Arthrosis is a disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the joint due to the development of dystrophic changes in tissues.According to who, every tenth resident of the planet faces this problem.After 50 years, the risk of the occurrence of the disease is about 30%and in 70 years reaches 80-90%.

general information
Arthrosis is a long -term chronic and long -term process that affects not only joints.As it progresses, dystrophic and degenerative changes are also amazing the auxiliary apparatus.In the process, the patient is confronted with the inflammation of the cartilage and bone tissue, the joint capsule and the sinsemantial bag, as well as the subcutaneous muscles, ligaments and tissues that come into contact with them.
Regardless of the location, the pathological process passes according to a single scheme.First, in tissue thickness, the balance between cartilage growth and destruction processes is disturbed and balance is displaced in favor of dystrophy and reverse development (degeneration).At this point, there are invisible changes to the eye on the cartilage microstructure, which leads to thinning and cracks.
As the disease advances, the articulation loses its elasticity and becomes denser.This reduces its ability to depreciate, the tissue damage rate is constantly increasing due to vibration and microtrauma during movements.Cartilaginous layer thinning causes active growth of bone structures as a result of which peaks and edges appear on the smooth surface of the joint - osteoarthritis develops.Movements become increasingly limited and painful.The spasms of the muscles around the affected area develop, which exacerbates the pain and deforms the limb.
Disease stages
Arthrosis of the joints develops gradually and in the process three sequential stages that determine the severity of the disease:
- Step 1: Pathology is not detected in a ray -x or ultrasound, but the processes of destruction have already been released;The composition of changes in joint fluid as a result of which tissues are obtained less than nutritious creatures and become more sensitive;Increased load in the area of damage causes inflammation (arthritis) and pain;
- The second stage is characterized by the active destruction of cartilage tissue and peaks and bone growths appear along the edges of the joint platform (surface contact area);At this point, pain becomes familiar and inflammatory processes become stronger or weaker;The spasms associated with the muscle articulation are observed periodically;
- Step 3: The areas of destruction affect almost the entire surface of the cartilage, the joint platform is deformed, the injured limb deviates from its axis;The volume of movements is reduced and the ligaments are weakening and are short.
Some experts also distinguish stage IV from arthrosis development.It is characterized by almost complete immobility of the joint.
Types
Depending on the cause of the disease, primary and secondary arthrosis is distinguished.In the first case, the pathology arises independently against the bottom of a comprehensive effect of predisposing factors.The secondary form is the result of other diseases and is divided into the following groups:
- Damage to joints that occurred due to metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases (gout, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism);
- Destruction associated with congenital pathologies (pedget disease, congenital lipting, scoliosis, hemophilia, etc.);
- Post -traumatic arthrosis, which emerged against the background of fractures, cracks, necrotic processes or surgical operations, and arise due to the characteristics of the profession.
The most sought after is the classification of osteoarthritis, depending on the location of the pathological process:
- Gonarthrosis: knee injury, one of the varieties of which palette arthrosis - the destruction of the articulation between femoral bone and patella;
- Arthrosis of the ankle joint: occurs against the bottom of a large load and frequent lesions;
- Arthrosis of the foot joints: the thumb most often suffers at the intersection with the foot;Defeat develops in the background of the deformation of gout or valgus;
- Shoulder arthrosis is characterized by shoulder damage and is often found at an early age against an increase in physical activity (motors, athletes, builders);
- COKSARROSIS: Hip joint damage;Perhaps both unilized and bilateral and are one of the frequent causes of disability in people over 50;
- Vertebral arthrosis: The destruction of cartilaginous discs between vertebrae usually affects the cervical and lumbar spine;
- Brush joints arthrosis: fingertips are most often affected, pathologies are especially susceptible to menopause women;
- Temporomandibular articulation arthrosis: It is quite rare, most of the time against the chronic inflammation bottom due to disturbances of the bite or improper prostheses;
- Elbow joint arthrosis: a rare form of the disease, more often associated with injuries in this area.
The reasons for development
The main factor in the development of arthrosis is the incompatibility between the test and the joint capacity of the joint to support this load.Acute or chronic, this process inevitably leads to the destruction of tissues.
