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Arthrosis stage of the disease. How is osteoarthritis of varying degrees treated? Other symptoms of arthrosis

Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints of non-inflammatory etiology, leading to deformities in the affected areas of the osteoarticular apparatus. What is osteoarthritis and how to treat it is an issue of increasing importance, since it affects about 7% of the adult population in developed countries. But depending on the age component, the figures change: among people under 45 years old, arthrosis is diagnosed in only 2% of cases, from 45 to 64 years old - 30%, after 65 the figures increase to 65-85%.

Main causes and risk factors

Arthrosis is a disease that begins with the destruction of the cartilage layer, then degenerative-destructive processes spread to the joint capsule, synovial membrane, ligaments, bone tissue of the joint and nearby muscles. The disease develops over several years. At first, the symptoms of arthrosis are mild, but gradually the pathological symptoms increase. The most negative impact on the standard of living and the degree of working capacity is rendered by arthrosis of the large joints of the legs:

  • knee;
  • Hip.

Pathology occurs as a result of the loss of cartilage tissue elasticity. This leads to increased wear of the cartilage and the appearance of cracks on its surface. Older people are often diagnosed with age-related arthrosis, which occurs due to natural age-related changes in the articular tissue. This form of pathology is called idiopathic, or primary arthrosis. Secondary arthrosis develops in adults and children as a complication of other pathological processes. The main causes of arthrosis of the joints at a young age include:

  • Mechanical injuries of the osteo-ligamentous apparatus (bruises, bone fractures, dislocations, damage to the meniscus of the knee joint, sprains and ruptures of the ligaments) that cause development;
  • Dysplasia is a congenital underdevelopment of the joint, most often the hip, as a result of which its incorrect orientation in the articular cavity occurs, threatening dislocation;
  • Metabolic disorders that cause pathological changes in the structure of cartilage and bone tissues, leading to their deformation;
  • Autoimmune diseases, which are caused by errors in the immune system, due to reasons not fully understood, reacting to the cells of one's own body as to foreign elements;
  • Nonspecific inflammatory processes of the articular region ();
  • Specific pathologies (bone tuberculosis, tick-borne encephalitis, gonorrhea, syphilis);
  • Endocrine pathologies (diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathology);
  • Degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the osteoarticular apparatus (Perthes' disease);
  • Diseases leading to increased joint mobility and weakness of the ligamentous apparatus;
  • Hemophilia: arthrosis occurs as a result of frequent hemorrhages in the joint area.

In addition to the listed causes of arthrosis, the likelihood of developing pathology increases due to:

  • Overweight. A significant excess of body weight leads to early wear of the joints;
  • Excessive stress on one or more joints. The reason may be systematically performed hard physical work, improperly organized sports training. Sometimes redistribution of the load occurs due to serious injuries. A person is forced to protect an injured leg for a long time, overloading a healthy one, and thereby creating conditions for the development of arthrosis in it;
  • hereditary predisposition. If close relatives suffer from arthrosis, the patient's risk of developing this disease increases;
  • Hormonal imbalance;
  • Prolonged exposure to toxic substances caused by the performance of professional duties, bad habits or uncontrolled use of pharmaceuticals;
  • Lack of trace elements and vitamins due to malnutrition;
  • Surgery on the joints with a high degree of trauma, requiring the removal of a significant amount of articular tissue. The joints become incongruent, that is, the fit of the surfaces of the joint and the articular cavity is disturbed. As a result, the load on the joint increases, the surfaces begin to wear out quickly.

On a note!

People at risk should be attentive to the condition of their joints. If symptoms appear that indicate the beginning of the pathological process, it is necessary to consult an arthrologist.

How arthrosis develops

The ICD 10 code (the tenth version of the International Classification of Diseases) of pathology varies from M15 to M19, depending on the form:

  • has code M15;
  • The ICD code for arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis) is M16;
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) - M17;
  • Arthrosis of the first carpometacarpal joint of the hand - M18;
  • Other arthrosis - M19.

Regardless of the type and causes of the disease, the mechanism of its development is the same. During the pathological process, there is a gradual destruction of the cartilaginous part of the joint due to a violation of normal nutrition. Healthy cartilage is an elastic smooth shell that covers the bone part of the articular head, and is also lined from the inside of the joint cavity. This layer, lightly lubricated with joint fluid, provides easy, painless and unimpeded glide of bones in the articular joint and cushioning under load.

Arthrosis pathogenesis: cartilage loses its natural smoothness, becoming rough. This makes it difficult to move the limbs, since the surfaces of the articular head and its cavity begin to cling to each other and their mutual friction increases. The cartilage layer is destroyed, pieces break off from it. They enter the periarticular fluid and violate the integrity of the synovial membrane, and chips and cracks appear on the surface of the cartilage. Erosion begins, cysts appear, around which ossification develops. Due to constant friction, the joint capsule and the synovial membrane of the joint thicken, fibrous filaments are formed. There is a gradual thinning of the cartilage, the joint surface adjacent to it is deformed, protrusions appear on it. The load on the musculoskeletal apparatus increases, the risk of its traumatization increases - sprains and ruptures of muscles and ligaments.

The initial signs of arthrosis are pain and crunching in the joint, which appear during movement and load. If the person stops moving, the pain subsides. In this, arthrosis differs from arthritis, in which the pain syndrome affects less in movement, but increases in an immobilized state. Also among the symptoms of arthrosis of the joints is the so-called starting pain - it appears when, after a long state of rest, the movement of the joint resumes. Its cause is detritus - a film consisting of components of destroyed cartilage and deposited on the surface of the joint. With the continuation of the movement, the detritus passes from the joint to the joint bag, as a result, the pain stops. Infringement of a piece of cartilage that has broken off from its surface and freely moving in the articular bag leads to blockade - a sudden sharp pain that completely deprives the joint of the possibility of movement.

Specialists distinguish three degrees of arthrosis, each of which is characterized by specific symptoms:

  • The first degree of arthrosis occurs with virtually no symptoms, or with their mild severity. Minor pain occurs with prolonged movement or heavy physical exertion. The articular cartilage at this stage does not have significant damage, but there are changes in the composition of the synovial fluid;
  • At the second stage of arthrosis, the cartilaginous layer begins to gradually collapse, growths appear along the edges of the bone surface of the joint. The pains take on a systematic character - they either subside, then return again, reacting not only to the load, but also to the weather. During attacks, inflammation worsens. There is a mild dysfunction of the periarticular muscles;
  • The third stage of arthrosis is characterized by thinning of the articular cartilage, and foci of destruction appear on its surface. Joint deformity leads to a change in the axis of the limb, it deviates to the side, which is clearly visible in the photo of arthrosis.

