Osteoarthritis is the progressive non-inflammatory destruction of joint cartilage.
As a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions, flexion-extension movements in it become difficult and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable joints of bones. The human body contains more than 200 such joints, which provide all types of movement of the bony skeleton. Free sliding in them is carried out thanks to the smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
With osteoarthritis, the hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough, and synovial lubrication becomes insufficient for free sliding. As a result, friction occurs, which inhibits movement in the joint and leads to its progressive destruction.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between the ages of 45 and 65 and more than 65% of people over 65. The occurrence has a pronounced age dependence.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - the knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis) and shoulder. Of the small joints, the joints in the hand, foot and spine are most often affected.
At a late stage of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible - removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1 - 3 of arthrosis, conservative treatment is possible, the purpose of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradual restoration of cartilage tissue, improvement of functions (mobility), increase the range of motion, relief of pain symptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods in oriental medicine.
Causes of osteoarthritis
The cause of the disease is the predominance of wear of hyaline cartilage over the process of its regeneration. This means that the joint cartilage is worn down and destroyed under stress faster than it can recover.
This happens due to the effect of two factors - increased load and/or slow recovery.
For the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, collagen is required, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ not only participates in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for the joints, but is also responsible for the level of body heat.
From a medical point of view, the cause of all cold diseases, including osteoarthritis, is a decrease in the level of body heat. This can especially happen due to insufficient liver function.
All arthrosis belongs to degenerative, dystrophic diseases. Their development begins with dystrophy, that is, tissue starvation due to insufficient blood supply.
To constantly regenerate, the articular cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and enters the joints with the blood.
If the blood supply is disrupted for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them is slowed down. In this case, the joints that carry the maximum load - knees, ankles, hips and shoulders - suffer the most. Articular cartilage gradually begins to wear out and collapse.
When cartilage is destroyed, its fragments are torn off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "mice"), causing pinching, blocking, further limiting movement and increased pain.
Another cause of the disease may be collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This can, for example, be due to functional insufficiency of the liver, which actively participates in this synthesis.
Provocative factors for the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intense sports,
- trauma, multiple microtraumas,
- exposure to cold
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, weakness of connective tissue, etc. ).
Classification
Osteoarthritis that develops on the basis of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis occurs on the basis of inflammatory processes (arthritis, including autoimmune), endocrine diseases or injuries.
Some of the most common forms of the disease have their own names - gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (spine).
With the addition of inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as osteoarthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
Osteoarthritis of the 1st stage is manifested by periodic pain and slight narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 2 of the disease means a noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited range of motion, formation of bone growth (osteophytes) and joint deformation.
Stage 3 arthrosis means almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of range of motion to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissue and bones (osteoarthritis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization (ankylosis) occurs, the joint space disappears completely.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteoarthritis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 osteoarthritis are increased fatigue in the joint, minor pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long periods of immobility (the so-called "starting pain"), after which the joint develops. The range of flexion-extension and rotation movements is not limited and there are no difficulties during movements.
In phase 2, pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer, even with less stress. When you move, a creaking or crunching sound is heard. Flexion, extension, rotation movements become difficult, their volume is increasingly limited. Stiffness develops.
At the 3rd stage of osteoarthritis, joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are performed with great difficulty, their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint is severely deformed due to bone growth and increased size. When the joints in the legs are affected, severe lameness develops.
In stages 2-3 of the disease, inflammation usually occurs with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Pain with osteoarthritis can increase with changes in the weather, humidity, cold, at night, at the beginning of movement or during physical activity, as well as when the joint is blocked with a mouse.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of arthrosis is carried out on the basis of an examination, external examination and hardware methods (x-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor studies the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, the circumstances surrounding their appearance and worsening.
At the initial appointment at the clinic, the doctor usually asks the patient not only about the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but also about the nature of nutrition and lifestyle, since the human body in Eastern medicine is considered a single system. In this unified system there are internal relations.
For example, the state of the joints is closely dependent on metabolism, immune defense, hormone systems and movement of body fluids, body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease that develops against the background of energy depletion of the body, a decrease in heat levels and accumulation of cold. The key factors in this case are poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold and dampness.
During an external examination, the doctor is aware of the joint's size, shape, range of motion and signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local temperature rise.
After examining and interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for further examination - X-ray, CT or MRI.
On an X-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. Based on the degree of narrowing, it determines the stage of osteoarthritis.
An X-ray clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that form during osteoarthritis.
