Joint Arthritis Treatment

Arthropathy is a chronic disease of the joints in which their nutrition is compromised and their structure is destroyed. The disease develops slowly and is associated with gradual wear and tear on the joints throughout life and a slow recovery process. Most common in people over the age of 40, it can occur to varying degrees in almost anyone by age 80. Over time, the resulting mobility limitations can lead to disability.Prompt contact with an expert will help preserve freedom of movement for many years.

About disease

Arthropathy is a degenerative dystrophic disease of movable bones and joints. When it occurs, tissue nutrients are destroyed and destruction occurs. The body compensates for the damage and the bone tissue becomes harder and begins to grow. Of course, compensatory growth can lead to joint deformation, functional disruption, and pain.In different parts of the planet, 10-20% of people suffer from joint disease. It turns out that a person often undergoes treatment independently without the help of a doctor. This can lead to worsening of the condition and disability. Well-chosen treatments can relieve pain and slow the progression of the disease.

Causes of the emergence and development of arthropathy

• Get used to moving a little bit,
• Standing still for long periods of time (common in some occupations),
• increased physical activity (certain sports, professional sports),
• age,
• unhealthy diet
• overweight,
• Bad habits (drinking, smoking),
• Endocrine and reproductive system disorders (thyroid disease, sex hormone deficiency),
• Metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis),
• Blood flow impairment (venous insufficiency),
• genetics.

These factors affect the nutrition of the cartilage that covers the bone surfaces of joints. The cartilage tissue is reduced, the cartilage becomes thinner and begins to crack, and the secretion of synovial (lubricating) fluid decreases. Where cartilage tissue breaks down, bone surfaces begin to rub against each other. In response, bone tissue grows, and the joints deform and lose mobility.

Classification

Depending on their origin, arthropathy is divided intoElementary and secondary schools. Primary is a disease that develops in intact joints without damage, such as from excessive physical activity. Second, the disease affects joint tissue after an injury or due to changes associated with other joint diseases.Most commonly, the disease affects the legs (knees, first metatarsophalangeal joint of the feet, hips) and fingers. In addition to this, spondyloarthropathy is also common. The most severe disease occurs in the hip joint (hip joint) and most commonly in the knee joint (knee joint).

development stage

Stages of disease development according to the Kellgren-Lawrence clinical and radiological classification:

• The first stage: discomfort and pain when walking. There were no radiological changes.
• Stage 2: Slight dull pain when walking for a long time, and occasional crunching when bending the limbs. X-ray: barely noticeable narrowing of the joint space, suspicious small osteophytes (growth along the edges of the joint).
• Stage 3: Pain and stiffness increase in the morning. The pain worsens when moving. X-ray examination: The joint space is slightly narrowed and osteophytes are rare.
• Stage 4: Muscle and bone pain that occurs at any time of the day. Swelling may occur and pain may increase. X-ray examination: moderate narrowing of the joint space, obvious osteophytes, changes in the bone surface, and compaction of the bone tissue under the cartilage tissue (subchondral sclerosis).
• The fifth stage: soreness, persistent dull pain, intensified with activity, strong "crunching" sound during activity, joint deformation, and muscle atrophy. X-ray examination: sharp narrowing of joint space, subchondral sclerosis, rough osteophytes, and obvious surface deformation.

Doctors will help relieve discomfort, conduct a comprehensive examination and choose individualized treatment based on each customer's gender, age, metabolic level, concomitant diseases and other characteristics.

Symptoms of Arthropathy

Gradual progression of the joint: Discomfort may first appear over a period of several years from the beginning of the destructive process or the onset of inflammation.The first signs include pain in the arms and legs during physical activity. After a long period of relaxation (evening), slight stiffness may be felt in the morning. Pain, dull ache that begins with rest and subsides with certain activities. Because symptoms are not very obvious, people at this stage rarely see a specialist. Although now is the easiest time to prevent the development of joint disease.Over time, the pain worsens and stops resolving, disrupts sleep at night, and worsens with changes in weather. There is a feeling of soreness in the bones, and the muscles and joints begin to ache. This disease most commonly affects the knee and hip joints. Fatigue and reduced mobility (stiffness) can occur quickly when walking.People often lose the feeling of security in their arms and legs, and their gait becomes unstable. During exercise, the legs will produce a strong "crunching" sound (exposed bone surfaces rubbing against each other). Joint deformation. As movement is restricted, adjacent muscles lose tone, causing the latter to atrophy (decrease in size). Muscle weakness can lead to an increasingly unstable gait.The joints are most commonly affected after an injury or chronic inflammation of the hand. The deformation of the hand becomes clearly visible. It becomes square and growths (Hebden's and Bouchard's nodes) form on the fingers.Telltale signs that arthropathy needs treatment are joint deformities, persistent pain and swelling in the arms and legs, impaired motor function, and unsteady gait.If you experience the symptoms described, please contact the clinic. Experienced doctors are ready to help, conduct a comprehensive examination and comprehensively answer all your questions. Thanks to the advice of a competent doctor, you will be able to maintain a normal pace of life.

diagnosis

Instrumental diagnostic methods are commonly used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces and cartilage. The most informative are: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).The doctor does not present any difficulties in performing a diagnostic examination - changes in the joints are clearly visible in the photos. Doctors use them to determine the stage of joint disease and how far it has progressed.Arthroscopy (endoscopic examination of joints using a flexible probe) can be used as an additional diagnostic method. Doctors examine the joint surface from the inside and can remove material for synovial fluid analysis and perform minimally invasive interventions (removal of small bone fragments).For laboratory diagnosis, general, biochemical and immunological blood tests are required. They determine the patient's general condition, the presence of inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders, and rule out other joint diseases.

