Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common diseases worldwide and accounts for around 80% of joint diseases.Both men and women are equally affected.It mainly occurs in adulthood.Typically, the likelihood of developing this disease increases after the age of 30.
Osteoarthritis involves a change in the cartilage in the joint, which disrupts the tissue structure and begins the inflammatory process.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that occurs due to metabolic disorders in the body.Joints become less elastic.Those most affected by osteoarthritis are overweight people, pensioners and athletes.
The disease can occur against the background of injury or damage.In addition, genetic characteristics or heredity can be the cause of osteoarthritis.
Degree of osteoarthritis
There are three stages of osteoarthritis:
- With the former there are practically no symptoms.The patient only occasionally experiences discomfort when moving.However, pathological deformations of the joints can already occur.
- In the second stage, the joints begin to collapse.The pain becomes more noticeable, but can be endured.There is also a crunching sensation in the joints.
- In the final stage, the damage occurs more deeply.The joint is severely deformed, tissues and ligaments are damaged, as a result of which the person cannot move as usual.
Symptoms can periodically worsen, so it is quite 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 contributes to the recognition of the disease is pain in the joints during movement.The pain subsides when you rest.Symptoms are localized in damaged areas.A characteristic sign of osteoarthritis is a grinding noise in the affected joint.
In the early stages, pain can only be felt when there is heavy strain or pressure on the affected area.Over time it gets worse and the patient has to move less and less and stay at rest more and more.
As you know, joints can crack even in normal, healthy conditions.However, the sound of osteoarthritis is specific: in contrast to the natural sound, it is “dry”.As the disease progresses, the joints crunch more and more noticeably.
During the development of osteoarthritis, the motor activity of the damaged joints decreases.When the disease reaches a dangerous stage, irreversible deformation of the joints occurs.
Treatment and prevention
It is best to carry out treatment in the initial stages.The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the causes and eliminate the inflammatory process.Treatment should include a range of measures aimed at restoring the joints.
Among them:
- treatment with medications that reduce inflammation and pain;
- Carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures to relieve joint pain;
- spa treatment with mud baths and mineral water;
- Carrying out physiotherapy.
During the treatment of damaged joints, physical activity and excessive fatigue are not allowed.The joints should be at rest most of the time.In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to nutrition and follow a specific diet.
To prevent arthrosis, you must adhere to simple preventive measures:
- Avoid overexertion and intense physical activity.
- eat right (the diet should contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements);
- Avoid overeating.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that can have serious consequences and therefore must be treated in the early stages.Compliance with preventive measures will help prevent the disease.