Osteoarthritis is the most common joint injury in medical practice, associated with the degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur there. Mainly caused by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, 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 and tear of the cartilage - the main element of this mobile connection of the bones, 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 age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint. Therefore, symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40 to 50 years. However, the development of negative changes in cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and consists of the gradual loss of elasticity of the cartilage, its thinning and destruction.
The inability of cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in bone tissue, which can develop, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, thorns, hooks), which are a source of pain during movement. Gradually, the pathological process covers the joint muscles, ligaments, tendons. The joint can become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of osteoarthritis:
- pain that increases with movement and physical exertion;
- decreased joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe illness).
Osteoarthritis mainly 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 may be minor, but multiple and repetitive, or one-off, but serious (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 blood supply and nutrition of the joints, thereby impairing their metabolism. Excessive physical activity, local inflammation, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also cause osteoarthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of specialists in rheumatology, 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 osteoarthritis, they use:
- chondroprotectors based on chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine;
- nonsteroidal 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 combating 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 actively involved in sports, in whom it is necessary to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, use of protective devicesspecial: 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, it has been found that obese people have 3 times 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 suchthat type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which is negative affects the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a prevention of osteoarthritis is aimed at saturating the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage, slowing down the degenerative processes that occur in it. Adherence to the following basic principles will not only help keep the joints in good shape, but will also prevent excessive weight gain:
- reduce the calorie content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- eat a sufficient amount of low-fat dairy products to supply calcium to the bones;
- an increase in the proportion of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and microelements that the joints need.
Particular attention in the process of nutrition 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. For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet jelly meat, asp (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 to maintain joints and general well-being:
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excessive weight gain;
- builds muscles, which in turn strengthens the skeletal system;
- trains all body systems and improves immunity;
- improves mood.
To keep your joints in good condition, they should not be overloaded. But that doesn't mean you have to give up physical activity. Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate, depending on the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say walking is the best prevention for osteoarthritis of the knee at any age, and they recommend taking at least 6, 000 steps a day. Swimming is very beneficial when the movement occurs in the absence of a negative effect on the bones of the body weight. The practice of any sport or favorite activity related to movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided it is regular, will help prevent osteoarthritis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.