Osteoarthritis is a progressive non-inflammatory destruction of joint 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 kinds of movements of the bony skeleton. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to the smooth surfaces of the hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With arthrosis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. As a result, friction occurs, which hinders 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 the ages of 45 and 65 and more than 65% of people over 65. The incidence has a pronounced age dependence.
Most often, the disease affects the large joints - the knee (gonarthrosis), the hip (coxarthrosis) and the shoulder. Of the small joints, the joints of the hand, foot and spine are most often affected.
In the 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.
In stages 1 - 3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the goal of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore the cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase the range of motion, relieve pain. symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapeutic methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the dominance of wear of hyaline cartilage over the process of its regeneration. This means that the 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.
Regeneration of hyaline cartilage requires collagen, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, necessary for the 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 the level of body heat. This can happen, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis belong to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
To constantly regenerate, articular cartilage needs collagen, the 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 slows down in them. In this case, the joints that carry the maximum load - knees, ankles, hips and shoulders - suffer the most. The articular cartilage begins to gradually wear out and fail.
When the cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "mice"), causing pinching, blocking, further restriction of movement and increased pain.
Another cause of the disease can be a lack of collagen 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.
Provocative 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 tissue, 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 a slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and deformation of the joints.
Arthrosis in the 3rd stage means almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of the range of motion to a minimum, deformation of the joint, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization (ankylosis) occurs, 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 arthrosis in stage 1 are increased fatigue in the joint, slight pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long periods of immobility (the so-called "initial" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotational movements are not limited and there are no difficulties during the movements.
In stage 2, the pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, it occurs even with light loads. When you move, a crunching or crunching sound is heard. Movements of flexion, extension, rotation become difficult, their volume is more and more limited. Stiffness develops.
In the third stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the wrist 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.
In stages 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Arthritis pain can be intensified by a change in weather, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked by a mouse.
Diagnostics
The 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 in the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the nature of the diet and lifestyle, because in Eastern medicine the human body is considered as a single system. In this unified system there are internal relationships.
For example, the state of the joints is closely dependent on the metabolism, immune, hormonal systems and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold that develops against the background of depletion of the body's energy, decrease in the level of heat and accumulation of cold. Key factors in this case are poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and moisture.
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 an additional examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On the X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Based on the degree of narrowing, determines the stage of arthrosis.
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 poorly show connective, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
With the help of 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 in the joint, angiography with the help of a contrast medium (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance) is prescribed.
Treatment of arthrosis
In stage 4 of arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In 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 (glucocorticoids) 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 joint cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injections in the wrist.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect 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 in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy and drug administration using electricity (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used.
Mud applications, compresses and heat improve local blood circulation, promote healing and regeneration of cartilage tissue and relieve pain. - Other treatments.Exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed for the prevention of arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment. Regularly performing simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Warm baths can be used to warm the painful joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment for arthrosis includes such drugs as mud or radon baths.
That's important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Basically, 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 the destruction of cartilage, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to change it, it is necessary to improve the blood supply, to activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, the treatment of arthrosis of stage 1-3 is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexological 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 improve 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.
Diseases of the joints refer to disturbances of the foundation of the Bad Khan - one of the three control systems of the body, the balance of which means health and the imbalance of which means disease. Apart from the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
An imbalance of Bad Khan 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, gynecological diseases dependent on hormones (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Khan base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, together with arthrosis, other simultaneous 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 base. This is the secret of the high efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneously or sequentially heating bioactive points with a wormwood cigar or smoldering cones (made of wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is also used locally, on the area of the affected joint and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the Bad Khan base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the recovery 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.
The influence on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate the synthesis of collagen in the body.
Influence on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower part of the 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 body's meridians (Ku-nye) increases the body's overall energy level.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal medicines are prescribed that speed up the metabolism, increase the level of body heat, speed up the 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 the level of heat in the body.
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 painful joint, increases the 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, onion, 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 food, 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 cause an imbalance at the base of the Bad Khan - a cooling diet, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, moisture.
Warm-up diet, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games, and physical therapy exercises are helpful.
Frequently asked questions about arthrosis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. But they do not have any specific, preventive or therapeutic effect for common diseases. To maintain the general health and balance of the body, vitamins contained in food are sufficient, provided adequate nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation with arthrosis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis can 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 procedures and heating are contraindicated.
How long does treatment for arthrosis take?
Usually, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10-15 complex sessions, which are conducted every other day and lasts 21-30 days. After this there is a break of 6 months. Six months later, an examination is performed, based on which a decision is made to conduct a second course of treatment to improve and consolidate the results.