Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common diseases in the world, representing around 80% of joint pathologies.Both men and women are equally affected.It occurs mainly in adulthood.Normally, the probability of developing this disease increases after the age of 30.
With osteoarthritis, a change occurs in the cartilage of the joint, as a result of which the tissue structure is disrupted and the inflammation process begins.
What is osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that occurs due to metabolic disorders in the body.Joints become less elastic.The people most susceptible to osteoarthritis are overweight people, retirees and athletes.
The disease can occur against the background of any injury or damage.Also, the cause of arthrosis can be genetic characteristics or heredity.
Degrees of osteoarthritis
There are three stages of osteoarthritis:
- With the first there are practically no symptoms.The patient only occasionally feels discomfort during movement.However, pathological deformations of the joints already occur.
- During the second stage, the joints begin to break down.The pain becomes pronounced but can be tolerated.There is also a feeling of tightness in the joints.
- In the last stage, the damage occurs more deeply.The joint becomes seriously deformed, tissues and ligaments are damaged, as a result of which the person cannot move in the usual way.
Symptoms may periodically worsen, so it is very difficult to independently determine the stage of arthrosis and treatment.Therefore, at the first manifestations, it is best to consult a doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom that helps identify the disease is joint pain during movement.At rest, the pain decreases.Symptoms are localized to damaged areas.A characteristic sign of osteoarthritis is a crunching sound in the affected joint.
In the initial stages, pain is felt only with heavy loads or pressure on the affected area.Over time this intensifies, the patient has to move less and less and rest more.
As you know, joints can crack even in a normal, healthy state.However, the sound with osteoarthritis is specific: unlike the natural sound, it is “dry”.As it progresses, the joints creak more and more clearly.
During the development of arthrosis, the motor activity of damaged joints decreases.When the disease reaches dangerous stages, the joints begin to become irreversibly deformed.
Treatment and prevention
It is best to carry out treatment in the early stages.The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the causes and eliminate the inflammatory process.Treatment should include a set of measures aimed at restoring the joints.
Among them:
- treatment with medications that relieve inflammation and pain;
- carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures that relieve joint pain;
- spa treatment with mud baths and mineral waters;
- performing physiotherapy.
During the treatment of damaged joints, physical activity and excessive fatigue are not allowed.Joints should be at rest most of the time.You also need to pay attention to your diet and follow a certain diet.
To prevent arthrosis, it is necessary to adhere to simple preventive measures:
- avoid excessive exertion and intense physical activity;
- eat well (the diet must contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements);
- avoid eating too much.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that can lead to serious consequences, so it needs to be treated early.Compliance with preventive measures will help prevent the disease.