Attention!

The consequences of arthrosis can lead a person to disability. Timely diagnosis and treatment of pathology will help to avoid this.

Diagnosis of arthrosis

Determining the symptoms and treating arthrosis are closely related to its accurate diagnosis. X-ray examination is of decisive importance in the diagnosis of arthrosis. The x-ray image clearly shows the pathological changes that occur with the cartilaginous and bone tissue of the joint in the process of pathology development. In medicine, two types of classification of radiological stages of arthrosis are used.

The classification proposed in 1961 by N.S. Kosinskaya - doctor of medical sciences, professor, the largest Soviet specialist in the diagnosis of osteoarticular pathologies - includes three stages:

  • Initial, in which the radiograph captures a slight narrowing of the interarticular gap, noticeable only when compared with a healthy joint, and a mild lesion of the articular cartilage;
  • The stage of pronounced changes - the narrowing of the interarticular gap is clearly visible, since it becomes two or more times smaller than the norm. The destruction of cartilaginous tissue takes on a pronounced character in places of the greatest load on the joint;
  • The stage of pronounced changes - an x-ray image shows the complete destruction of the cartilaginous covering of the joint. The interarticular gap is practically absent, the bone tissues of the joints are in contact with each other, they completely coincide, their surfaces are deformed, bone growths are pronounced. This stage is called, in which the motor functions of the joint are sharply disturbed.

There is another radiological classification of arthrosis according to Kellgren Lawrence, proposed in 1957. In accordance with it, the disease goes through four stages:

  • I - the appearance of cysts in the bone structure, the onset of osteosclerosis, the occurrence of minor osteophytes in the marginal zone of the joint - bone growths;
  • II - more pronounced osteosclerosis and narrowing of the interarticular gap are added to the symptoms of the first stage;
  • III - pronounced osteosclerosis, an increase in bone growths, a significant narrowing of the interarticular gap;
  • IV - massive outgrowths of the bone tissue of the joint, the surfaces of the bones forming the joint are deformed, the bone tissue is strongly compacted, the interarticular gap is hardly noticeable.

The number 0 in the Kellgren Lawrence classification marks the early stage of the disease, in which even an x-ray is not able to fix changes in the bone and cartilage tissue. But this does not mean that the pathology is absent. If the symptoms described above appear, additional examinations are needed.

Interesting!

In addition to x-rays, modern methods of instrumental diagnosis of arthrosis are used. Ultrasound examination and computed tomography of the joints provide additional information about the state of the bone, cartilage and periarticular tissue in the affected area.

Treatment of arthrosis

In the treatment of arthrosis of the joints, a set of procedures is used, including conservative and surgical methods. Which method of treatment of arthrosis to apply in each case, the doctor decides based on the patient's condition and the results of the diagnostic examination. Conservative methods include:

  • Drug therapy - painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets, ointments, injections), chondroprotectors injected into the joint;
  • Physiotherapy - ultraviolet irradiation, treatment with high frequency currents, shock wave therapy, therapeutic exercises and massage, mud applications, mineral baths;
  • Spa treatment.

At an early stage of arthrosis, along with traditional methods, alternative methods of treating the disease can also be used. Herbalists offer to treat arthrosis with compresses of horseradish, cabbage, honey, oatmeal. It relieves arthrosis pain by rubbing the joints with tincture of elecampane roots on vodka. Useful warm baths with steamed hay.

If we are talking about the third and fourth stages of arthrosis, conservative therapy is not effective. At this stage, there is a complete destruction first of the cartilaginous membrane, and then of the bone tissue of the joint. A person becomes disabled - the main thing is that arthrosis is dangerous. Also, one of the consequences of arthrosis of the lower extremities is the pathology of the spine (curvature, herniated discs) due to a persistent violation of posture and gait.

In this case, surgical techniques are used to restore normal motor functions of the joint. This may be an operation to remove the remnants of cartilage, to artificially close the joint in order to immobilize it to prevent further destruction of the bone - arthrodesis. Arthroplasty means partial replacement of a joint with an artificial one. The radical technique involves the complete replacement of the joint with an endoprosthesis. The prognosis after such an operation is mostly positive - in the absence of complications, motor functions are fully restored.

Treatment and prevention of arthrosis includes dietary nutrition. The diet of patients, as well as people at risk, should include:

  • All types of dairy products;
  • Chicken and quail eggs;
  • Jelly and jelly - they include collagen, which is necessary for cartilage tissue;
  • Various cereals;
  • Fruits and vegetables;
  • River and sea fish;
  • Various types of vegetable oils;
  • Nuts, raisins, whole grain and bran bread.

Of great importance for the prevention of arthrosis is an active lifestyle and the absence of bad habits. It is necessary to monitor your weight, avoid hypothermia and significant physical overload.

Arthrosis(deforming arthrosis, popular name - salt deposition) - a chronic disease of the joints of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which the destruction of the articular cartilage, joint capsule, deformation of the bone itself occurs.

It should be noted that arthrosis is a whole group of joint diseases that have different origins and similar mechanisms of development. The most common arthrosis of large joints:

  • deforming arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis),
  • deforming arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis),
  • as well as arthrosis of the shoulder joint.

These are the most severe types of arthritis.

Arthrosis of small joints is less common. More common are deforming arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints of the hands, as well as the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumbs. Patients note pain in the interphalangeal joints, a decrease in their mobility, the appearance of seals near the joints (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes). This type of arthritis is more common in the elderly. Often there is arthrosis of the joints of the foot.

Polyarthrosis, or generalized arthrosis, is characterized by damage to several joints at once.

Arthrosis joints of the spine - spondylarthrosis - belongs to the group of diseases of the spine, although it has a mechanism of development similar to other arthrosis.

The main clinical symptom of arthrosis is joint pain, decreased mobility. Specific symptoms are determined by the stage of arthrosis and depend on the degree of destructive changes in the joint.