treat

In order to relieve pain, slow down the destructive process and, if possible, establish a recovery process in the joint tissue, conservative treatments can be used. can use: Medication: Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers to reduce and relieve inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants (relieving muscle tension), vitamin complexes, and cartilage protectants may be used. In each case, the choice of drug is made individually based on the characteristics of the individual and the disease.Nutrition correction: organize nutritious and regular meals. With the help of the doctor, the client creates a product list and detailed diet list. All that remains is to follow the chosen path.Injection therapy: hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint space, PRP therapy (injecting human plasma into the joint to speed up the recovery process), etc.Ozone therapy, in various forms and routes of administration, stimulates cellular metabolic processes and improves oxygen absorption. It is particularly effective at relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and stimulating natural tissue renewal and repair.Physical therapy: magnetic therapy, ultrasonic therapy, sonotherapy (a combination of drugs and ultrasonic waves), hot spring baths, massage, etc.Application: Special gels, ointments, and other medications are applied to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of basic treatments.Therapeutic exercises: Doctors provide clients with a series of exercises designed to restore joint function. Exercising in a swimming pool has beneficial effects.Leech therapy: Use leeches. Their saliva contains substances that activate blood vessel dilation, thereby improving metabolism. Other substances in saliva can clean the joint space by dissolving dead tissue.Orthotics: Wearing and using special structures - orthotics (special shoes, orthopedic insoles, bandages, corsets).Tape: Secure with tape.In some cases, surgery is necessary. The clinic has successfully performed the following effective procedures in the hip and knee areas:

• Arthroscopy
• endoprosthesis

In most cases, after surgery, symptoms subside, pain subsides, and freedom of movement gradually returns. Symptoms of the disease lessen and usually do not recur in the absence of predisposing factors.The modern clinic has modern operating rooms and uses expert endoscopes to perform complex surgeries. Even in difficult situations, our doctors have the opportunity to help.

Benefits of visiting a professional clinic

• Qualifications of Experts. Experienced and competent doctors are the highest category of specialists and candidates for medical science. They pay attention to the latest progress in the treatment of joint diseases, regularly exchange experiences with domestic and foreign colleagues, and carry out scientific activities.
• Excellent clinical and laboratory facilities. Modern clinics are equipped with the most modern, effective and safe equipment for successful diagnosis, treatment and implementation of preventive measures. The Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory allows you to perform laboratory tests quickly.
• Fast and effective diagnosis. The excellent equipment of the clinic allows us to carry out a wide range of diagnostic methods: carrying out MRI, CT, radiography and other informative studies allow us to make diagnoses and obtain detailed data on the condition of the joints, in particular, and the body in general.
• A sophisticated approach. In modern clinics, the practice of consultation between doctors from different specialties is common to achieve optimal treatment results.
• Effective treatment. A comprehensive, comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention includes a host of cutting-edge methods.
• Personal approach. Treatment plans are developed taking into account the client's gender and age, as well as other characteristics.

Prevent joint disease

To minimize pain and maintain normal functioning, you should:

• Follow your doctor's advice,
• Control your weight (each additional kilogram increases your risk of worsening),
• Eliminate or minimize strenuous physical activity,
• Perform regular physical therapy exercises,
• Avoid injuries: use special elements for protection (knee pads, protective clothing, etc. ) and gradually increase the load,
• Use corrective devices and treatments (tape, orthotics) as recommended,
• Get regular checkups, prevention classes and monitor for disease conditions.

Proper treatment and following the advice of your treating professional will help halt the progression of the disease and preserve mobility. If you have problems with your joints, go to the hospital. Our doctors will help you eliminate joint pain and creaking and choose treatments to restore movement and function. Starting treatment promptly allows for full joint recovery, and a preventive treatment program will help you live a normal life, free of joint pain!

FAQ

What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?In arthropathy, the cause of tissue destruction is nutritional deficiencies (disturbance of metabolic processes), which leads to compensatory compaction and proliferation of the articular bone surfaces. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, which is the primary cause of tissue damage.Chronic inflammatory processes gradually transform into nutritional and metabolic disorders, that is, frequently exacerbating arthritis develops through mixed intermediate stages into arthropathy, in which signs of both diseases are present.Is Arthropathy a Curable Disease?The later the disease is detected, the smaller the chance of full recovery. But in any case and at any stage, you can do your best to prevent the disease and reduce pain and other unpleasant sensations.Is it worth warming up in a sauna/bath if you have joint disease?Warming up is useful as part of complex treatment for joint disease. But you must consult your doctor first. Heating procedures are contraindicated if there is a local or systemic inflammatory process in the body - they exacerbate inflammation, and dilated blood vessels spread it throughout the body.Is joint disease a contraindication to military service?Depends on the severity of the disease. Contraindications may be impaired mobility and joint function.Can children develop joint disease?Yes, it is possible after injuries and other joint conditions.Is it possible to treat joint disease at home using folk remedies?It is possible, but without specialized testing and qualified advice, the chances of your condition getting worse are higher.What is the most dangerous thing about joint disease?Tissue destruction results in ongoing pain, reduced motor function, and disability. Is it possible to independently determine whether you have joint disease?Knowing the symptoms, one can assume that a disease is present, but the diagnosis is made by a doctor after instrumental and laboratory diagnostic tests.