Among all joint diseases, osteoarthritis is the most common.This pathology is observed in almost 20% of the world's population.It is relevant to both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients have been registered suffering from various forms of osteoarthritis.Death from osteoarthritis is extremely unlikely, but it can lead to early disability, loss of work ability, and a significant deterioration in quality of life.
The prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis must be carried out by a highly qualified medical specialist.
Traditional treatment
For effective treatment of degenerative-dystrophic joint damage, the entire arsenal of medications, physiotherapeutic, orthopedic and surgical agents is used.It should be noted that in the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis, great importance is attached to the selection of the optimal motor mode and the normalization of body weight.Traditional therapy includes the following methods:
- symptomatic treatment.
- Taking chondroprotectors.
- Local therapy.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgical treatment.
Symptomatic therapy
In most cases, the cause of pain in osteoarthritis is considered to be reactive inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint.Therefore, it is quite reasonable to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress pain and inflammation.Most often, standard drugs from the NSAID group are used.
When choosing a drug, give preference to those that are quite effective, safe and accessible to the majority of the population.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can provoke the development of serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of erosions and ulcers.To prevent such complications, special medications may be prescribed.
It is strongly recommended not to combine different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as this will not improve the therapeutic effect, but will only significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Chondroprotectors
Currently, chondroprotectors are successfully used to restore cartilage tissue and prevent the development of pathological changes in the joints.In the early stages of the disease, these drugs effectively inhibit the progression of the degenerative process.However, in stages 3 and 4 of the disease, chondroprotectors are of little use.
Most chondroprotectors are well tolerated by patients.However, unfortunately they cannot be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Its distinctive feature is that the therapeutic effect occurs on average 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they continue to act for 2-5 months after the end of chondroprotective therapy.
Synovial fluid prosthesis
Every specialist will tell you that without synovial fluid a joint cannot function normally.Certain types of drugs are used as synovial fluid substitutes.
All drugs improve the properties of synovial fluid and at the same time suppress inflammatory and destructive processes in articular cartilage.On average, a therapeutic course can include up to 5 intra-articular injections.It is recommended to take up to two courses per year.The indication for repeated therapy with drugs based on hyaluronic acid is an increase in pain and a serious limitation of the functionality of the affected joint.
Only the treating physician can determine the appropriateness of prescribing a particular medication.
Local therapy
Osteoarthritis is rarely treated without the use of local therapy.Intra-articular administration of glucocorticosteroids is resorted to in case of chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint and lack of adequate analgesic effect when taking NSAIDs.During the year, 3-4 injections of glucocorticosteroids into the joint are allowed.The interval between injections is approximately 90 days.
If there are no contraindications, compresses with analgesics are used.To achieve the desired effect, 10 to 12 procedures are prescribed.The option of extending therapy or repeating courses is not excluded.Additionally, to reduce the pain and the dosage of prescribed NSAIDs, various analgesic ointments, gels or creams are used.
Physiotherapy
At all stages of degenerative-dystrophic joint disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures can be used.Basic physiotherapy methods help eliminate pain resulting from stress on the joint, reduce inflammation and improve the restoration of cartilage tissue.What physical procedures are used for osteoarthritis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Ultraviolet irradiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Ultrasound.
- Inductothermy.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Mud applications.
Physical therapy can also be used to prevent osteoarthritis.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths prevent pathological changes in articular cartilage.
therapeutic exercise
The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to restore the function of the affected joints, strengthen the musculo-ligamentous system and prevent the progression of the disease.Let's consider an approximate set of exercises that can be used as prevention and treatment of the most common localization of osteoarthritis - the knee joint:
- Let's take a chair.We stand behind the back of the chair.Bend your left leg slightly at the knee joint.We take a step back with our right foot.Then the foot of this leg descends.This movement creates tension in the muscles of the lower leg.You must remain in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and change legs.
- We sit in a chair.We stretch our legs at the knees and keep them straight in front of us.It is enough to hold your legs for about 5 to 7 seconds.If you find it difficult to perform the exercise, you can do it by straightening only one leg.Do 10 to 12 repetitions.If you feel well and have no pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We have our backs to the wall.Let's take a small step forward.My back is pressed against the wall.We go down to half a squat.We try to stay in this position for 5 to 7 seconds.Then we climbed slowly.At the same time, your back does not leave the wall.Increase the static load (maintaining the half squat position) gradually.
- Regular squats are considered the ideal exercise for developing knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the patient's condition and the severity of the disease.
- We lay down on the ground.Raise your legs and perform movements reminiscent of riding a bicycle.Do the exercise for 20 to 30 seconds.Then a short rest and another approach.If your physical condition allows it, increase the time you perform the exercise and the number of series.
At any stage of osteoarthritis without exacerbation, therapeutic exercises will be useful to help restore joint functionality.
Surgical treatment
As clinical practice shows, not all patients manage to cope with the disease using conservative methods.If standard therapy does not produce the desired result and severe joint damage leading to disability is observed, surgical treatment is indicated.Many patients with severe large joint deformities are recommended for stents.The effectiveness of replacing the affected joint with an artificial one is greater than 70%.Most patients after a stent graft experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.
traditional medicine
It is difficult not to recognize the fact that in recent years the popularity of using folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases, including osteoarthritis, has increased significantly.Today, you can easily find many popular recipes for compresses, ointments and tinctures.Let's list the most common ones:
- clay compress.Mix clay and water in such proportions to obtain a homogeneous mass.Next, we place it on a small piece of cloth.We place a clay compress on the affected joint.The duration of the procedure can reach approximately one and a half hours.You will notice the positive effect after 5-7 days.
- Cabbage and honey compress.It is especially popular because it is quite simple to make and apply.Before going to bed, take 3-4 cabbage leaves.On the one hand, it is necessary to lubricate them with honey and apply them to the sore joint.To enhance the effect of the compress, you can wrap the joint in polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is best to apply a compress at night.
- Oatmeal compress.Take a glass of oats and cook for 8 minutes.You will need less water than during normal cooking to obtain a fairly viscous porridge.At the end of cooking, let the porridge cool.Next, place the oats on a thick cloth.And the compress will be ready to use.Additionally, it is recommended to wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a woolen scarf.
- Horseradish compress.Horseradish roots must be chopped.Fill them with water and let them boil for a few minutes.Then we evenly place the horseradish on a natural tissue, which we apply to the sore joint.The compress is applied for about 2 hours.
- Rubbing with celandine oil.The leaves and stems of the medicinal plant should be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour it into a small jar.Pour 200 ml of vegetable oil into it.We insist for 14 days.Then we sneak.This massage with celandine oil can be used as an external remedy three times a day for a month.
- Dandelion rub.Find an opaque glass bottle, jar, or other container.Fill about half of the glass container with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to this container.You will have to insist for at least a month.Before use it is necessary to strain the liquid.Dandelion tincture is used to rub the joints.It is usually best to do the rubbing procedure before going to bed.
- Medicinal bath with herbs.To prepare this bath you will need medicinal plants such as St. John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettle and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each component and leave in hot water for 60 minutes.Then pour the infused liquid into the bath.Take a herbal bath for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Before using folk remedies in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis of the joints (elbow, knee, hip), you should definitely consult your doctor.
Prevention
If you do not want to undergo long and continuous treatments, start preventing osteoarthritis.Some useful tips that will significantly reduce the risk of developing degenerative disorders in your joints:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid injuries and damage.
- Eat well.
- Follow optimal movement patterns.
- The most useful sports for osteoarthritis are swimming, skiing and moderate walking.
Your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent condition if you do not ignore the recommendations of specialist doctors and undergo regular medical examinations.