Arthritis (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 mix arthrosis and arthritis. You can see in some sources that osteoarthritis is probably different from arthritis in that the former is non-inflammatory and the latter is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (umbrella term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have some signs of osteoarthritis. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not caused solely by the aging of joint tissues. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. ენიYour include:
- Osteoporosis;
- Excess body weight;
- Postmenopausal women;
- Various metabolic disorders;
- Endocrine diseases;
- Micronutrient deficiency;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia);
- Joint damage;
- Regular microtrauma;
- Exposure to certain toxins;
- Underwent surgical interventions on the joints and a. Sh.
Pathology can be both primary and secondary. If the cause is not established, arthrosis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease is caused by trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. Sh. As a result, it is considered secondary.
Stages of arthrosis
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies of the joint tissues. Changes in the synovial membrane and the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal abnormal growths) can occur on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant joint deformity, abnormal 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
Osteoarthritis often affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the finger. Other joints that are often affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow, and shoulder area (in such cases, it usually has a secondary etiology). The clinical picture of the pathology usually includes the following symptoms:
- History of joint pain;
- Deterioration of joint function;
- Swelling
The pain usually develops gradually, usually over many years. Painful outbursts may be accompanied by partial or complete remission. Pain usually occurs when a joint moves and disappears at rest, even before the disease progresses to a more severe stage. Joint stiffness is often felt shortly after rest periods. Usually, it decreases in a few seconds or minutes of movement. Most often, the symptoms are manifested in the elderly, while in people under the age of 40, osteoarthritis is often asymptomatic.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis
- Rest, avoid excessive physical activity;
- Weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- Physiotherapy, such as exercise therapy;
- Aids such as sticks, elastic knee braces;
- Reasonable use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, patients are often shown spa treatments.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prevention
To reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis, it is necessary to maintain adequate physical activity, treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in joint biomechanics in a timely manner (e. g. , correction of flat feet). Also, prevention methods include reducing excess weight (which puts more stress on the joints).