Arthrosis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints, characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, marginal hypertrophy of bone tissue and changes in the synovial membrane. Most of the time, this pathology occurs in the elderly.
Arthrosis and arthritis
Do not confuse arthrosis with arthritis. In some sources, you can see that arthrosis is supposedly different from arthritis, as the first is not inflammatory and the second is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (generic term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Causes of arthrosis
Arthrosis is a very common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have certain signs of arthrosis. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not caused only by the aging of joint tissues. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. These include:
- osteoporosis;
- excess body weight;
- Postmenopausal women;
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- micronutrient deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia);
- joint injury;
- regular microtrauma;
- exposure to certain toxins;
- undergoing surgical interventions on joints, etc.
The pathology can be primary and secondary. If the cause is not established, arthrosis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, etc. , is considered secondary.
Arthrosis stages
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies of the articular tissues. Changes in the synovial membrane and in the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and meniscus begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) can occur in the bone.
- It is characterized by significant joint deformation, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous stage as well).
Pathology location and symptomatology
Arthrosis usually affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the thumb metacarpal-carpal joint. Other joints frequently affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow and shoulder (in these cases, it usually has a secondary etiology). The clinical picture of the pathology usually includes the following symptoms:
- a history of joint pain;
- deterioration of joint function;
- swelling.
The pain usually progresses gradually, usually over many years. Painful outbreaks can be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually appears when the joint is in motion and subsides during rest, at least until the disease progresses to a more severe stage. Joint stiffness is often felt for a short time after periods of rest. It usually decreases in a few seconds or minutes of movement. Most of the time, symptoms appear in the elderly, while in people under 40 years of age, osteoarthritis usually occurs asymptomatically.
Treatment of arthrosis
Conservative treatment of arthrosis
- rest, avoiding excessive physical efforts;
- weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- physical therapy, such as exercise therapy;
- aids such as walking sticks, elastic knee supports;
- judicious use of anti-inflammatories.
In addition, patients often receive spa treatments.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prophylaxis
To minimize the risk of developing osteoarthritis, it is necessary to maintain sufficient physical activity to treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in the biomechanics of the joint over time (for example, correction of flat feet). In addition, prevention methods include reducing excess weight (which increases joint stress).