Causes of arthrosis

Arthrosis divided into primary and secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis is a consequence of a violation of the regenerative processes and increased degeneration in the cartilage tissue of the joint without any deviations in the work of the whole organism. Secondary arthrosis occurs as a result of other pathological processes in the body, or in a joint already damaged by some external influence, with partial destruction of the articular surfaces.

Most often, traumatic arthrosis is diagnosed in young patients. And in older patients, it is far from always possible to draw a clear line between primary and secondary arthrosis.

Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis cannot be determined, the factors contributing to the onset and development are well known.

The following types of causes contributing to the development of primary and secondary deforming arthrosis can be distinguished.

Causes of primary arthrosis - hereditary factors

The following hereditary disorders have been identified that can cause the development of primary arthrosis:

  • genetic disorders in the composition of the cartilaginous tissue of the joint, leading to its accelerated destruction;
  • congenital defects of the musculoskeletal system (hypermobility of the joints, dysplasia, flat feet, and others), which cause traumatization of certain sections of the cartilaginous tissues of the joint, and, as a result, the appearance of arthrosis.

It was also noted that deforming arthrosis of the interphalangeal joints of the upper extremities occurs mainly in women and is inherited through the female line.

Causes of secondary arthrosis

Secondary arthrosis is the result of damage to the joint. These damages can be caused by various factors.

  1. Mechanical damage to the joints.

This group of factors includes various joint injuries, intra-articular bone fractures, as a result of which the structure of the joint is disturbed. The same result is caused by constant microtraumatization of the joints as a result of excessive constant loads, both static and dynamic (for example, in athletes). Obesity also leads to overload and traumatization of the joints.

Another factor that has a negative effect on the joints (primarily on the hips) is poor posture.

The structure of the joint can also be disrupted by surgery.

  1. Joint diseases.

Arthrosis can be a consequence of inflammatory diseases of the joints (acute and chronic arthritis, synovitis, primary aseptic necrosis of bone tissue, etc.)

    Metabolic disorders, diseases of the endocrine system, deficiency of minerals in the body.

Various metabolic disorders, lack of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals, vitamins and microelements cause changes in the composition of bone and cartilage tissue, synovial fluid, which leads to disruption of recovery processes and gradual destruction of the composition.

  1. Autoimmune diseases ( gout, chondrocalcinosis, hemochromatosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis), hormonal disorders, estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women lead to changes in the tissues of the joints and their gradual destruction.
  1. Vascular diseases(atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities, obliterating endarteritis, varicose veins), as well as hypodynamia cause circulatory disorders in the periarticular tissues, poor blood supply to the tissues of the joint and, as a result, dystrophic changes.

The mechanism of development of arthrosis

Development arthrosis begins with the destruction of cartilage. It is believed that at the beginning there is a violation of blood circulation in the capillaries of the subchondral layer of the periosteum. Since the nutrition of the cartilage occurs due to the supply of nutrients from the intra-articular fluid and adjacent bone tissue, a violation of blood circulation leads to the fact that the cartilage gradually loses its elasticity, becomes thinner, cracks appear on it, the smoothness of the articular surfaces is disturbed, the amount of synovial fluid decreases, providing gliding in the joint. As a result, there appears pain and crunching on movement. The width of the joint space gradually decreases, along the edges of the articular surfaces, bone osteophyte spines.

Ultimately, the joint is deformed, the range of motion in it decreases. This is how involutive arthrosis associated with aging develops. The development of this form of arthrosis usually occurs gradually over many years.

Other forms of arthrosis of large joints, for example, post-traumatic, post-infectious, metabolic, intoxication, have slightly different development mechanisms, but as a result, we get similar changes in the joint.

Symptoms of arthrosis of the joints. Stages and degrees of arthrosis

In Russia, the classification of arthrosis based on clinical and radiological signs, proposed by N. Kosinskaya (1961), is considered “classical”. In accordance with it, three stages of the development of the disease are distinguished. It corresponds to the classification according to the degree of ability to work (according to A.I. Nesterov), which distinguishes 3 degrees of arthrosis:

  • I degree of arthrosis - the disease does not interfere with the performance of work, although it makes it difficult,
  • II degree of arthrosis - the disease prevents the performance of work,
  • III degree of arthrosis - disability.

Let us consider in more detail the clinical symptoms and signs of arthrosis at each of these stages.

Arthrosis of the 1st degree (the initial stage of arthrosis)

In the initial stage of the disease in the morning, after rest, there is stiffness, difficulty in movement in the joints, which gradually disappears some time after the start of movement. There may be some limitation of mobility in the joint. Periodically there are "starting" pains (pain at the beginning of movement after a long stay at rest). With sudden movements, the joint crunches, but there is no pain during movement. Pain at this stage of arthrosis appears only with a significant and prolonged load, and subsides after rest. There is no pain at rest or with light exertion. At this stage of the disease, patients rarely see a doctor.

On an x-ray with arthrosis of the 1st degree, no special changes in the joint are visible, sometimes small osteophytes can be seen along the edges of the joint, the joint space is slightly narrowed.

Arthrosis of the 2nd degree (second stage of arthrosis)

With the further development of arthrosis, the pain becomes more significant, acquires an acute character. A distinct crunch in the joint appears with any movement, there is a noticeable limitation of mobility in the joint (contracture), functional shortening of the limb, violations of the biomechanics of movements, but the mobility of the joint is still preserved. At this stage, a noticeable increase in starting pains is characteristic, they become sharp and more prolonged. Under the influence of daily physical activity, constant fatigue appears, a feeling of pressure in the affected joints, so-called "mechanical pain" occurs, caused by a decrease in the depreciation abilities of the cartilaginous tissues of the joint.

The destruction in the joint is already quite significant, the joints are already beginning to partially deform.

On radiographs, noticeable osteophytes are visible, narrowing of the joint space by 2-3 times compared to the norm, sclerosis of the subchondral bone and the formation of cystic cavities in the epiphyseal zone are observed.

Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by a decrease in working capacity, the inability to perform certain types of work.

