Joint damage due to osteoarthritis is progressive.Pain, lack of mobility and general unpleasant symptoms gradually increase.Without adequate and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes quickly occur in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of the ability to work.Comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis with the use of special medications and non-pharmacological agents is a prerequisite for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.
What is osteoarthritis and why does it occur?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the joints with multiple lesions of nearby tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over 50 years of age.
The causes of the disease lie in the degradation of cartilage tissue, which, due to the natural aging of the organism, begins to decompose.
Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:
- bad inheritance;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- advanced and untreated arthritis;
- intense physical activity associated with work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- injuries and surgical operations on the joints;
- excess weight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis affects almost all mobile joints that bear the greatest load throughout life: ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.There is a gradual destruction of the joints, accompanied by pain during movement, external deformations, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and general malaise.
The disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of performance and disability.
Principles of treatment for osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, occurs exclusively in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether osteoarthritis can be cured is unequivocal: the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to constant and timely maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve stable and long-term remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, on the basis of which an effective treatment regimen is selected.
Osteoarthritis therapy has several important objectives:
- relieve painful symptoms and accompanying discomfort;
- restore joint functionality;
- maintain mobility and the ability to work into old age;
- prevent bone deformation and serious complications;
- stabilize general well-being.
Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment approaches are used:
- medicinal (medicinal)– preparations of symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
- non-pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, diet, surgery.
The set of techniques is selected individually depending on the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medications and procedures are prescribed by the treating doctor based on the results of the diagnosis.Self-medication of joint pathology is unacceptable.
Pharmacological treatment of joint osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the joints at almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local medications are used directly on the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.
Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:
- anti-inflammatories and analgesics;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
In the presence of arthritic pathology, therapy is quite long and supportive measures are prescribed on an ongoing basis.
Anti-inflammatories and analgesics.
Analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the basis of anti-osteoarthritis treatment.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.
- NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective at the initial stage of the disease.
- Analgesics help to cope with mild to moderate pain.
Medicines from these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.
Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid
What to do with osteoarthritis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?Treatment with chondroprotectors is recommended to stop the complete degradation of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine they contain improve functionality and metabolism.
The knee and hip area is treated with several cycles of intra-articular injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections can provide auxiliary assistance, especially in case of gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer over damaged cartilage, replenishes the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases the motor functionality of the joints.
You cannot expect a quick healing result with these medications.Used exclusively as maintenance therapy.
corticosteroids
Corticosteroid hormones are indicated in cases of severe pain and inflammation.It is most often used in stages 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of the previous groups of drugs.
No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts several months.
Vasodilators and muscle relaxants.
Osteoarthritis often causes local impairment of blood circulation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and causes congestion.
To improve blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxants.
The listed drugs are not always necessary, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosage and constant medical supervision.
Vitamin complexes
To improve cellular metabolism in the joints, it is recommended to take vitamins.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.
Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and supportive purposes:
- a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
- a neurotropic drug with a set of vitamins of group B (B1, B6, B12);
- complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- a preparation of minerals and vitamins with a high calcium content, which acts as a building material for bone tissue.
Medicines in this group increase the body's resistance to various ailments, physical and mental activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Non-pharmacological therapy
A non-drug approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint osteoarthritis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as such simple and at the same time effective things as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In total they are:
- accelerate rehabilitation;
- prolong the remission period;
- prevent complications;
- improve general well-being.
As a last resort, surgery is used to maintain mobility.
How to treat osteoarthritis - popular recipes
Traditional medicine has a large number of recipes for all forms and stages of osteoarthritis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products that are familiar to many, but are absolutely simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following remedies will help:
- Compresses from burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush a little to release the juice.Apply to the sore spot overnight.
- Ginger root compress to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the sore joint with a clean cloth.
- Baths with sodium and salt solution for the extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in 40 degree water.Keep your hand or foot in the container for 15 to 20 minutes and wrap it in heat.
- Rub with honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Rub into the sore area with light massaging movements.
- Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply to a cotton cloth, apply to the joint for 2 hours, wrapping it with a bandage and film.
- Dandelion decoction.2 teaspoons Boil dried dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a bath for 10 minutes and leave until it cools.Drink the medicine 1/3 tablespoon.3 times a day.
