Arthritis is a chronic joint disease that manifests in adulthood.Characteristic signs of the disease are cartilage destruction and changes in bone structure.Usually, people over forty years old are susceptible to various types of joint diseases, but today this disease is increasingly common in the younger generation.
Cause of the disease
The main cause of joint disease is age-related changes.Over time, bones and ligaments weaken, the amount of vitamins and trace elements is supplied less, all this negatively affects the entire body.According to doctors, every year the symptoms of arthritis appear earlier and earlier, the cause is poor environment, unbalanced diet and bad habits.Other factors, conditionally divided into two groups (primary and secondary), also contribute to joint disease.Among them are:
- Excess weight leads to stress on the joints, contributing to joint disease and its rapid development.
- Harsh working conditions put stress on joints.Miners, metallurgists, masons and others are at risk.
- Dysfunction of the endocrine system.
- Repetitive joint trauma.
- Genetic predisposition.
Common causes of the secondary type include trauma, autoimmune diseases, blood clotting, inflammatory processes inside the joints, hormonal disorders, impaired blood supply, hypothermia and others.Osteoarthritis is promoted by constant stress on the hands, professional sports, arthritis and congenital disorders in the structure of the joints.
Symptoms of the disease
The development of arthritis occurs gradually.At first, there are no signs of its presence in the body.Joint brittleness becomes the first symptom, so attention should be paid to the damage.Pain syndrome is absent or manifests in a weak form, without clear localization.Gradually, joint stiffness appears and the pain becomes clearer and more intense.Usually, symptoms of the disease appear after a long period of rest or heavy work.
Arthritis is manifested by stiffness in the morning, but after light exercise this condition will disappear.Gradually, the picture is supplemented by night pain and the reaction of the joints "to the weather".Continuously hear crunching sounds, movements are limited and painful.Patients often complain of discomfort in the back and spine;It is difficult for them to find a comfortable position while sleeping because movement is accompanied by spasms and pain.Acute attacks are replaced by periods of remission, but then symptoms return.
Types and severity of disease
Doctors distinguish four degrees of arthritis.Level one danger is no or mild pain.Even when going to the doctor, it is not always possible to diagnose the disease.Palpation of this area gives good results;In this case, an experienced treating doctor will detect small changes in the damaged joint area.This stage is characterized by patient satisfaction;Any pain is due to weather conditions or fatigue.
The second degree manifests itself with noticeable symptoms.The pain syndrome becomes stronger but remains tolerable.At this stage, joint destruction begins and bone spurs appear.Agonizing pain and general discomfort are now constant companions of the patient.At this stage, it is important to recognize and start timely treatment of joint diseases with special drugs.
With grade three osteoarthritis, the cartilage is noticeably thinner, widespread destruction appears, and tissue nutrition is interrupted.Multiple bone spurs are visible to the naked eye and severe deformity is noted.
Grade 4 arthritis is characterized by severe changes and deformities.There is no common space.
Diagnostic and treatment measures
Treatment of joint disease is impossible without diagnosis.A rheumatologist is involved in this.
The first phase involves gathering information from the patient.The specialist asks about the time of the first symptoms, the nature and location of the pain and identifies related factors.The following diagnostic steps before treating joint disease include:
- X-rays are the main diagnostic method.
- Joint puncture to determine the extent of change.
- Biopsy - determines the condition of the joint at the time of examination.
Blood tests and some additional tests are also required.
The necessary treatment regimen for arthritis is selected based on the information received and test results.Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to beat late-stage arthritis.But regular medication and prevention will help patients improve their quality of life.
In other cases, treatment of arthrosis includes a series of measures and depends on the degree of development of the disease.Possible treatments:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, recovery injections.
- Vacation-vacation procedures.
- Massage and physical therapy.
- Electrophoresis, etc.
Along with the basic treatment regimen for arthritis, you should adjust your diet, lose weight, and reduce physical activity.
In some cases, folk remedies are used to treat joint diseases, but only as prescribed by a specialist.At home, during treatment you can use ointments, gels, herbs prescribed by your doctor.In severe cases, surgical methods are used to treat joint disease.Depending on the stage of the disease, damaged areas are replaced with analogues.This helps restore mobility and relieve pain.
preventive measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat.Following simple rules and regular check-ups will help reduce the risk of developing various types of joint diseases.
Excessive exercise should be avoided, but do not forget about preventive sports.It is better to choose gentle sports as your sport.Walking, swimming and light jogging are ideal.It is worth giving up bad habits and leading a healthy lifestyle.If you are overweight, adjust your diet and include foods rich in vitamins and minerals.If you have problems with your endocrine system, don't skip treatment and see an endocrinologist.