Osteoarthritis is a progressive non-inflammatory destruction of joint cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion-extension movements in it become difficult, and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which enable all kinds of movement of the bony skeleton. Free sliding in them is achieved thanks to the smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
In arthrosis, hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free gliding. As a result, there is friction, which hinders movement in the joint and leads to its progressive destruction.
Arthrosis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between the ages of 45 and 65 and more than 65% of people over 65. The incidence has a marked dependence on age.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulders. Of the small joints, the joints of the hand, foot and spine are most often affected.
In the late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1-3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the purpose of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase the range of motion, relieve pain. symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated application of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of arthrosis
The cause of the disease is the predominance of wear of hyaline cartilage over the process of its regeneration. This means that the articular cartilage under stress wears out and destroys it faster than it can recover.
This happens due to the action of two factors - increased loads and/or slow recovery.
The regeneration of hyaline cartilage requires collagen, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, necessary for joints, but is also responsible for the level of body heat.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including arthrosis, is a decrease in the level of body heat. This can happen, in particular, due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis are degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, i. e. tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
For constant regeneration, articular cartilage needs collagen, the universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If the blood supply is disturbed for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them slows down. In this case, the joints that bear the maximum load - knees, ankles, hips and shoulders - suffer the most. The articular cartilage begins to gradually wear out and collapse.
When the cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (so-called "mice"), causing pinching, blocking, further limiting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease can be a lack of collagen due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This can be a consequence, for example, of functional insufficiency of the liver, which actively participates in this synthesis.
Provocative factors for the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- hard physical work, intense sports,
- traumas, multiple microtraumas,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissue, etc. ).
Classification
Arthrosis that develops against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of inflammatory processes (arthritis, including autoimmune), endocrine diseases or injuries.
Some of the most common forms of the disease have their own names - gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (spine).
With the addition of inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as arthrosis-arthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
Stage 1 arthrosis is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
The 2nd stage of the disease means noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and joint deformations.
Stage 3 arthrosis means almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of range of motion to a minimum, deformation of the joint, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization (ankylosis) occurs, the joint space completely disappears.
Symptoms of arthrosis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in cartilage tissue, volume and synovial lubrication properties have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased fatigue in the joint, minor pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movement after a long period of immobility (the so-called "initial" pain), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limitedand there is no difficulty when moving.
In phase 2, the pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, occurring even with light loads. There is a screeching or screeching sound when moving. Movements of flexion, extension, rotation become difficult, their volume is increasingly limited. Stiffness develops.
In the 3rd stage of arthrosis, joint pain becomes constant. Joint movements are performed with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint is severely deformed due to bony growths and increased size. When the joints of the legs are affected, severe lameness develops.
In stage 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Arthritis pain can intensify with weather changes, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked by a mouse.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of arthrosis is made on the basis of a survey, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor studies the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, the circumstances of their appearance and deterioration.
At the initial examination in the clinic, the doctor, as a rule, asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the nature of diet and lifestyle, since in Eastern medicine the human body is considered a unique system. In this unique system there are internal relationships.
For example, the condition of the joints closely depends on the metabolism, immune system, hormonal system and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold that develops against the background of energy exhaustion of the body, reduction of heat level and accumulation of cold. Key factors in this case are poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and moisture.
During the external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape of the joints, range of motion, as well as signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local increase in temperature.
After the examination and discussion with the patient, the doctor sends him for an additional examination - X-ray, CT or MR.
On the X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Based on the degree of narrowing, the stage of arthrosis is determined.
On the x-ray, osteophytes are clearly visible - growths along the edges of bones that occur during arthrosis.
X-ray image visualizes bone tissue well, but poorly shows connective, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
With the help of a tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule, and detect joint "mice", damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
Angiography using a contrast medium (radiography, computer tomography or magnetic resonance) is prescribed to study the blood supply of the joint.
Treatment of arthrosis
In stage 4 of arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In stages 1-3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medicines.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Usually, these drugs are given by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Joint injections.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid injections protect cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity are used. - Operation.Surgical treatment of arthrosis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and administration of drugs with electricity (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used.
Mud applications, compresses and heating improve local blood circulation, promote healing and regeneration of cartilage tissue and relieve pain. - Other treatments.For the prevention of arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary method of treatment, exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed. Regular performance of simple exercises improves blood flow to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm the painful joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment of arthrosis includes medicines such as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of arthrosis. Basically, these are not therapeutic, but prophylactic means. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which act to increase the amount of lubrication (synovial fluid) and facilitate gliding. Reducing friction slows the destruction of cartilage, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve the blood supply, activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do that. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for full treatment.
Treatment of arthrosis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, the treatment of stage 1-3 arthrosis is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of arthrosis, which ensures long-term and permanent results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders of the Bad Khan base - one of the three control systems of the body, the balance of which means health, and the imbalance means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
Bad Kan imbalance usually causes not one, but several diseases at once. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by accompanying disorders, diseases, for example, excess weight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Khan base as a whole and thus eliminates the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with arthrosis, other accompanying diseases also occur.
When treating arthrosis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but also on the body as a whole, in order to restore the balance of the Badk-an base. This is the secret of the high efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxa therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of the bioactive points with a wormwood cigar or smoldering cones (made of wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for arthrosis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally, on the area of the affected joint, and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance of the Bad Khan base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the renewal and restoration of connective tissue, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
The introduction of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestive, analgesic effect and promotes the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
The influence on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
The influence on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower part of the body in gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the legs.
Acupressure.
Pressure on a strong point improves local circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and spasms. Acupressure on the meridians of the body (Ku-nye) increases the overall energy level of the body.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal medicines are prescribed that speed up metabolism, increase the level of body heat, speed up recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve the work of the liver and kidneys.
Aids.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as auxiliary means.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and restoration of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves pain in the joint, increases range of motion and mobility.
Diet for arthrosis
In arthrosis, warming up, hot meals are indicated.
Warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts, as well as garlic, onion, ghee and sesame oil are recommended.
In order to increase the energy value of food, you should definitely consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafetida, etc. ).
Warm dishes that contain a lot of animal connective tissue are helpful, for example, a rich bone and meat broth.
You should exclude cold food, chilled drinks, reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and legumes.
Prevention of arthrosis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid the factors that cause an imbalance in the basis of Bad Khan - a cooling diet, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, moisture.
Warming food, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games and physical therapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for arthrosis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. But they do not have any specific, preventive or therapeutic effect on joint diseases. Vitamins contained in food are sufficient to maintain the general health and balance of the body, provided that proper nutrition is provided.
Is there always inflammation in arthrosis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis can be accompanied by arthritis, but the inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for osteoarthritis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up for osteoarthritis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. In arthritis, thermal procedures and heating are contraindicated.
How long does the treatment of arthrosis take?
Typically, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions, which are conducted every other day, and lasts 21 - 30 days. After that, there is a break of 6 months. Six months later, an examination is done, based on which a decision is made to carry out a second treatment in order to improve and consolidate the results.