The list of causes that increase the risk of arthrosis of any location includes:
- heredity;
- Endocrine pathology (diabetes);
- Injuries of the joint apparatus: bruises, displacements, fractures or bone cracks within the joint bag, complete or partial breaks of ligaments that penetrate wounds;
- regular increase in joint load associated with the profession;
- obesity;
- hypothermia;
- Transferred inflammatory joint diseases: acute arthritis, tuberculosis, etc.;
- Blood diseases in which hemorrhages usually occur in the joint (hemophilia);
- clear changes in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Local circulatory disorders in connection with atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, etc.;
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.);
- Connective tissue dyplasia (congenital pathology, accompanied, including excessive joint mobility);
- Congenital pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, congenital dysplasia or dislocation of the hip joint, etc.);
- Age over 45 to 50 years (increased risk is associated with a decrease in collagen synthesis);
- osteoporosis (bone vacuum);
- Chronic body poisoning (including heavy metal salts, drugs, alcohol);
- Surgical interventions in the joints.
Symptoms
The symptoms of arthrosis virtually independent of your cause and location, as joint changes go according to the same scenario.The disease develops gradually and begins to manifest, while the cartilage is seriously damaged.
One of the first signs of dysfunction is the crisis in the problem area during the movement.Most of the time, it occurs when the knee or shoulder is damaged.At the same time, a person may feel a slight decrease in mobility after prolonged inaction, for example, in the morning.
When asked what symptoms appeared with arthrosis, most patients call the pain first.At first, insignificant and weak, gradually gains strength, preventing him from moving normally.Depending on the stage and location of the pathology, a person may feel:
- Initial pains: occur during the first movements after prolonged inaction of the joint and are associated with formation on the surface of the destroyed tissue thin film cartilage;After the start of work, the film changes and the discomfort disappears;
- Pain with prolonged physical effort (standing, walking, running, etc.): appear due to a decrease in properties that absorb the clash of the joint;
- Climate pain: caused by low temperature, humidity, changes in atmospheric pressure;
- Night pain: associated with venous stagnation and increased blood pressure within bones;
- Articulation block: clear and intense pain associated with violation of a piece of cartilage or bone located in the joint cavity.
As arthrosis develops, symptoms become more visible, the patient observes the following signs:
- an increase in morning stiffness;
- Strengthen and increase the duration of pain;
- decreased mobility;
- Joint deformation due to bone growth;
- Deformation of surrounding bones and tissues: The process is very noticeable in the limbs and fingers of the hands, which are visibly curved.
When the inflammation is attached, the affected area swells, blushes and gets hot to the touch.Pressing this causes a sharp increase in pain.

Analyzes and Diagnosis
The diagnosis of arthrosis is involved in the orthopedic doctor.He conducts detailed patient research to identify complaints and anamnesis.The doctor in detail about the time of the appearance of the first signs and the speed of their development, the injuries and diseases, the presence of similar problems in relatives.
A general blood test allows you to identify an inflammatory process, which usually accompanies arthrosis.
The main method of diagnosis is radiography.In the photo, the following signs are clearly viewed:
- narrowing of the joint gap;
- Change the contours of contact bones;
- disturbed bone structure in the affected area;
- bone growths (osteophytes);
- limb or finger curvature;
- subluxation of the joint.
For more detailed diagnoses, they can be prescribed:
- Computed tomography (CT);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging);
- Joint ultrasound;
- Arthroscopy (internal examination of the joint cavity using a camera introduced through a small puncture);
- Scintigraphy (bone state assessment and metabolism in the introduction of radiopharmaceutical drugs).
In case of suspicion of the secondary nature of the disease, appropriate tests and consultations of narrow specialists are prescribed.
Treatment of Articulation Arthrosis
The choice of methodology for the treatment of joint arthrosis depends on the cause of the disease, its stages and symptoms.In the doctors arsenal, there are:
- Drugs;
- non -drug treatment;
- Surgical methods.
In addition, the patient needs to strictly observe a diet and adjust his lifestyle to minimize more joint damage.
Drug treatment
The appointment of drugs for arthrosis seeks two main objectives:
- Removal of pain and inflammation;
- Restoration of cartilage fabric or at least stop additional degeneration.
To facilitate the patient's condition, various types of medicines are used:
- Non -steroid anti -inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, injections, ointments or candles;They relieve pain and inflammation well;
- Hormones (corticosteroids): shown in serious pain and, most of the time, are introduced directly into the joint cavity;
- Other painkillers, for example, antispasmodic action: they help reduce the level of pain by relaxing the muscles;
It is important to remember: All types of painkillers are used only to facilitate the patient's condition.They do not affect the condition of cartilage and, with prolonged use, accelerate their destruction and cause serious side effects.
