Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common diseases in the world and represents around 80% of joint pathologies.Both men and women are equally affected.It occurs mainly in adulthood.Typically, the probability of developing this disease increases after the age of 30.
With osteoarthritis, a change occurs in the cartilage of the joint, as a result of which the structure of the tissue is disturbed and the inflammation process begins.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that occurs due to metabolic disorders in the body.The joints become less elastic.The people most susceptible to osteoarthritis are overweight people, retirees and athletes.
The disease can occur against the background of any injury or damage.Also, the cause of osteoarthritis can be genetic characteristics or inheritance.
Degrees of osteoarthritis
There are three stages of osteoarthritis:
- With the first there are practically no symptoms.The patient only occasionally feels discomfort during movement.However, pathological deformations in the joints are already occurring.
- During the second stage, the joints begin to deteriorate.The pain becomes pronounced, but can be tolerated.There is also a crunching sensation in the joints.
- In the last stage, the damage occurs deeper.The joint is severely deformed, the tissues and ligaments are damaged, so the person cannot move in the usual way.
Symptoms can periodically worsen, so it is quite difficult to independently determine the stage of osteoarthritis 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.Symptoms are localized to damaged areas.A characteristic sign of osteoarthritis is a cracking sound 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 has to move less and less and remain at rest more.
As you know, joints can crack even in a normal state of health.However, the sound in osteoarthritis is specific: unlike natural sound, it is "dry".As it progresses, the joints creak more and more clearly.
During the development of osteoarthritis, the motor activity of 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 its 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 medications that relieve inflammation and pain;
- performing physiotherapeutic procedures that relieve joint pain;
- spa treatments with mud baths and mineral waters;
- performing 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.It is also necessary to pay attention to nutrition and follow a certain diet.
To prevent osteoarthritis, it is necessary to comply with simple preventive measures:
- avoid excessive exertion and intense physical activity;
- eat well (the diet should contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements);
- Avoid overeating.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that can have serious consequences, so it must be treated in the early stages.Compliance with preventive measures will help prevent the disease.