Arthrosis of the 3rd degree (third stage of arthrosis)

Arthrosis Grade 3 is a severe, advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, there are:

  • significant deformation of the joint (due to the growth of bones and the accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity);
  • a sharp restriction of movements, up to the preservation of only rocking movements;
  • sharp pain not only when moving, but also in a state of complete rest - constant pain associated with reflex spasm of nearby muscles, as well as the development of reactive synovitis;
  • joint inflammation,
  • sensitivity of the joints to changes in the weather.
  • the muscles around the knee are spasmodic and atrophied;

The axis of the limb is deformed, varus or valgus curvature of the legs is noticeable (that is, in the shape of the letter "O" or "X").

On radiographs with arthrosis of the 3rd degree, there is an almost complete disappearance of the joint space, a pronounced deformation of the articular surfaces, extensive multiple marginal osteophytes. Articular mice and calcification of paraarticular tissues can be determined.

In the 3rd degree, the disease has gone very far, often it is already the cause of permanent disability. It appears as follows:

  • the pain becomes constant and excruciating: walking, and especially descending and climbing stairs, is a difficult test for the patient;
  • a loud crunch with any movement, well audible to others;
  • the deformation of the joints is strongly pronounced, the movements are limited to only a small amplitude or even impossible;

The images show the destruction of intra-articular structures (ligaments and menisci), as well as complete abrasion of cartilage and signs of sclerosis (replacement of functioning organs and structures by connective tissue).

Arthrosis 4 degrees

The state of complete destruction of the joint with arthrosis when the joint completely ceases to function, it is often distinguished into a separate - 4th degree of arthrosis. There is a so-called "blockade of the joint" - an acute pain syndrome, in which even limited movement in the diseased joint is impossible. The fourth degree of arthrosis is accompanied by unbearable pain in the joints, which are not relieved even by potent painkillers and intensive physiotherapy. Complete ankylosis (joint fusion) or neoarthrosis (formation of a false joint between the displaced ends of the bones) is possible. Independent movement in both cases is almost impossible.

The pictures show a rough sclerosis of the articulated surfaces with pronounced cystic enlightenments, the fusion of the connecting bones in the area of ​​the joint space. The development of the disease to this stage almost always means disability, which can only be prevented by the implantation of an artificial joint prosthesis.

Treatment of arthrosis

Treatment of arthrosis at the initial stage of the disease

It is better to start treating arthrosis as early as possible, when the first signs appear - a crunch in the joints, difficulty in movement. At this stage, preparations are useful - chondroprotectors that improve the structure of cartilage tissue, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes.

Physiotherapy exercises, proper nutrition, as well as preventive measures are important. It should be noted that the prevention of arthrosis is of great importance for preventing exacerbation of the disease.

When the first painful sensations appear, use the NANOPLAST forte medical patch - at this stage arthrosis the patch allows you to slow down the degenerative and accelerate the recovery processes in the joint, which will help prevent the development of the disease.

Treatment of arthrosis 2 - 3 degrees

Although it is no longer possible to completely cure arthrosis of 2-3 degrees, however, the process of its development can be noticeably slowed down. Treatment of arthrosis at this stage involves the following steps:

  • relieve or reduce pain
  • relieve inflammation in the joint.
  • improve the restoration of cartilage tissue and slow down the degenerative processes in it.

In the acute period, the treatment of arthrosis begins with the elimination of pain. For this, non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics are used. Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids are possible. It is necessary to reduce the load on the joint, you can not walk or stand for a long time, lift heavy objects.

After the removal of acute pain syndrome, the main task is to ensure, as far as possible, the activation of regenerative processes in the joint itself and periarticular tissues: improving blood circulation, increasing metabolism, and eliminating inflammatory processes. Chondroprotectors, vasodilators, as well as therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy are prescribed. At this stage, a new highly effective drug NANOPLAST forte can also help - it allows you to relieve pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, and reduce the dose of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Treatment of arthrosis grade 4

At this stage of the disease, the joint is almost completely destroyed. In this case, there is only one way out - surgery and replacement of the diseased joint with an endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis significantly improves the mobility of the joint, allows the patient to resume an active life, at least getting rid of pain.

How to treat arthrosis with a medical plaster NANOPLAST forte

According to the results of clinical trials, the NANOPLAST forte medical patch has shown high efficiency in the treatment of arthrosis. This patch can be used both in the initial stages of the disease, and in severe forms of arthrosis.

But it is important to understand - if in the initial stages of the disease NANOPLAST forite can be effective as a monotherapy, then in the advanced stage complex treatment is necessary. Without the use of other drugs, the treatment of arthrosis of 2-3 degrees, especially in the acute stage, will not be effective. With complex treatment, the patch enhances the effect of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, which makes it possible to reduce their dosage, and if the pain syndrome decreases, they can be completely canceled.

NANOPLAST forte allows you to relieve pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, reduce the dose of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. It has no side effects, is non-addictive and combines well with other therapies.

In case of arthrosis of the joints, the NANOPLAST forte medical plaster is applied to the diseased joint. The method of application depends on the type of arthrosis. To relieve acute symptoms, it is recommended to use a medical patch for 3 to 5 days. The duration of the course of treatment for osteoarthritis of the joints is from 15 days according to clinical studies. It is usually recommended to use the patch in the morning at 12 o'clock, but it is possible to apply it at night.

High efficiency, unique composition, long-term (up to 12 hours!) therapeutic effect, ease of use and affordable price make NANOPLAST forte the drug of choice in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the joints.

It is a chronic non-inflammatory disease. Arthrosis is characterized by cartilage degeneration with changes in the bones of the affected joint and synovitis. With the progression of the disease, there is a decrease in mobility in the joint up to complete immobilization due to the fusion of the articular ends of the joints of the bones.

Among all diseases of the joints, arthrosis occupies a leading position (60%). The frequency of cases with arthrosis correlates with age. People over 45 suffer from this disease in about 13.9% of cases. There is gender dependence. In women, the incidence of arthrosis is 2 times higher than in men. The risk is also higher in people with excess body weight above the established norm (obesity of various degrees) and with congenital disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The causes of this disease are still unknown. Allocate only predisposing factors that can serve as an impetus for the development of arthrosis.

These factors are considered discrepancy between the load on the joint and its ability to resist this load. This happens during hard physical work, especially when the same joints are constantly involved in the work. This cause is aggravated by possible obesity, due to which the pressure on the joints is steadily increasing.

