Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur in them. Caused mainly by aging of the body and destruction of joint tissues, the disease can not be completely cured. However, according to experts, it is within the power of a person to slow down the destructive process, delay 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 bone connection, 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 the deterioration of age-related metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joints. 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 cartilage elasticity, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of the cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, pillars, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement. Gradually, the pathological process covers the articular muscles, ligaments, tendons. The connection may be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of osteoarthritis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exercise;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- joint deformity and immobility (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, spine and hands of the waist and cervix.
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 small but numerous and recurrent, or once but serious (for example, meniscus damage);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the chance of developing osteoarthritis. The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition of the joints, impairing metabolism in it. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also provoke osteoarthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatology specialists, whose task is to fight osteoarthritis. Modern therapy can slow cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain, and improve the patient's condition. For this purpose, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, they use:
- chondroproteins based on chondroitin sulfate 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, they use surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
The main task to fight 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, in which it is necessary to develop special skills to protect the joints during exercise (warming up and warming up the joints, the use of special protective equipment: knee pads, elbows, etc. ). For people who do not do sports, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and being physically active.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of numerous studies, it has been found that obese people have a 3-fold increase in the risk of osteoarthritis. This is explained not only by the fact that excess weight 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 is negativeaffects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of osteoarthritis aims to saturate 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 the addition of excess weight:
- reducing the caloric content of food by eliminating or limiting fatty meat and poultry;
- eating a sufficient amount of low-fat dairy products to provide bones with calcium;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements needed by the joints.
Special attention in the process of nutrition should be paid to foods and dishes that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissues. These substances, first of all, contain collagen - a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish. For this purpose, it is necessary to include jelly meat, aspic (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin, a modified collagen, in the diet.
Physical activity to prevent osteoarthritis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including its musculoskeletal system. While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many of the goals needed for joint preservation and overall well-being:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excess weight gain;
- develops muscles, which in turn strengthen 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 does not 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 walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age, and they 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. Engaging in a favorite sport or activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided they are regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep joints in good condition for along time.