Osteoarthritis is the most common damage to the joints in medical practice, associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes taking place in them. Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, according to experts, it is possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, slow down 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 due to 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 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, thorns, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement. Gradually the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint may become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of osteoarthritis:
- pain that increases with movement and exercise;
- reduced joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformity and immobility of the joint (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hips, lumbar and cervical spine and arms.
Causes of the disease 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 (eg 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, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, disrupting the metabolism in it. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (such as menopause) can also provoke osteoarthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
Complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight osteoarthritis. Modern therapy can slow the destruction of cartilage, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition. For this purpose in the treatment of osteoarthritis they use:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physiotherapy exercises.
In severe cases, surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis are resorted to.
The main task of counteracting the disease modern medicine considers the prevention of osteoarthritis and the promotion of a lifestyle that contributes to maintaining the health of the joints. First of all, this applies to adolescents and young people who are actively involved in sports, where it is necessary to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, the use of special protective devices: 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
Numerous studies have found that obese people have a 3-fold increased risk of osteoarthritis. 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 provokes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which isnegatively affects the condition of the 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 the joints in good shape, but will also prevent overweight:
- reducing the calorie content of food by eliminating or reducing fatty meats and poultry;
- eating enough low-fat dairy products to supply the bones with calcium;
- increasing the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements that the joints need.
Particular attention in the process of nutrition should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances, in the first place, 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 meat jelly, aspid (especially fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin, modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent osteoarthritis
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system. While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many of the goals needed to maintain joints and overall well-being:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents overweight;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep your joints in good shape, they should not be overloaded. But that doesn't mean you have to give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate, in accordance with the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say that walking is the best prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee at any age and recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps a day. Swimming is very useful when movement occurs in the absence of a negative effect on the bones of body weight. Participating 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.