Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints, are characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, marginal bone tissue hypertrophy, and changes in the synovial membrane. Most often, this pathology occurs in the elderly.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis
Do not confuse osteoarthritis and arthritis. In some sources, you can see that osteoarthritis is supposed to be different from arthritis in that the first is not inflammatory and the second is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (umbrella term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Arthrosis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have certain signs of osteoarthritis. As the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not only caused by aging of joint tissue. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. This includes:
- osteoporosis;
- excess body weight;
- menopausal women;
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- lack of trace elements;
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia);
- joint damage;
- regular microtrauma;
- exposure to certain toxins;
- underwent joint surgeries, etc.
Pathology can be primary and secondary. If the cause is not proven, osteoarthritis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. , it is considered secondary.
Stages of osteoarthritis
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies of articular tissue. Changes in synovial membrane and synovial fluid composition are observed.
- The cartilage and meniscus begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) can occur in the bone.
- It is characterized by significant joint deformity, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually also characteristic of the previous stage).
Localization and symptomatology of pathology
Osteoarthritis often affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints often affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow and shoulder (in such 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 outbursts may 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 rest periods. It usually decreases within a few seconds or minutes of movement. Most often, the symptoms appear in the elderly, while in persons under 40 years of age, osteoarthritis often persists asymptomatically.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis
- rest, avoiding excessive physical exertion;
- weight loss (to reduce joint pressure);
- physiotherapy, such as exercise therapy;
- assistive devices such as walking sticks, elastic knee supports;
- reasonable use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, patients are often shown spa treatment.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prophylaxis
To minimize the risk of developing osteoarthritis, it is necessary to maintain adequate physical activity, treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in the biomechanics of the ankle in time (for example, correction of flat feet). Also, prevention methods include reducing excess weight (which puts added stress on the joints).