Arthritis is considered one of the most common diseases in the world, accounting for about 80% of joint pathologies.Both men and women are equally affected.It occurs mostly in adulthood.Usually, the probability of developing this disease increases after the age of 30.
In arthrosis, a change occurs in the cartilage in the joint, as a result of which the structure of the tissue is disturbed and the process of inflammation begins.
What is arthrosis?
Arthrosis is a joint disease that occurs due to metabolic disorders in the body.The joints become less elastic.People who are most prone to osteoarthritis are overweight people, pensioners and athletes.
The disease can occur against the background of any injury or damage.In addition, the cause of arthrosis can be genetic characteristics or heredity.
Degrees of arthrosis
There are three stages of arthrosis:
- With the first, there are practically no symptoms.The patient only occasionally experiences discomfort during movement.But already pathological deformations appear in the joints.
- During the second stage, the joints begin to break down.The pain becomes pronounced, but can be tolerated.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, due to which a person cannot move in the usual way.
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 helps identify the disease is pain in the joints during movement.At rest, the pain subsides.The symptoms are localized in the damaged areas.A characteristic sign of arthrosis is crunch in the affected joint.
In the initial stages, pain is felt only with heavy loads or pressure on the affected area.Over time, it intensifies, the patient should move less and less and stay more at rest.
As you know, joints can crack even in a normal healthy state.However, the sound with arthrosis is specific: unlike the natural sound, it is "dry".As it progresses, the joints become more and more distinct.
During the development of arthrosis, the motor activity of the damaged joints decreases.When the disease reaches dangerous stages, the joints begin to deform irreversibly.
Treatment and prevention
It is best to carry out the treatment in the initial stages.The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the causes and eliminate the inflammatory process.Treatment should include a set of measures aimed at restoring the joints.
Among them:
- treatment with drugs that relieve inflammation and pain;
- carrying out physiotherapy procedures that relieve pain in the joints;
- spa treatment with mud baths and mineral waters;
- conducting physical therapy.
In the treatment of damaged joints, physical activity and overexertion are not allowed.The joints should be at rest most of the time.It is also necessary to pay attention to nutrition and adhere to a certain diet.
To prevent arthrosis, you should adhere to simple preventive measures:
- avoid overexertion and intense physical activity;
- eat properly (the diet must contain all the necessary vitamins and trace elements);
- avoid overeating.
Arthritis is a chronic disease that can lead to serious consequences, so it should be treated at an early stage.Compliance with preventive measures will help prevent the disease.