeated, or one-off, but serious (for example meniscus injuries);
- Age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood 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 flow of blood and nutrients to the joints, worsening their metabolism.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example menopause) can also cause arthrosis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure for this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight arthrosis.Modern therapy can slow down the process of cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition.For this purpose in the treatment of arthrosis the following are used:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetotherapy, mud applications);
- physical therapy.
In more serious cases, surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis are resorted to.
Modern medicine believes that the main task in combating the disease is the prevention of arthrosis and the promotion of a lifestyle that helps maintain healthy joints.This applies first of all to adolescents and young people actively involved in sports, who need to develop special skills to protect joints during training (warming up and warming up joints, using special protective equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For people who do not exercise, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
Numerous studies have shown that obese people have a 3 times greater risk of developing 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 causes the development of many pathological processes in the body, which lead to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affect the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of arthrosis is aimed at saturating the body with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage and slowing down the degenerative processes contained in it.Following the following basic principles will not only help keep your joints in good shape, but will also prevent you from gaining weight:
- reduce the calorie content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consume enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium to your bones;
- increase the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and microelements that the joints need.
Particular attention during nutrition should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue.These substances mainly include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet jellied meat, jelly (especially fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin - modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent osteoarthritis
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many objectives necessary for the maintenance of joints and general well-being:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight gain;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthen the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- helps improve mood.
To keep the joints in good shape, they should not be overloaded.But this doesn't mean you should give up physical activity.Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it must be moderate and correspond to the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age and recommend taking at least 6,000 steps a day.Swimming is most beneficial when movement occurs without the negative impact of body weight on bones.Practicing any favorite sport or activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), as long as it is regular, will help prevent arthrosis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.