Joint damage by arthrosis is progressive.Pain, poor mobility, and general unpleasant symptoms increase gradually.Without proper and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes quickly occur in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of ability to work.Comprehensive treatment of arthrosis using special drugs and non-drug agents is a prerequisite to stop joint destruction and restore its function.
What is arthrosis and why does it occur?
Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of joints with various nearby tissue lesions.It is progressive, non-inflammatory, and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over the age of 50.
The cause of this disease lies in the deterioration of cartilage tissue, which, due to the natural aging of the body, begins to break down.
Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:
- bad parentage;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- untreated and advanced arthritis;
- heavy physical activity related to work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- injuries and surgical operations on joints;
- overweight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Arthritis affects almost all moving joints that bear the greatest load throughout life - ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.There is a gradual destruction of the articular joints, accompanied by pain during movement, external deformation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and general lethargy.
This disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of performance and disability.
Principles of treatment for arthrosis
Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, occurs exclusively in chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be cured is clear - the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and continuous maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve long-term and stable remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, based on which an effective treatment regimen is selected.
Arthrosis therapy has several important goals:
- relieve painful symptoms and accompanying discomfort;
- restore joint function;
- maintaining mobility and the ability to work until old age;
- prevent bone deformation and severe complications;
- stabilize general well-being.
Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment approaches are used:
- medicine (medicine)– preparations of symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
- not pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercise, diet, surgery.
The set of techniques is selected individually according to the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results.Self-medication of articular pathology is unacceptable.
Drug treatment of joint arthrosis
Arthritis of the joints at almost any stage can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local drugs are applied directly to the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.
Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:
- anti-inflammatory and pain relievers;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complex.
In the presence of arthrosis pathology, therapy is quite long, and supportive measures are prescribed continuously.
Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever
Anti-inflammatory drugs and non-steroidal analgesics form the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.
- NSAIDs are designed to relieve mild inflammation and pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels, and creams are effective in the early stages of the disease.
- Analgesics help to cope with pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Drugs from this group are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.
Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid
What to do with arthrosis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?A course of chondroprotective drugs is recommended to stop the complete deterioration of the joint.Chondroitin and glucosamine contained in it improve function and metabolism.
Knee and hip areas are treated with several courses of intra-articular injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections can provide additional help, especially with gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer on the damaged cartilage, replenishes the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma, and improves joint motor function.
You cannot expect quick healing results from these medicines.Used exclusively as maintenance therapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid hormones are indicated in cases of severe pain and inflammation.Often used in stage 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of the previous group of drugs.
No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.With a favorable clinical picture, positive results last for several months.
Vasodilator and muscle relaxant
Arthrosis often causes local deterioration in blood circulation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and leads to congestion.
To increase blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity, and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxant.
The listed drugs are not always needed, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosage and constant medical supervision.
Vitamin complex
To increase cellular metabolism in the joints, it is recommended to take vitamins.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent severe complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.
Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and supportive purposes:
- a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
- neurotrophic drugs with a set of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
- complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content, which acts as a building material for bone tissue.
Drugs in this group increase the body's resistance to various diseases, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Therapy is not medicine
A non-drug approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthrosis.Complementary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as simple and at the same time effective things such as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In total it is:
- accelerate recovery;
- prolong the period of remission;
- prevent complications;
- improve overall well-being.
As a last resort, surgery is used to maintain mobility.
How to treat arthrosis - folk recipes
Traditional medicine has a large number of recipes for all forms and stages of arthrosis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients derived from plants and animals.Medicines are prepared at home from products that are familiar to many, but they are really simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of joint pathology, the following drugs will help:
- Compresses from burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and mash a little to extract the juice.Apply to the sore spot overnight.
- Compress ginger root to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Scrape the root and wrap around the painful joint with a clean cloth.
- Bathe with a soda-salt solution for the feet.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in water at a temperature of 40 degrees.Keep your hands or feet in the basin for 15-20 minutes, wrapped warmly.
- Rub from honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Rub into the sore area with light massaging motions.
- Compressed blue clay.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply it to a piece of cotton cloth, apply it to the joint for 2 hours, wrap it with a bandage and film.
- Dandelion decoction.2 teaspoons.Boil dried dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in the bath for 10 minutes, let it cool.Drink medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.
