Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur in them. Mainly caused by aging of the body and destruction of joint tissues, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, according to experts, a person is able 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 the cartilage - the main element of this movable connection of the bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical stress. In most cases, this process is a consequence of the deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body associated with aging and malnutrition of the joints. 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 in the 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 joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint may deform.
The following symptoms indicate the development of osteoarthritis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exertion;
- reduced joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- joint deformity and immobility (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine and hands.
Disease causes and risk factors
The main reasons for the destruction of articular cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which may be minor but multiple and recurrent, or single but severe (e. g. , meniscus damage);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. The main ones are overweight which increases the load on the joints and a sedentary lifestyle that interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, disrupting the metabolism in them. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also cause osteoarthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
Complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general judgment of a rheumatologist, whose task is to fight osteoarthritis. Modern therapy can slow the destruction of cartilage, alleviate inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition. For this purpose, in the treatment of osteoarthritis use:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physiotherapy exercises.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
The main task of disease control, modern medicine considers the prevention of osteoarthritis and promoting a lifestyle that contributes to maintaining healthy joints. First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sports, where it is necessary to develop special joint protection skills during training (warming up and warming up the joints, use of special protective equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, etc. ). For people who do not play sports, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are to maintain a normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of numerous studies, it has been discovered that obese people have a 3 times higher risk of arthrosis. This is explained not only by the fact that being overweight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat causes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which negatively affect joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of osteoarthritis is aimed at saturating the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of articular cartilage, slowing down the degenerative processes in it. Adherence to the following basic principles will not only help keep joints in good shape, but will also prevent excess weight:
- reducing the caloric content of food by removing or limiting fatty meat and poultry;
- consuming a sufficient amount of low-fat dairy products to provide calcium to the bones;
- increasing the proportion of grains, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements needed by the joints.
Special attention in the diet process should be paid to foods and dishes that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances, above all, include collagen - a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish. For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet dairy meat, aspic (especially fish), fruit jellies and other dishes that contain gelatin, modified collagen.
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 achieve many of the goals necessary for joint maintenance and general well-being at the same time:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
In order for the joints to be in good condition, they must not be overloaded. But that doesn’t mean you should give up physical activity. Movements are absolutely necessary for the joints, but they should be moderate, in accordance with the physical form, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age, and recommend that at least 6, 000 steps be done daily. Swimming is very useful when movement occurs in the absence of a negative impact on body weight bones. Engaging in any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided they are regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.