Arthrosis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints, characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, marginal hypertrophy of bone tissue and changes in the synovial membrane. Most often, this pathology occurs in the elderly.
Arthrosis and arthritis
Do not confuse arthrosis and arthritis. In some sources, you can see that arthrosis is supposedly different from arthritis in that the first is non-inflammatory, and the second is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (umbrella term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Causes of arthrosis
Arthrosis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over 70 years old have certain signs of arthrosis. While the incidence of arthrosis increases with age, the disease is not solely caused by aging of the joint tissues. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. These include:
- osteoporosis;
- excess body weight;
- postmenopausal women;
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- micronutrient deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital pathologies of the formation of joints (dysplasia);
- joint injury;
- regular microtrauma;
- exposure to certain toxins;
- undergone surgical interventions on the joints, etc.
Pathology can be primary and secondary. If the cause is not established, arthrosis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. , it is considered secondary.
Stages of arthrosis
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies of the articular tissues. There are changes in the synovial membrane and the composition of the synovial fluid.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) can appear on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant deformation of the joint, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous stage as well).
Localization and symptomatology of pathology
Arthrosis often affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints that are often affected by disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow, and shoulder (in such cases, it usually has a secondary etiology). The clinical picture of pathology usually includes the following symptoms:
- a history of joint pain;
- deterioration of joint function;
- swelling.
The pain usually progresses gradually, usually over many years. Painful outbreaks can be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually appears when the joint is in motion and subsides during rest, at least until the disease progresses to a more severe stage. Joint stiffness is often felt for a short time after periods of rest. It usually diminishes within a few seconds or minutes of movement. Most often, symptoms appear in the elderly, while in persons under 40 years of age, arthrosis often proceeds asymptomatically.
Arthrosis treatment
Conservative treatment of arthrosis
- rest, avoiding excessive physical exertion;
- weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- physiotherapy, such as exercise therapy;
- aids such as walking sticks, elastic knee supports;
- judicious use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, patients are often shown spa treatment.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prophylaxis
To minimize the risk of developing arthrosis, it is necessary to maintain sufficient physical activity, to treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in the biomechanics of the joint in time (for example, correction of flat feet). Also, prevention methods include reducing excess weight (which puts an increased stress on the joints).