Cases accompanied by a deficiency in the nutrition of the joint, such as metabolic disorders in the body, changes in the functioning of organs, impaired blood supply to the joint, exacerbate existing changes in the joints.

Types of arthrosis

Diagnosis primary (idiopathic) arthrosis is set in case of exclusion of all possible causes of development.

Secondary develops for the following reasons:

  • Injury;
  • Congenital disorders of the development of the musculoskeletal system;
  • Endocrine diseases (obesity, diabetes);
  • Metabolic disorders (gout, hemochromatosis);
  • Change in static-dynamic balance (flat feet, curvature of the spine);
  • Chronic hemarthrosis.

Primary arthrosis divided into 2 main clinical forms:

  • Local arthrosis (1-2 joints);
  • Generalized arthrosis (3 or more).

In the acute form of arthrosis, all the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves much stronger and longer: the pain is unbearable, if the synovial membrane is involved, then there is a local increase in temperature and redness of the skin area. In the chronic form, the disease is long-term, sluggish, with occasional periods of exacerbation.

According to ICD-10, arthrosis refers to diseases of the musculoskeletal system and occupies a whole block called "Arthropathy". In this block, the disease is divided into smaller components according to the location and degree of damage: polyarthrosis (3 or more joints are affected), coxarthrosis (hip joint), gonarthrosis (knee joint), etc.

Symptoms

The main and most important diagnostic symptom (especially at the initial stage of the disease) is a feeling of soreness or pain in the joints, usually of a mechanical nature, i.e. motion related. It appears at the end of the day, in the evening, after hard physical work in the joint, its excessive activity during the day, and disappear when the joints are at rest.

Patients note an increase in pain during the descent down the stairs. Patients often complain about the appearance of pain at the beginning of the movement, the so-called starting pains. As the movements continue, the discomfort disappears. This is associated with stagnation of blood in the tissues surrounding the joint, when movements are made, circulation improves and, accordingly, all manifestations disappear.

Any prolonged pain is accompanied by muscle spasm, the same effect occurs when affected by arthrosis - around the joint, the muscles are in a state of contraction, and the pain syndrome becomes more pronounced. When nerve fibers are involved in the pathological process, signs of radicular pain appear.

In the initial stages of the disease, pain appears occasionally, after excessive stress on the joint, and quickly disappears when it stops. But as arthrosis progresses, the pains become more intense, their duration increases, and they stop worse. Therefore, it is necessary to suspect the symptoms of incipient arthrosis in the early stages of development and prescribe adequate treatment, otherwise the risk of disability is high.

Another important symptom of osteoarthritis is morning stiffness. It lasts no more than 30 minutes, develops both after daytime and after night rest.

So, with damage to the joints of the back, patients complain of pain and limited movement in the lumbar region and back, inability to unbend after sleep and rest. It is often difficult for them to find a comfortable position in bed, so such patients fall asleep for a long time. Involvement of the joints of the hands can also be accompanied by stiffness. When the joints of the lower limb are involved, the gait changes. It is difficult for them to go down stairs, every movement is accompanied by soreness and stiffness. Crepitus and crunch accompany other symptoms of arthrosis.

If the synovial membrane is involved in the process with the development of inflammation, then such a symptom as synovitis appears.

Diagnosis of arthrosis

  • doctor who treats arthritis rheumatologist- will begin his work with a survey in which he will find out the time of the onset of the first symptoms, and which joints are affected.
  • Before determining how to treat arthrosis in a patient, he will collect a family history in which he recognizes the presence of similar symptoms in relatives.
  • Next, he will examine and palpate the affected joints and prescribe examinations, such as x-rays. The x-ray will determine the possible narrowing of the joint space, the presence of bone growths, areas of ossification of the joint capsule (ossification).
  • Then the doctor will make a diagnosis, which will reflect the group ( primary or secondary), the affected joint or joints, the degree of dysfunction in them and the stage ( acute or chronic). If the patient applied during the period of exacerbation, then this is also indicated in the diagnosis.


You can contact a rheumatologist both by registration and a specialist from a private clinic of any diagnostic center. It is impossible to say exactly where it is better to treat, because not always where it costs more in quality is better than free medical care. It all depends on the skills and abilities of a specialist, and it is extremely difficult to determine this by “cost”.

Treatment

Arthrosis treatment begins with a correct diagnosis. To not ask questions “What about my joints?”, “How to cure?” you need to contact your doctor immediately for help. After receiving all the necessary data, the doctor will decide which drugs and which procedures are suitable for this particular patient, take into account all his comorbidities and general condition and prescribe the most effective treatment - drugs, exercises, physiotherapy and other modern methods.

For almost any diagnosis, two treatment options are possible: medicinal and non-medical.

Drug therapy consists of the following groups of drugs:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Reduce inflammation in the periarticular areas with the development of the effect of analgesia. Of these drugs, preference is given to Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Fenoprofen, Meloxicam.
  2. If it is impossible to take NSAIDs, use intraarticular administration of corticosteroids(Diprospan, Kenalog). They suppress certain mechanisms that take place intracellularly, reduce the level of phospholipase A2 and interleukin 1, which lead to the destruction of cartilage tissue. Corticosteroids are prescribed for manifestations of synovitis. The introduction of these drugs in one joint is possible no more than 4 times a year.
  3. Chondroprotectors. They have protective properties, preventing damage and destruction of cartilage. The drugs of choice are Artron, Arteparon, Rumalon.
  4. It is possible to introduce an artificial synovial fluid based on hyaluronic acid preparations (Dyuralan, Gyastat, etc.). These drugs slow down the destruction of cartilage.
  5. If the process extends to the periarticular tissues, then an important step in the treatment of arthrosis will be the appointment of drugs, reducing venous stasis and improving microcirculation: Trental, Nicotinic acid, Nifedipine.
  6. If the muscle spasm is strong enough, it is possible to take muscle relaxants- Sirdalud, Mydocalm.
  7. With a pronounced limitation of joint mobility, the development of muscle stiffness, there is a question about surgical intervention(Osteotomy, Endoprosthetics of the joint).

Arthrosis is called dystrophic changes in the joints, which are characterized by the destruction of cartilage. With such a disease, inflammatory processes slowly develop and degeneration of the periarticular tissues occurs. According to statistics, arthrosis is the most common disease in people aged 30 years and older, affects all segments of the population, regardless of gender, at the moment, 80% of the total population of our planet has this pathology.

