Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most widespread diseases in the world, accounting for approximately 80% of joint pathologies.Both men and women are equally affected.It occurs mainly in adulthood.Typically, the likelihood of developing this disease increases from age 30 onwards.
With arthrosis, a change occurs in the cartilage of the joint, as a result of which the structure of the tissue is disrupted and the process of inflammation begins.
What is osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that occurs due to metabolic disorders in the body.The joints become less elastic.The people most susceptible to osteoarthritis are overweight people, pensioners and athletes.
The disease can occur against the background of any injury or damage.Also, the cause of arthrosis can be genetic characteristics or heredity.
Degrees of osteoarthritis
There are three stages of osteoarthritis:
- With the first there are practically no symptoms.The patient only occasionally feels discomfort during movement.However, pathological deformations are already occurring in the joints.
- During the second stage, the joints begin to fail.The pain becomes pronounced, but can be tolerated.There is also a crunching sensation in the joints.
- In the last stage, the damage occurs more deeply.The joint is severely deformed, tissues and ligaments are damaged, because of this the person cannot move as usual.
Symptoms can periodically worsen, so it is quite difficult to independently determine the stage of arthrosis and treatment.Therefore, at the first manifestations, it is better to consult a doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom that helps to identify the disease is pain in the joints during movement.At rest, the pain decreases.Symptoms are localized in the damaged areas.A characteristic sign of osteoarthritis is a creaking sound in the affected joint.
In the initial stages, the pain is felt only with heavy loads or pressure on the affected area.As time passes, it intensifies, the patient must move less and less and remain more and more at rest.
As you know, joints can crack even in a normal, healthy state.However, the sound with arthrosis is specific: unlike the natural sound, it is “dry”.As it progresses, the joints creak more and more clearly.
During the development of arthrosis, the motor activity of the damaged joints decreases.When the disease reaches dangerous stages, the joints begin to deform irreversibly.
Treatment and prevention
It is better to carry out treatment in its initial stages.The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the causes and eliminate the inflammatory process.Treatment should include a number of measures aimed at restoring the joints.
Among these:
- treatment with drugs that relieve inflammation and pain;
- perform physiotherapeutic procedures that relieve joint pain;
- thermal treatments with mud and mineral waters;
- carrying out physical therapy.
During the treatment of damaged joints, physical activity and overexertion are not allowed.The joints should be at rest most of the time.You also need to pay attention to nutrition and adhere to a certain diet.
To prevent arthrosis, you need to adhere to simple preventive measures:
- avoid excessive effort and intense physical activity;
- eat well (the diet should contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements);
- avoid overeating.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that can lead to serious consequences, so it must be treated in the early stages.Compliance with preventive measures will help prevent the disease.