X-ray visualizes bone tissue well, but shows poorly binding, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
With the help of a tomogram, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the hyaline cartilage, as well as the synovial bursa, the joint capsule and detect joint "mice", damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To study the blood supply to the joint, angiography using a contrast medium (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
In stage 4 arthrosis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In stages 1 - 3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medicines.Drug treatment is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the presence of an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically, these drugs are given by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injections into the joint.To reduce friction and improve gliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Injections of hyaluronic acid protect the cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, injections of hormonal drugs are used in the joint cavity. - Operation.Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated at the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physiotherapy.To relieve inflammation, physiotherapy methods are used such as laser therapy, magnetic therapy and administration of medication using current (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis).
Mud applications, compresses and heating improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue and relieve pain. - Other treatments.To prevent arthrosis, as well as as an auxiliary treatment method, exercise therapy (physiotherapy) is prescribed. Regular performance of simple exercises improves blood supply to the joint, increases its mobility and range of motion.
Hot baths can be used to warm up a sore joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment for arthrosis includes such means as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors do not affect the causes of osteoarthritis. In essence, these are not therapeutic but prophylactic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which work to increase the amount of lubrication (joint fluid) and ease gliding. Reducing the friction slows the destruction of cartilage, but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a substitute for full treatment.
Treatment of osteoarthritis in a specialized clinic
In the clinic, treatment of stage 1 - 3 arthrosis is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods from oriental medicine. Positive results are achieved in more than 90% of cases of treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which mutually enhance the effect according to the principle of synergy.
Treatment in the clinic is aimed at eliminating the cause of osteoarthritis, this ensures long-term and lasting results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders based on Bad Kan - one of the body's three control systems, the balance of which means health, and the imbalance means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, immunity, hormones and metabolism.
An imbalance of Bad Kan usually causes not one but several diseases at once. Therefore, arthrosis is almost always accompanied by concurrent disorders, diseases, for example excess weight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immunodeficiency conditions, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatment restores the balance of the Bad Kan base as a whole, thus eliminating the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, along with osteoarthritis, other concurrent diseases also occur.
When treating osteoarthritis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but also on the body as a whole to restore the balance of the Badk-an foundation. This is the secret behind the high efficiency of arthrosis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or moxo therapy.
This procedure consists of simultaneous or sequential heating of bioactive points with a wormwood cigar or smoldering cones (made of wormwood or charcoal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for osteoarthritis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally, on the area of the affected joint and on the meridians of the body to restore the balance between the Bad Kan base and the body as a whole.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: improves blood circulation, stimulates blood flow, activates and accelerates the restoration and renewal of connective tissue, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, and has an anti-inflammatory and metabolic effect.
Acupuncture.
The introduction of medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect and promotes the outflow of inflammatory fluid.
Impact on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the function of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
Impact on the bioactive points of the kidneys helps to improve blood circulation in the lower body with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the legs.
Acupressure.
Strong point pressure improves local circulation, increases blood flow, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and spasms. Acupressure on the body's meridians (Ku-nye) increases the body's overall energy level.
Phytotherapy.
For osteoarthritis, various herbal remedies are prescribed that speed up the metabolism, increase the level of body heat, speed up recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve the function of the liver and kidneys.
Assistive devices.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as aids.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat levels.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and recovery of the joint.
Using manual therapy, the doctor relieves the sore joint, increases range of motion and mobility.
Diet for osteoarthritis
For osteoarthritis, heating, hot meals are indicated.
Warm foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, shellfish, pumpkin, liver, nuts as well as garlic, onion, ghee and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of the food, you should definitely consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Hot dishes containing a lot of animal connective tissue, for example rich bones and meat broth, are useful.
You should exclude cold foods, chilled drinks, reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and pulses.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
To prevent osteoarthritis, you should avoid factors that cause an imbalance in the basis of Bad Kan - cooling nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, moisture.
Warming nutrition, physical activity, especially walking, outdoor games and physiotherapy exercises are helpful.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for osteoarthritis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. But they have no specific, preventive or therapeutic effect for joint diseases. To maintain general health and body balance, the vitamins in food are sufficient, provided there is adequate nutrition.
Is there always inflammation with osteoarthritis?
No, not always. Osteoarthritis may be accompanied by arthritis, but inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for osteoarthritis does not always help and is often pointless.
Is heat good for joints?
Warming up for osteoarthritis helps improve blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only in the absence of an acute inflammatory process. For gout, thermal procedures and heating are contraindicated.
How long does the treatment for osteoarthritis last?
Typically, a course of treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10 - 15 complex sessions, which are carried out every other day, and takes 21 - 30 days. After this there is a break for 6 months. Six months later, an examination is carried out, on the basis of which a decision is made to carry out another course of treatment to improve and consolidate the results.