Causes of arthrosis

Arthrosis of the joints begins due to a violation of metabolic processes directly in the joints. This may be due to habitual hormonal disorders, a hereditary factor, and old age. But doctors also identify the most possible reasons for the development of the process in question:

  • dislocations, bruises, sprains in the joints, and in general any history of trauma;
  • too much body weight - this increases the load on the joints at times;
  • previously transferred arthritis of an acute form and purulent nature;
  • diseases related to the autoimmune classification - for example, scleroderma or lupus erythematosus;
  • colds that occur frequently and severely;
  • regular hypothermia - this may be due to the specifics of work;
  • inflammatory processes in the body that are specific in nature - for example, syphilis, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, tick-borne encephalitis;
  • impaired blood supply to the femoral head - Perthes disease;
  • hemophilia - impaired blood clotting.

You should not exclude the fact of malnutrition - this can lead to metabolic disorders, which is the main reason for the development of arthrosis. Miners, blacksmiths, metallurgists and all people who regularly experience heavy physical exertion have a high probability of the occurrence of the pathological process under consideration. The doctor tells about the mechanism of development of deforming arthrosis of the joints:

Symptoms of arthrosis and degree of arthrosis

Pain is considered the main symptom of the disease in question - it occurs with excessive physical exertion on specific joints, it can subside at rest, and periodically, against the background of pain in the area of ​​​​the joint affected by the inflammatory process, hyperemia (reddening of the skin) and swelling may occur. In general, doctors distinguish 4 main groups of signs of developing arthrosis:

  1. Pain. Of course, this symptom is characteristic of many diseases, but with arthrosis there are some features of the pain syndrome in the joint:
  • discomfort occurs only when making a movement;
  • as soon as a person brings the joint to rest, the syndrome disappears.

note: the pathological process in question develops very slowly, therefore, at the beginning of its course, arthrosis is only disturbed by intermittent joint pains exclusively with excessive loads. At night, the pain of patients does not bother, sleep is not disturbed. Then, as arthrosis progresses, morning pains begin to appear - they are characterized by patients as “lumbago”, they are short-lived and occur only in the early morning.

If arthrosis is in a neglected state, then the pain syndrome becomes acute and permanent - even potent painkillers cannot reduce its intensity.

  1. Reduced joint mobility. This is also considered one of the characteristic symptoms of arthrosis, but it appears already at the stage of active progression of the disease. During the development of arthrosis, growth / germination of bone neoplasms occurs, which leads to spasms of muscle tissue, a decrease in the lumen in the joint bag - restriction of movement in this place is guaranteed.
  2. Crunch. The joints crunch even in absolutely healthy people, but for arthrosis there is a distinctive feature of the crunch - it is “dry”, not clicking, and is always accompanied by acute pain.
  3. Joint deformity. This phenomenon occurs during the growth of osteophytes and is considered one of the latest signs of arthrosis, appearing at the stage of decompensated development of the pathological process in question.

The X-ray picture of arthrosis in each of the 4 degrees is shown below:

A specialist tells in more detail about the symptoms of arthrosis:

Note: the course of the disease in question is very slow and at the first stage may not be characterized by any symptoms at all, and intermittent pain in the joints and increased fatigue can be inherent even in healthy people with heavy physical exertion. Therefore, self-diagnosis of arthrosis is almost impossible.

The processes occurring in the tissues of the joints at each stage of arthrosis are shown in the diagram:

Principles of treatment of arthrosis


Medical treatment

In the complex of drug therapy, it is necessary to use the following drugs:

  1. Anti-inflammatory. This group of drugs performs two functions at once: it relieves pain and relieves the inflammatory process. Doctors use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthrosis, and they do not prescribe them orally (in tablets) - this category of drugs irritates the gastric mucosa. Considering that the course of therapy for arthrosis is quite long, the patient can get rid of the underlying disease, but “earn” gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) and even peptic ulcer. Therefore, depending on the specific drug chosen, they are prescribed intravenously or intramuscularly. In pharmacy chains, you can buy non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical drugs - such ointments can be used, but they do not give a powerful effect or a long-term result.
  2. Hormonal corticosteroids. This group of drugs is most effective during an exacerbation of arthrosis. Most often, doctors prescribe Diprospan or Hydrocortisone - intramuscular injections are made. But a similar category of drugs in pharmacies is also presented in the form of patches, ointments - they are used only externally, you can expect a fairly quick and powerful effect.
  3. Chondroprotectors. These drugs contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue. Most often, doctors use Glucosamine or Chondroitin Sulfate in the treatment of arthrosis. Note: the course of therapy with these drugs is very long, but if there are no positive results within 6 months, then chondroprotectors are either completely canceled or their dosage is adjusted.

Very often, in the process of treating arthrosis, specialists prescribe Diacerein - it contributes to the degradation of cartilage tissue. But doctors warn their patients that a quick effect after taking Diacerein should not be expected - noticeable positive changes will begin no earlier than two weeks after taking the drug.

Note: if the patient was hospitalized with arthrosis at the most severe stage of development and the doctors cannot remove the pain syndrome with any painkillers, then narcotic analgesics may be prescribed as an exception, but this is done extremely rarely.

Diet

The importance of proper nutrition in arthrosis is difficult to assess - if the patient ignores the recommendations of nutritionists, then the treatment of the pathological process in question can drag on for years, and the results will not be very high.

What you need to remember for those patients who are forced to undergo therapy against arthrosis:


Alternative treatment of arthrosis

There are several dozen folk methods for the treatment of arthrosis, but all of them will only relieve unpleasant symptoms, but will not eliminate either inflammation or the main cause of the development of the disease. Of course, compresses and applications, ointments and gels with horse chestnut, cabbage leaves and lilac tinctures will have an analgesic effect and even allow the patient to return to the usual rhythm of life for a while.

Inflammation of the joints with their subsequent deformation and destruction is called arthrosis. This is the most democratic and widespread disease. Representatives of all nationalities and classes are subject to it. Let's figure out what arthrosis is, what is the essence and causes of the disease, what types of it exist, how to diagnose and treat this disease. We learn about possible complications and preventive measures.