The main preparations for the restoration of the joints today are chondroprotective.They contribute to nutrient cartilage saturation, stop the monument and start cell growth processes.The means have an effect only at the early and middle stage of disease development and subject to regular use in the long run.
Preparations that improve microcirculation in tissues and anti -meanes help improve the effect of chondroprotectors.The former provide a good supply of the area affected with oxygen and nutrients, and the latter decreases the processes of tissue destruction.
The selection of specific medicines, their dose and the administration regime is involved in the doctor.
NO -Drug Treatment
No -Drug treatment includes the following methods:
- physiotherapy:
- Shock Wave Therapy: Destroys bone growth and stimulates blood circulation due to the effects of ultrasound;
- Automated electromystimulation: exposure to electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contraction;
- Ultraphonophoresis: the effect of ultrasound in combination using medications;
- Ozonotherapy: the introduction of a special gas mixture into the joint capsule;
- Physical Education of Physiotherapy;
- Mechanotherapy: exercise therapy using simulators;
- Joint traffic to reduce load;
- massage.
Surgical treatment
Most of the time, the help of a surgeon in the serious stages of the disease is required.Depending on the location of the pathological process and the degree of injury, it can be prescribed:
- Puncture: a punch of the joint with the removal of a part of the fluid and, according to the indications, the administration of medicines;
- Corrective Osteotomy: Removal of the bone part, followed by fixing from a different angle to remove the load from the joint;
- Endoprotetic: replacing the articulation damaged by a prosthesis;Used in extremely neglected cases.
Arthrosis in children
Arthrosis is considered a disease of the elderly, but can also be found in children.The most common cause of pathology is:
- Congenital connective tissue pathology;
- serious injuries;
- heredity;
- metabolic disorders and the work of the internal secretion glands;
- orthopedic disorders (flat feet, scoliosis, etc.);
- overweight.
Children's arthrosis is rarely accompanied by pronounced symptoms: pain is hurting and virtually no rigidity and limitation of function.Monothetic changes are detected in a ray -x, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.In the treatment process, the same products are used in adults.Maximum attention is given to exercise and physical therapy therapy, as at an early age they are especially effective.Without treatment, the disease passes sooner or later to the advanced stage with a complete loss of mobility.
Diet
Diet is one of the most important factors in the treatment of arthrosis.In the presence of overweight, it is necessary to reduce it to reduce the load in the joints.In this case, a balanced calorie deficiency diet is prescribed.Regardless of body mass index, doctors recommend abandoning completely:
- Fast carbohydrates (sugar, desserts, flour);
- alcohol;
- spices;
- vegetables;
- Strong tea and coffee;
- Excessively greasy and sharp dishes.
Canned and offal and shapes are not excluded but significantly limited and salt.The ideal nutrition for osteoarthritis includes:
- Varieties of low fat meat;
- fish and seafood;
- eggs;
- dairy products;
- Flax and olive vegetable oils;
- vegetables and fruits, a large amount of vegetables;
- Moderate cereals, hard pasta pasta;
- Products with a high collagen content (jam, spill, jam).
Prevention
Arthrosis is easier to warn you than treating.To maintain joint health for many years, it is recommended:
- bring an active lifestyle;
- exercise and regularly visit the pool;
- Eat properly, use sufficient omega-3 and collagen;
- prevent the surplus of IMC;
- Wear comfortable shoes.
If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, it is recommended to regularly undergo SPA treatment, as well as excluding professional risk factors: remain long term in the legs, lift gravity and vibration.
Consequences and complications
Arthrosis progresses very slowly.When prescribing a doctor, its current decreases significantly, which allows you to maintain joint mobility for much longer.The non -reversible consequences develop without treatment:
- Pronounced joint deformation;
- decreased mobility until full loss (ankylosis);
- limb shortening (with damage to the knee or femoral articulation);
- Bone deformation, curvature of limbs and fingers.
Forecast
The prognosis for arthrosis depends on the form of the disease, its degree and quality of treatment.Pathology is one of the frequent causes of disability and, in advanced cases, the ability to move and self -service.In severe forms of knee and hip joint damage, the patient receives the first or second disability group (depending on the stage and volume of damage).