Folk remedies help to cope with painful symptoms and reduce arthrosis, but they do not replace medicines.
Tibetan medicine method for joints
Tibetan healers and healers give a major role to physiotherapy and manual techniques.
Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat arthrosis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– effects on biologically active points on the human body by introducing special thin needles, used to relieve pain and increase metabolism in tissues;
- acupressure– massage by pressing on certain parts of the body responsible for the health of each organ or individual area;
- vacuum massage– with the help of cups or special tools, targeted effects are performed on pathological areas, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, eliminating congestion;
- stone therapy– massage with hot stones originating from the volcano, promoting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.
As a result of the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated, and overall health of the body occurs.
Treatment of arthrosis with stem cells
Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that trigger regenerative processes in cartilage.The patient's autologous (own) material, isolated from adipose tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as "medicine".Sometimes donor material from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus are taken.
The procedure is as follows:
- The collected material is sent to the laboratory for stem cell growth.The process takes from 7 days to 2 months.
- The finished material is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive way or surgery.This course is chosen individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results can be seen after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility is improved.Gradually, the cartilage structure is restored, metabolism is normalized, and complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the first stage;in further cases it is ineffective.
Proper nutrition
The state of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the metabolism in the body.A balanced diet can normalize the metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and preferably forever, it is recommended to follow a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- rabbit, chicken, turkey meat as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);
- sea fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- buckwheat, rice, oats, durum wheat pasta;
- fermented milk products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- beans, nuts, bran;
- linseed, olive, sesame oil;
- aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin, increases collagen reserves.
From the products on offer, you can prepare a variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking in the oven, boiling or stewing.You can't eat fried food.
To benefit your joints, you should avoid:
- fatty meats and sausages;
- baked goods and sweets;
- house and store canned food;
- semi-finished products and fast food;
- whole milk;
- table salt;
- alcoholic beverages.
With arthrosis in the lower part of the foot, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to put additional pressure on your painful foot.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water every day.Food should be balanced and regular.
How to cure arthrosis with exercise
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help to restore joint mobility, expand the range of motion, and prevent severe deformation.It is used for all forms of joint pathology during the period of remission.
Depending on the location, different special training sets have been developed:
- Ankle arthrosis
- With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving to the foot area;
- sit on a chair, lift your legs slightly and slowly rotate your legs counterclockwise and clockwise;
- from the previous position, pull the toes away from you and towards you.
- Hip joint
- squat at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
- from a standing position, make a wide swing of your legs forward and backward;
- do the "Bicycle" and "Scissors" exercises that everyone knows from the school curriculum in a lying position.
- Knee arthrosis
- kneel, sit on your heels and rise, straightening your back;
- the "Bicycle" exercise mentioned is equally useful for the knees;
- stand up straight, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- slowly move around the apartment in a squat, the so-called "goose gait";
- When hands and fingers touch
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with arms outstretched, clench and unclench your fists, spread your fingers like a fan;
- turn a round object (ball) in your hand, roll it in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- roll your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
- from a standing position, stretch your arms up, as if trying to reach the ceiling;
- bend and straighten your arms at the elbows, extending them in front of you with your palms up.
Gymnastics at home should be done carefully, listening to the body's response.If severe pain is present and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercise is allowed only with the permission of the doctor.
Operation
Surgery is the last resort to treat arthrosis.Direct indications for surgery are low effectiveness of conservative therapy, rapid deterioration in joint condition and well-being.With significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only life-saving method.
Depending on the condition of the joint, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation involving the introduction of a device into the articular cavity to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as diagnose and treat pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of the articular surface with the use of pads made of artificial material or the patient's own tissue between them;
- cheilectomy– surgery with joint preservation, where osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprosthetics– radical surgery to replace dysfunctional joints with artificial implants, restoring mobility for years;
- arthrodesis– surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if prosthetics are not possible.
Often, surgery is the only method that can prolong the patient's active life and avoid disability.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "Can arthrosis be cured?"accepted - this disease cannot be cured due to its chronic course, but can be treated successfully with complex therapy.The correct combination of medical and non-medical methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, eliminate unpleasant symptoms, and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment on time and constantly monitor your health.