Arthritis joint damage is progressive.Pain, poor mobility and general unpleasant symptoms gradually increase.Without proper and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of working ability quickly occur.Comprehensive treatment of arthrosis using special drugs and non-medical means is a prerequisite for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.
What is arthrosis and why does it occur?
Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic joint pathology 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 deterioration of the cartilage tissue, which begins to break down due to the natural aging of the body.
Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:
- poor heritability;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- untreated and advanced arthritis;
- heavy physical activity associated with work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- injuries and surgical operations on the joints;
- overweight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis affects almost all moving joints that bear the greatest load during 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 when moving, external deformations, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and general weakness.
The disease is amenable to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of performance and disability.
Principles of arthrosis treatment
Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, occurs exclusively in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be cured is unequivocal - the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and constant maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve long-term and stable remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, based on which an effective treatment regimen is chosen.
Arthrosis therapy has several important goals:
- alleviation of painful symptoms and accompanying complaints;
- restore joint functionality;
- maintain mobility and ability to work until old age;
- prevent bone deformation and severe complications;
- stabilizes the general condition.
Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment approaches are used:
- medical (medical)- 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, operations.
The set of techniques is chosen individually according to the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results.Self-treatment of joint pathology is unacceptable.
Treatment of joint arthrosis with drugs
Arthrosis of the joints in almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local drugs 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-inflammatory and pain relievers;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
In the presence of arthrosis pathology, therapy is quite long, and support measures are prescribed continuously.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs form the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.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.In the initial stage of the disease, medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective.
- Analgesics help relieve pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Medicines from these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.
Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid
What to do with arthrosis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?A course of chondroprotective drugs 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 additional help, especially in gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer on the damaged cartilage, compensates for the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases the motor functionality of the joints.
You cannot expect a quick healing result from these medicines.It is used exclusively as a 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 previous groups of drugs.
No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts for several months.
Vasodilators and muscle relaxants
Arthrosis often causes local deterioration of circulation, spasm of muscles and blood vessels and leads to congestion.
To improve blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxants.
The mentioned 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
Taking vitamins is recommended to improve cellular metabolism in the joints.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of recurrence 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;
- neurotropic drug with a set of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
- a complex of 8 B vitamins with the addition of calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- mineral vitamin preparation with high calcium content, which acts as a building material for bone tissue.
Medicines of this group increase the body's resistance to various diseases, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Therapy without drugs
A drug-free approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthrosis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as simple, yet effective things such as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In total they are:
- speed up rehabilitation;
- extend the period of remission;
- prevent complications;
- improve overall well-being.
As a last resort, surgery is used to maintain mobility.
How to treat arthrosis - folk recipes
Traditional medicine has a large number of recipes for all forms and stages of arthrosis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products known to many, but they are absolutely simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of joint pathology, the following drugs will help:
- Wraps made of burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush them a little to release the juice.Apply to the painful area overnight.
- Ginger root compress to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the painful joint with a clean cloth.
- Baths with a solution of soda and salt for the extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in water at 40 degrees.Keep the hand or foot in the basin for 15-20 minutes, wrap it in warm.
- Honey and mummy rub.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mummy and 100 g of natural honey.Rub into the painful area with light massage movements.
- Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply to a piece of cotton cloth, apply to the wrist for 2 hours, wrap it with a bandage and film.
- Dandelion decoction.2 tsp.Boil the dry leaves and roots of dandelion in a glass of water in the bathroom for 10 minutes, leave until it cools down.Drink medicine 1/3 spoon.3 times a day.
Folk remedies help to deal with painful symptoms and relieve arthrosis, but they do not replace drugs.
Tibetan medicine methods 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 arthrosis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)- impact on biologically active points on the human body by introducing special thin needles, which are used to relieve pain and improve tissue metabolism;
- acupressure (acupressure)– massage by pressing certain points of the body responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
- vacuum massage- with the help of glasses or a special device, a targeted action is performed on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, eliminating congestion;
- stone therapy- massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, encouraging the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.
As a result of the application of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated and the overall health of the organism is achieved.
Treatment of arthrosis with stem cells
Cell therapy is a new way of restoring joint structure using stem cells that trigger regenerative processes in the cartilage.The patient's autologous (own) material, isolated from fat tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as "medicine".Sometimes donor material is taken from relatives or cells from an aborted fetus.
The procedure goes as follows:
- The collected material is sent to a laboratory for growing stem cells.The process lasts from 7 days to 2 months.
- The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical way.The course is chosen individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results are visible already after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility is improved.The cartilage structure is gradually restored, the metabolism is normalized and the joint is completely regenerated.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the first stages;in advanced cases it is ineffective.
Proper nutrition
The condition of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the body's metabolism.A balanced diet can normalize the metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and if possible forever, it is recommended to follow a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- meat of rabbit, chicken, turkey as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits rich in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);
- marine fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- pasta made from buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, durum wheat;
- fermented dairy products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- legumes, nuts, bran;
- linseed, olive, sesame oil;
- aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin, which restores collagen reserves.
From the offered products, you can prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking in the oven, boiling or stewing.You cannot eat fried food.
To help your joints, avoid:
- fatty meat and sausages;
- bakery products and sweets;
- canned food for home and storage;
- semi-finished products and fast food;
- whole milk;
- kitchen salt;
- alcoholic beverages.
With arthrosis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to create additional stress on painful legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Meals should be balanced and regular.
How to cure arthrosis with exercises
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help to restore joint mobility, expand the range of motion and prevent severe deformations.It is used for all forms of joint pathology in the period of remission.
Depending on the location, different sets of special exercises have been developed:
- Arthrosis of the ankle joint
- With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving to the foot area;
- sit on a chair, slightly raise your leg and slowly rotate your foot counterclockwise and clockwise;
- from the previous position, pull the toe away from you and towards you.
- Hip joint
- squat at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
- from a standing position, make wide swings with your legs back and forth;
- perform the well-known exercises "Bike" and "Scissors" from the school program in a lying position.
- Knee arthrosis
- kneel down, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
- the aforementioned "Bike" exercise is equally useful for the knees;
- standing straight, put your legs together, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- move slowly around the apartment in a squat, the so-called "goose walk";
- When hands and fingers are affected
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with outstretched hands, firmly squeeze and relax the fist, spread the fingers like a fan;
- spin a round object (ball) in your hands, rolling it in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- rotate your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
- from a standing position, stretch your arms up, as if you were trying to reach the ceiling;
- bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, extend them in front of you with palms facing up.
Gymnastics at home should be performed carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If severe pain is present and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercises are allowed only with a doctor's permission.
Operation
Surgery is the last resort for the treatment of arthrosis.Direct indications for surgery are low effectiveness of conservative therapy, rapid deterioration of joint condition and well-being.With significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only and life-saving method.
Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy- minimally invasive manipulation that includes the introduction of a device into the joint cavity for the purpose of removing damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as diagnosing and treating pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of joint surfaces with the application of pads made of artificial material or the patient's tissue between them;
- cheilectomy- surgery with preservation of the joint, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprosthetics- radical surgery to replace a non-functional joint with artificial implants, restoring mobility for many years;
- arthrodesis- surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if prosthetics are not possible.
Often, surgery is the only method that can prolong the patient's active life and avoid disability.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "Is arthrosis curable?"received - the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but it can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The right combination of medical and non-medical methods makes it possible to achieve long-term remission, get rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment on time and constantly monitor your health.