Arthropathy is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring in them.Caused mainly by the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissue, the disease cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, it is absolutely possible for a person to slow down the destructive process, delay arthrosis and maintain joint health for a long time.
Arthritis and its symptoms
The destruction of the joint begins with the gradual wear of cartilage - the main element of this mobile connection of bones, which protects them at the point of contact from friction and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical loads.In most cases, this process is caused by age-related deterioration of metabolic processes in the human body and malnutrition of the joint.Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually appear after 40-50 years.However, the development of negative changes in cartilage tissue occurs at a younger age and consists of a gradual loss of cartilage elasticity, thinning and destruction.
The inability of the cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in the bone tissue, which can develop, forming osteophytes (growths in the form of tubercles, thorns, hooks), which cause pain during movement.Gradually, the pathological process covers the articular muscles, ligaments and tendons.The joint can be deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthropathy:
- pain that increases with movement and physical activity.
- reduced joint mobility.
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joint (in severe forms of the disease).
Arthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar and cervical spine and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors
The main causes of articular cartilage destruction and joint development include:
- hereditary predisposition?
- joint injuries, which can be small, but multiple and repeated, or one-time, but severe (for example, meniscal injuries).
- age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue;
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthritis.The main ones are excess weight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal blood supply and nutrition to the joints, worsening the metabolism in it.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also cause arthropathy.
Treatment or prevention?
A complete cure for this disease is impossible - this is the general verdict of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight arthropathy.Modern treatment can slow down the process of cartilage destruction, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and improve the patient's condition.For this purpose, they are used in the treatment of arthropathy:
- chondroprotectants based on chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs.
- physical therapy procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications).
- physical therapy.
In severe cases they resort to surgery and replacement of the joint with a prosthesis.
Modern medicine considers that the main task of treating the disease is to prevent arthropathy and promote a lifestyle that helps maintain healthy joints.First of all, this applies to teenagers and young people who are actively involved in sports, who need to develop special skills to protect the joints during training (warming up and warming up the joints, using special protective devices: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For people who do not exercise, the main measures to prevent arthritis are maintaining a normal weight and being physically active.
Weight loss and nutrition
As a result of numerous studies, it has been found that obese people have three times the risk of developing arthritis.This is explained not only by the fact that excess weight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat causes the development of many pathological processes in the body, which lead to serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Nutrition as a prevention of arthropathy aims to saturate the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the articular cartilage and to slow down the degenerative processes in it.Adhering to the following basic principles will not only help you keep your joints in good shape, but will also prevent you from gaining excess weight:
- reducing the calorie content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consuming enough low-fat dairy products to supply calcium to the bones.
- increasing the ratio of cereals, vegetables and fruits to replenish the body with vitamins and trace elements that the joints need.
Particular attention during nutrition should be paid to foods and dishes that contain natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue.These substances mainly include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet jellied meats, aspicia (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin - modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent arthritis
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.While physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many goals that are necessary for joint maintenance and general well-being:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition.
- normalizes metabolic processes and prevents excessive weight gain.
- it develops muscles, which in turn strengthen the skeletal system.
- trains all body systems and improves immunity.
- helps improve mood.
To keep the joints in good condition, they should not be overloaded.But this does not mean that you should give up physical activity.Movement is absolutely necessary for the joints, but it should be moderate and correspond to the physical shape, age and other individual characteristics of each person.
Experts say walking is the best prevention of knee osteoarthritis at any age and recommend taking at least 6,000 steps daily.Swimming is very beneficial when movement occurs without the negative effect of body weight on bones.Engaging in any sport or favorite activity that involves movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), provided it is regular, will help prevent arthritis and keep the joints in good condition for a long time.