Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common diseases in the world, accounting for approximately 80% of joint pathologies.Men and women are equally affected.This mainly occurs in adulthood.Generally, the probability of developing this disease increases from the age of 30.
With osteoarthritis, a change in the cartilage of the joint occurs, which leads to a disruption of the tissue structure and the beginning of the inflammatory process.
What is osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease caused by metabolic disorders in the body.Joints become less elastic.The people most susceptible to osteoarthritis are overweight people, retirees and athletes.
The disease can occur against the background of injury or damage.In addition, the cause of osteoarthritis may be genetic characteristics or heredity.
Osteoarthritis degrees
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 of the joints are already occurring.
- During the second stage, joints begin to deteriorate.The pain becomes pronounced, but it can be tolerated.There is also a crunching sensation in the joints.
- During the last stage, the damage is deeper.The joint is severely deformed, tissues and ligaments are damaged, as a result the person cannot move in the usual way.
Symptoms can worsen periodically, so it is quite difficult to independently determine the stage of osteoarthritis and treatment.Therefore, at the first manifestations, it is better to consult a doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom by which the disease can be identified is pain in the joints when moving.When you rest, the pain subsides.Symptoms are localized in damaged areas.A characteristic sign of osteoarthritis is a cracking sound in the affected joint.
In the early stages, pain is felt only with heavy loads or pressure on the affected area.Over time, this intensifies, the patient must move less and less and stay more at rest.
As you know, joints can crack even in normal health.However, the sound with osteoarthritis is specific: unlike the natural sound, it is “dry”.As it progresses, the joints crack more and more clearly.
During the development of osteoarthritis, the motor activity of damaged joints decreases.When the disease reaches dangerous stages, joints begin to become irreversibly deformed.
Treatment and prevention
It is best to carry out treatment in the early 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;
- carry out physiotherapeutic procedures that relieve joint pain;
- spa treatments using mud baths and mineral waters;
- perform physical therapy.
During treatment of damaged joints, physical activity and excessive fatigue are not allowed.The joints should be at rest most of the time.You also need to pay attention to nutrition and follow a certain diet.
In order to prevent osteoarthritis, you must follow simple preventive measures:
- avoid overwork and intense physical activity;
- eat right (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.