Arthrosis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, marginal hypertrophy of bone tissue, and changes in the synovial membrane. This pathology is most common in the elderly.
Arthrosis and arthritis
Do not confuse osteoarthritis with arthritis. In some sources, you can see that arthrosis is said to differ from arthritis in that the former is non-inflammatory and the latter is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (umbrella concept) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Causes of arthrosis
Arthrosis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have certain signs of arthrosis. While the incidence of arthrosis increases with age, the disease is not caused solely by the aging of joint tissue. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. These include:
- osteoporosis;
- excess body;
- 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;
- underwent surgery on joints, etc.
Pathology can be primary and secondary. If the cause is not known, arthrosis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease is caused by trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. As a result, it is considered secondary.
Stages of arthrosis
There are 3 stages to this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies in the joint tissues. Changes in the synovial membrane and the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and meniscus begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal abnormal growths) can occur on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant joint deformity, abnormal mobility or stiffness, and chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous stage as well).
Localization and symptoms of pathology
Arthrosis often affects the joints of the hand, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints often affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and first metatarsophalangeal joints. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders (in these 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 epidemics can lead to partial or complete remission. Pain usually occurs when the joint is in motion and subsides during rest, at least until the disease becomes more severe. The stiffness of the joints is often felt for a short time after the rest period. It usually decreases within a few seconds or minutes of movement. The symptoms are most common in the elderly, while in people under 40, arthrosis often occurs asymptomatically.
Treatment of arthrosis
Conservative treatment of arthrosis
- rest, avoiding excessive physical exertion;
- weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- physiotherapy such as exercise therapy;
- aids such as walking sticks, elastic knee pads;
- prudent use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
In addition, patients often present treatment.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prophylaxis
In order to minimize the risk of developing arthrosis, sufficient physical activity should be maintained, and injuries, congenital, and acquired disorders in joint biomechanics (e. g. , flat leg correction) should be treated in a timely manner. In addition, prevention methods include reducing overweight (which puts increased stress on the joints).