Types and symptoms of arthrosis

Arthrosis is based on degenerative (destructive) changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the interosseous joints. Depending on how the destruction occurs, which tissues are susceptible to it, the disease is classified into the following types:

  1. Arthrosis is a process of cartilage degeneration due to deterioration of trophism (nutrition) or violation of integrity (configuration).
  2. Arthrosis-arthritis is a disease in which the process of destruction of the joint is accompanied by inflammation.
  3. Deforming osteoarthritis - degenerative changes are accompanied by the growth of tissue at the ends of the bones at the points of contact with the joints.
  4. Periarthrosis is a process of dystrophic changes in the joints of the limbs and adjacent ligaments, tendons.
  5. Hemarthrosis is a disease that manifests an outpouring of blood into the joint cavity.

In medicine, there are primary and secondary forms of arthrosis. This classification depends on the etiology of the disease. This form is called idiopathic or implicit, that is, arising due to natural aging, wear and tear of the joints without a specific etiology. The cause of secondary arthrosis is infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, joint injury.

The first symptom is pain in the joints of the bones, which appears during exercise, subsides at rest. A progressive disease is accompanied by increasing:

  • limited mobility of the joints of the limbs, a feeling of their stiffness;
  • crunching when moving;
  • tension in the muscles surrounding the joint;
  • a tumor;
  • articular deformity.

All of these symptoms are characteristic for each type of arthrosis in the lesion - the part of the human skeleton in which pathological articular changes occur. According to this classification, diseases of the joints of the neck, knees, ankle, pelvis (thighs), shoulders, hands (fingers), and spine are distinguished in medicine. Let's consider each type in more detail.

Cervical

This type of disease is called vertebral arthrosis, it is a consequence of natural aging, during which cartilage loses elasticity, the volume of joint fluid decreases, and the layer becomes thinner. The result of the changes is a feeling of heaviness in the shoulders, limited mobility of the neck, blurred vision, increased pressure, curvature of posture, headaches.

Brachial

The disease is inherited, becomes the result of hard physical work with the hands, injuries and bruises of the elbow, professional sports. Shoulder arthrosis occurs as a result of joint dysplasia, arthritis, metabolic disorders. The disease is more common in older people and men. Advanced shoulder arthrosis causes stiffness of hand movements, and in more than half of cases - articular deformity.

Knee

This is one of the most common types of the disease, called gonarthrosis. Pathological changes in the knee joints are often affected by people after the age of 45, the statistics of diseases in women is slightly higher than in men. The cause of gonarthrosis is bruises, injuries, prolonged stress on the legs. Increases the risk of disease overweight, varicose veins. Signs of gonarthrosis:

  • crunch when bending the limbs, squatting;
  • swelling of the knee, fever in the meniscus area;
  • stiffness of flexion-extensor movements;
  • the appearance of pain in the knee, their intensification after sleep, long immobility;
  • restriction of free movement of the joint.

Ankle

This is a dystrophic transformation of the articulation of the foot with the leg bone and other joints of the foot:

  • ram-navicular;
  • metatarsophalangeal;
  • arthrosis of the thumb (bone on the leg);
  • distal interphalangeal joints.

Dislocations, sprains, leg bruises, foot injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, dysplasia, diabetes mellitus, osteochondrosis cause the development of ankle arthrosis. The weakening of the ligaments is facilitated by prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes, playing hockey, figure skating, and football. The first symptoms are the appearance of a crunch, periodic swelling of the foot, aching pain. Progressive arthrosis leads to limited mobility, muscle atrophy.

spine

Osteoarthritis of the facet joints or spondylarthrosis is the name given to degenerative changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the spine. The cause of the disease is an overload of the spinal column, a violation of posture. Spondylarthrosis is classified into subspecies:

  • dorsarthrosis (thoracic);
  • cervicoarthrosis (neck area);
  • lumboarthrosis (lumbar).

Hip joints

Coxarthrosis is the most severe type of disease, which is more difficult to cure, often leads to disability. The disease develops as primary or secondary arthrosis, proceeds in three degrees of severity:

  1. At the initial stage, the composition and functions of the synovial membrane (the inner layer of the joint bag) change.
  2. The second stage is characterized by the destruction of cartilage tissue, the formation of bone growths.
  3. At the third stage, the joint, ligaments are destroyed, and bones are deformed.

Articulations of the thigh bones with the pelvic bones are subjected to dystrophic changes, the disease is accompanied by severe pain, causes lameness, and is able to deprive a person of the opportunity to walk. The patient, experiencing pain when walking, instinctively leans forward, increasing the load on the joints, which only exacerbates the process of degeneration of cartilage tissue, curvature of the spine.

Osteoarthritis of fingers and hands

What is arthrosis of the fingers and how is it different from arthritis? The last disease is an inflammatory process. Osteoarthritis is an irreversible deformity of the joints. Dystrophic changes in the joints between the phalanges of the fingers occur in women in the premenopausal period and beyond. The disease exists in two forms:

  1. Heberden's nodes - arthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joints. Outwardly, it manifests itself as small thickenings-peas on the phalanges, palpable on palpation, painful on pressure.
  2. Bushehr's nodules - arthrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Knots form on the outer side of the fingers, limit the amplitude of their movement

Primary polyosteoarthritis

Primary polyosteoarthritis is a term analogous to polyarthritis, which is not in the official classification. Another name for the disease is Kellgen's disease. This type of arthrosis is characterized by dystrophy of the periarticular muscles, weakening of the ligaments (tendopathy). Primary polyosteoarthritis occurs mainly in women during menopause. It proceeds in the form of an irreversible disease of the joints with pathological changes and subsequent deformation of the adjacent bones.

Degrees of development of arthrosis

1 degree of arthrosis is the initial stage of pathological changes in the joints, which occurs as a result of metabolic disorders. It is difficult to diagnose X-ray studies - visible changes are almost invisible in the pictures. A person feels only temporary mild aching pains, the mobility of the joints remains, the patients are disturbed by a slight crunch during sudden movements.

Grade 2 - the initial stage of joint deformity. At this stage, there is a clearly perceptible discomfort during movements, constant fatigue, the pain becomes longer, sharper, a distinct crunch is heard. With X-ray diagnostics, the first signs of deformation are clearly visible in the photo. Patients are limited in physical activity, long walking, prescribed exercise therapy, taking anesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors.

