Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints, characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, marginal bone hypertrophy, and synovial membrane changes. This pathology most often occurs in the elderly.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis
Do not confuse osteoarthritis and arthritis. In some sources, you can see that osteoarthritis is reportedly 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
Osteoarthritis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have certain signs of osteoarthritis. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not only caused by the aging of joint tissues. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. These include:
- osteoporosis;
- excess weight;
- postmenopausal women;
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- micronutrient deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia);
- joint injury;
- regular microtrauma;
- exposure to certain toxins;
- undergo surgical interventions on the joints, etc.
Pathology can be primary or secondary. If the cause is not determined, arthrosis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. , 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 synovial membrane and synovial fluid composition are observed.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to decay. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) can appear on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant joint deformity, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous phase as well).
Localization and symptomatology of pathology
Osteoarthritis often affects the wrists, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints that are often affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow, and shoulder (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 progresses gradually, usually over many years. Painful seizures may be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually appears when the joint is in motion and subsides during rest, at least until the disease becomes more severe. Joint stiffness is often felt shortly after the rest period. It usually decreases within a few seconds or minutes of movement. The symptoms most often occur in the elderly, while in people younger than 40, the arthrosis often passes asymptomatically.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis
- rest, avoiding excessive physical exertion;
- weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- physiotherapy, such as exercise;
- aids such as walking sticks, elastic knee braces;
- reasonable use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, patients are often shown spa treatment.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prophylaxis
In order to minimize the risk of developing arthrosis, it is necessary to maintain sufficient physical activity, treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in the biomechanics of the joint in time (for example, correction of flat feet). Also, prevention methods include reducing excess weight (which leads to increased stress on the joints).