Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur in them.Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, the disease cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, it is quite possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, delay osteoarthritis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Osteoarthritis and its symptoms.
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of cartilage - the main element of this mobile connection of bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical loads.In most cases, this process is caused by age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint.Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years.However, the development of negative changes in cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and consists of a gradual loss of elasticity of cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, spines, hooks), which are a source of pain when moving.Gradually, the pathological process covers the muscles, ligaments and joint tendons.The joint may become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of osteoarthritis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe forms of the disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine, and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors.
The main causes of destruction of articular cartilage and development of osteoarthritis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which may be minor, but multiple and repeated, or single, but severe (for example, meniscus injuries);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, worsening their metabolism.Osteoarthritis can also cause excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example, menopause).
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure for this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to combat osteoarthritis.Modern therapy can slow down the process of cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition.For this, the following is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physiotherapy.
In severe cases, surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis is used.
Modern medicine considers that the main task in counteracting the disease is the prevention of osteoarthritis and the promotion of a lifestyle that contributes to maintaining healthy joints.First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sports, who need to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, using special protective devices: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For people who do not exercise, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and engaging in physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition.
As a result of numerous studies, it has been established that obese people have a 3 times higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.This is explained not only by the fact that excess weight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat provokes the development of many pathological processes in the body, leading to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of osteoarthritis aims to saturate the body with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of articular cartilage and slow down degenerative processes in it.Following the following basic principles will not only help you keep your joints in good shape, but will also prevent you from gaining excess weight:
- reduce the calorie content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consume enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium for bones;
- increase the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and microelements that the joints need.
Special attention during nutrition should be paid to foods and dishes that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue.These substances mainly include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.To do this, it is necessary to include jellied meats, gelatin (especially fish), fruit jellies and other dishes containing collagen modified with gelatin in the diet.
Physical activity to prevent osteoarthritis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.Although physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many objectives necessary to maintain joints and general well-being:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excessive weight gain;
- builds muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- helps improve mood.
To keep the joints in good condition, they should not be overloaded.But this does not mean that you should abandon physical activity.Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate and correspond to the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age and recommend taking at least 6,000 steps daily.Swimming is very beneficial when movement occurs without the negative impact of body weight on bones.Practicing any favorite sport or activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), as long as it is regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep joints in good condition for a long time.