Grade 3 is characterized by severe pain even at rest, the joints react to weather changes, the deformation is noticeable not only on x-rays, but also externally. Joint mobility at this stage of the disease is severely limited, often they completely fail. Instead of therapeutic exercises, patients are prescribed laser, resonance and magnetotherapy procedures, strong painkillers.

Grade 4 of the disease is a severe stage of complete destruction of the joints, very severe pain that does not relieve anesthetics and physiotherapy. In the treatment, surgery is indicated to replace the destroyed joint with an endoprosthesis (full or partial), since therapeutic treatment no longer makes sense. At this stage, the status of disability is established for patients.

Causes

The root cause of arthrosis is a metabolic disorder in the articular cartilage tissue, which is caused by the following main factors:

  1. Injuries (wounds, bruises, sprains, fractures, dislocations, etc.). This factor is in the first place among the causes of osteoarthritis. As a result of a traumatic effect on the joints, cartilage tissue is damaged, which does not have its own blood vessels and is not capable of regeneration. Thus, degenerative processes are launched.
  2. Congenital deformation of the articulation of bones and weakened ligaments - dysplasia. As a result of this pathology, the mechanism of articular action is disrupted, pressure increases, friction increases, which leads to changes in cartilage tissues and the development of arthrosis.
  3. Inflammatory processes caused by infectious, autoimmune diseases affect the cartilaginous tissue of the joints and contribute to the development of secondary osteoarthritis. The cause of degenerative articular changes is rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, encephalitis, etc.

Diagnostics

It is possible to suspect the onset of arthrosis (deformation of the articular cartilage) or arthritis (inflammation of the joints) by the first symptoms: the onset of pain, the appearance of a crunch, and occasional limitation of mobility. To distinguish one disease from another, the doctor will be able to confirm its occurrence after a complete diagnosis. Only a specialist can determine whether the patient has arthritis or arthrosis and prescribe the right treatment. The following methods are used to make a diagnosis in medicine:

  1. Visual inspection plus palpation reveals external manifestations of arthrosis.
  2. Radiography. The picture helps to determine the presence of articular deformity.
  3. Laboratory studies - a blood test for ESR. Its increased content will confirm the inflammatory process.
  4. Histology of synovial fluid. The analysis helps to confirm or refute the presence of pathological formations.

Treatment of arthrosis

Which doctor treats arthrosis and arthritis? The essence of treatment is to eliminate the cause of the disease, so only its clarification will give an answer to the question of what to treat. If the disease arose as a result of an injury, then the help of a traumatologist is needed. In the case of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, consultation with an immunologist is necessary. And who treats the gouty variety of the disease? She is successfully treated by endocrinologists, rheumatologists and nutritionists.

The stage of the disease, its type: primary polyosteoarthrosis, coxarthrosis, spondyloarthrosis or arthrosis of the knee, how to treat a certain type of articular cartilage deformity, will only be determined by a complete diagnosis. If folk remedies help with the first degree of arthrosis, then in the second and third stages of the disease, anti-inflammatory drugs and a medicine for arthrosis are prescribed that restore cartilage tissue.

It is best to consult a doctor at an early stage in order to prevent the disease from progressing to a more severe degree that cannot be defeated. Treatment of diseased joints is effective only with a complex effect, a combination of pharmaco- and physiotherapy with physiotherapy exercises, an orthopedic regimen, proper nutrition, and limiting loads. Balneological and spa treatment of arthrosis is effective, where methods of influencing cartilage tissue with natural minerals (ozocerite applications, stone therapy), herbal lotions and baths, and physiotherapy are used.

There is no universal treatment method, but its algorithm (sequence) is as follows:

  1. Pain relief with analgesics (injections, tablets, ointments).
  2. Removal of inflammation. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, massage.
  3. Restoration of joint mobility with the help of physiotherapy exercises (yoga, exercises by Dr. Evdokimenko, etc.), manual therapy.
  4. Regeneration of cartilage tissue with preparations containing chondroprotectors, intra-articular oxygen therapy, intraosseous blockade.
  5. Removal of cartilage residues, artificial closure of the joint, its immobilization (arthrodesis).
  6. Arthroplasty is an operation to replace the articular parts.
  7. Replacement of a destroyed joint with an endoprotector is a surgical treatment for the fourth degree of arthrosis.

An important component of complex treatment is diet. Firstly, the patient is recommended to lose weight, and secondly, to include in the diet the products necessary for cartilage tissue nutrition:

  • milk, cottage cheese, eggs containing animal protein and calcium;
  • jelly and jelly, which include agar, gelatin, collagen necessary for cartilage;
  • vegetables, fruits, cereals containing "slow" carbohydrates;
  • fish, vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fats;
  • nuts, raisins, whole grain breads high in B vitamins.

What is dangerous disease: possible complications and consequences

The danger of untimely treatment of any type of arthrosis lies in the accompanying complications, adverse consequences:

  • inflamed joints are deformed and gradually destroyed;
  • movements become constrained, articular mobility is partially or completely limited;
  • the biomechanics of the spine is disturbed;
  • interdiscal hernias are formed;
  • neuralgia develops;
  • the standard of living of a patient with arthrosis decreases;
  • the person becomes disabled.

Prevention

It must be remembered that arthrosis is able to affect any person, regardless of age and gender, but doctors include people who are obese, congenital articular dysplasia, flat feet, diabetes mellitus, and microelement deficiencies in the high-risk group. The potential victims of this disease are representatives of some specific professions, athletes (tennis players, figure skaters, athletes, hockey players, football players), the elderly.

The following points play an important role in lowering the risk of arthrosis:

  • getting rid of extra pounds;
  • treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies;
  • active movement throughout life;
  • proper nutrition (diet, balanced diet);
  • avoidance of hypothermia;
  • healthy lifestyle with the right regimen.

Video

Do you want to know what arthritis and arthrosis are, what is the difference between diseases, how to treat them effectively? Watch a video with a lecture by Dr. Sokolovsky, where he tells how to cure this ailment according to his author's method used in the Health Recipes clinic. Get a nutritionist's perspective on cartilage regeneration techniques. Find out why this process cannot take place without external participation, what drugs help restore tissue and joint mobility.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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