Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in them. Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, the disease cannot be completely cured. However, according to experts, it is in a person's power 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 mobile connection of the bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and acts as a shock absorber under mechanical stress. In most cases, this process is due to age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years. However, the development of negative changes in cartilage tissue occurs at an early age and consists in the gradual loss of elasticity of the cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of the cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in the bone tissue, which can grow, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, spines, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement. Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint can deform.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthrosis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exertion;
- reduced joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe disease).
Osteoarthritis primarily affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine, and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors
The main reasons for the destruction of joint cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- joint injuries, which can be mild, but multiple and repetitive, or one-time, but severe (for example, damage to the meniscus);
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood 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 supply of blood and nutrition to the joints, impairing the 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 combat osteoarthritis. Modern therapy can slow down the destruction of cartilage, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition. For this purpose, in the treatment of arthrosis, they use:
- chondroprotector based on chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetotherapy, mud applications);
- physiotherapy exercises.
In severe cases, they resort to surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
The main task of countering the disease, modern medicine considers the prevention of osteoarthritis and the promotion of a lifestyle that contributes to the preservation of joint health. 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 training (warm-up and warm-up of the joints, use of special protective equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, etc. . ). For people who do not play sports, the main measures to prevent osteoarthritis are maintaining a normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of numerous studies, obese people have been found to have a 3-fold increased 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 causes the development of many pathological processes in the body that lead to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and ailments cardiovascular, which is negative affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as prevention of osteoarthritis aims to saturate the body with the nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the joint cartilage, slowing down the degenerative processes in it. Adhering to the following basic principles will not only help keep your joints in good shape, but will also prevent excess weight gain:
- reduce the calorie content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- eating a sufficient amount of low-fat dairy products to provide calcium to the bones;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to supply the body with vitamins and microelements that the joints need.
Particular attention in the nutritional process should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue. These substances, first of all, include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish. To this end, it is necessary to include in the diet jellied meat, jelly (especially fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin, a modified collagen.
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 necessary for maintaining joints and general 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 systems of the body and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep the joints in good shape, they should not be overloaded. But that doesn't mean you should give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate, in accordance with the physical fitness, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age and recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps per day. Swimming is very useful, when movement occurs in the absence of a negative effect on the bones of body weight. Practicing any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), as long as they are regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.