Home remedies help to cope with painful symptoms and relieve osteoarthritis, but they do not replace medications.
Methods of Tibetan medicine for joints.
Tibetan healers and healers give a leading role to physiotherapy and manual techniques.
Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat osteoarthritis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– impact on biologically active points of the human body by introducing special thin needles, used to relieve pain and improve metabolism in tissues;
- acupressure (acupressure)– massage by pressing certain points on the body responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
- vacuum massage– with the help of cups or a special apparatus, a specific effect is carried out on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and eliminating congestion;
- stone therapy– massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, promoting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.
As a result of the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints slow down, natural regeneration is activated, and the general health of the body is improved.
Treatment of osteoarthritis with stem cells.
Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that trigger regenerative processes in cartilage.The patient's autologous (own) material, isolated from adipose tissue, bone marrow, or umbilical cord blood, is used as a “medicine.”Sometimes donor material is taken from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus.
The procedure is as follows:
- The collected material is sent to the laboratory for stem cell culture.The process lasts from 7 days to 2 months.
- The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical manner.The course is selected individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results are noticeable after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility improves.Gradually, the cartilage structure is restored, metabolism is normalized and complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the early stages;In advanced cases it is ineffective.
Proper nutrition
The state of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the body's metabolism.A balanced diet can normalize metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of osteoarthritis, and preferably permanently, it is recommended to follow a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- rabbit, chicken and turkey meat as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits rich in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);
- sea fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- buckwheat, rice, oats, durum wheat pasta;
- fermented dairy products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- legumes, nuts, bran;
- linseed, olive, sesame oil;
- aspic (gelatin) based on bone broth and gelatin, which replenishes collagen reserves.
From the offered products you can prepare a wide variety of delicious steamed, baked, boiled or stewed dishes.You can't eat fried food.
To benefit your joints you should avoid:
- fatty meats and sausages;
- baked goods and sweets;
- canned food for home and store;
- semi-finished products and fast food;
- whole milk;
- table salt;
- alcoholic beverages.
With osteoarthritis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to control your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to create additional stress on sore legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Meals should be balanced and regular.
How to cure osteoarthritis with exercises.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis help restore joint mobility, expand the range of motion and prevent serious deformities.It is used for all forms of joint pathology during the period of remission.
Depending on the location, different sets of special exercises have been developed:
- ankle osteoarthritis
- With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving towards the foot area;
- sit on a chair, slightly raise your leg and slowly turn your foot counterclockwise and clockwise;
- From the previous position, move your toe away from you and toward you.
- hip joint
- squat down at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
- from a standing position, make wide movements of the legs back and forth;
- Perform the “Bicycle” and “Scissors” exercises, known to everyone in the school curriculum, in a lying position.
- knee osteoarthritis
- kneel, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
- The aforementioned “Bicycle” exercise is equally useful for the knees;
- standing, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- slowly move around the apartment in a squatting position, the so-called "goose step";
- When the hands and fingers are affected.
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with your arms extended, clench and unclench your fist tightly, spreading your fingers like a fan;
- Spin a round object (ball) in your hands, turning it in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- roll your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
- from a standing position, stretch your arms up, as if trying to reach the ceiling;
- Bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, stretching them in front of you with your palms facing up.
Gymnastics at home should be done carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If there is severe pain and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercise is allowed only with the permission of a doctor.
Operation
Surgery is the last resort to treat osteoarthritis.Direct indications for surgery are the low effectiveness of conservative therapy, the rapid deterioration of the condition of the joints and well-being.In case of significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only life-saving method.
Depending on the state of the joints, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation involving the introduction of a device into the joint cavity to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as to diagnose and treat pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of articular surfaces with the application of a pad made of artificial material or the patient's own tissue between them;
- cheilectomy– joint-sparing surgery, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprostheses– radical surgery to replace a non-functional joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility for many years;
- arthrodesis– surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if prostheses are not possible.
Surgery is often the only method that can prolong a patient's active life and prevent disability.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "Is osteoarthritis curable?"received: the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The correct combination of medicinal and non-medicinal methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, get rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment in a timely manner and constantly monitor your health.