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 for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.
What is arthrosis and why does it occur?
Arthrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of joints with multiple lesions of nearby tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory, and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over 50 years of age.
The causes of the disease lie in the degradation 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 heredity;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
- untreated and advanced arthritis;
- heavy physical activity associated with work or professional sports;
- autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
- injuries and surgical operations on joints;
- excess weight and bad habits;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Arthrosis 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 articular joints, accompanied by pain during movement, external deformation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and general malaise.
The 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 a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question whether arthrosis can be cured is unequivocal - the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and constant 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, on the basis of which an effective treatment regimen is selected.
Arthrosis therapy has several important goals:
- relieve painful symptoms and accompanying discomfort;
- restore joint functionality;
- maintain mobility and 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:
- medicinal (medicinal)– preparations of symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
- non-pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, 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
Arthrosis of the joints at almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local medications are used directly on 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 painkillers;
- chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
In the presence of arthrosis pathology, therapy is quite long, and supportive measures are prescribed on an ongoing basis.
Anti-inflammatory and painkillers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs form the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.
- NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels, and creams are effective at the initial stage of the disease.
- Analgesics help cope with pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Drugs from these groups 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 degradation of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine they contain improve functionality and metabolism.
The knee and hip area are treated with several courses of intra-articular injections.
Injections of hyaluronic acid can provide auxiliary assistance, especially with gonarthrosis.
Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer on damaged cartilage, replenishes the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma, and increases the motor functionality of joints.
You cannot expect a quick healing result from these medications.Used exclusively as maintenance therapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid hormones are indicated in cases of severe pain and inflammation.Most often used at stages 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of previous groups of drugs.
No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts for several months.
Vasodilators and muscle relaxants
Arthrosis often causes a local deterioration in blood circulation, spasm of muscles and blood vessels, and leads to congestion.
To improve blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity, and facilitate mobility, the following are used:
- vasodilators;
- muscle relaxants.
The listed medications are not always needed, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosing and constant medical supervision.
Vitamin complexes
To improve 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;
- a neurotropic drug 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 ailments, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.
Non-drug therapy
A non-drug approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthrosis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as such simple and at the same time effective things as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.
In total they are:
- speed up rehabilitation;
- 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 of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products familiar to many, but they are absolutely simple and affordable.
Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following remedies will help:
- Compresses from burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and mash a little to release the juice.Apply to the sore spot overnight.
- Ginger root compress to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the sore joint with a clean cloth.
- Baths with soda-salt solution for extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in water at 40 degrees.Hold your hand or foot in the basin for 15-20 minutes, wrap it in warmth.
- Rub from honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Rub into the painful area with light massage movements.
- Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply to a piece of cotton cloth, apply to the joint for 2 hours, wrapping it with a bandage and film.
- Dandelion decoction.2 tsp.Boil dry dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a bathhouse for 10 minutes, leave until cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.
Folk remedies help cope with painful symptoms and alleviate arthrosis, but they do not replace medications.
Tibetan medicine methods for joints
Tibetan healers and healers give a leading role to physiotherapy and manual techniques.
Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat arthrosis:
- reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– impact on biologically active points on the human body by introducing special thin needles, used to relieve pain and improve metabolism in tissues;
- acupressure (acupressure)– massage by pressing on certain points of the body responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
- vacuum massage– with the help of cups or a special apparatus, a targeted effect is carried out on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, eliminating congestion;
- stone therapy– massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, promoting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to 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 the 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 a “medicine”.Sometimes donor material from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus are taken.
The procedure goes as follows:
- The collected material is sent to the laboratory for growing stem cells.The process takes from 7 days to 2 months.
- The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical manner.The course is selected individually and can last from 10 days to several months.
Positive results are noticeable after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility improves.Gradually, the structure of the cartilage 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 stages; in advanced cases it is ineffective.
Proper nutrition
The condition of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the metabolism in the body.A balanced diet can normalize metabolism and improve the condition of joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and preferably forever, it is recommended to adhere to a special diet.
The daily diet should include:
- rabbit, chicken, turkey meat as an important source of protein;
- vegetables and fruits high in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);
- marine fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
- buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, durum wheat pasta;
- fermented milk products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
- legumes, nuts, bran;
- flaxseed, olive, sesame oil;
- aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin, replenishing collagen reserves.
From the products offered, you can prepare a wide 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 meat and sausages;
- baked goods and sweets;
- home and store canned food;
- semi-finished products and fast food;
- whole milk;
- table salt;
- alcoholic drinks.
With arthrosis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to create additional stress on your sore legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water daily.Meals should be balanced and regular.
How to cure arthrosis with exercises
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help restore joint mobility, expand 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 sets of special exercises have been developed:
- Ankle arthrosis
- With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving to the foot area;
- sit on a chair, slightly raise your leg and slowly rotate your foot counterclockwise and clockwise;
- from the previous position, pull the toe away from you and towards you.
- Hip joint
- squat at a right angle without lifting your heels from the floor;
- from a standing position, make wide swings of your legs back and forth;
- perform the “Bicycle” and “Scissors” exercises known to everyone from the school curriculum in a lying position.
- Knee arthrosis
- kneel down, sit on your heels and rise, straightening your back;
- the mentioned “Bicycle” exercise is equally useful for the knees;
- standing straight, close your legs, perform circular movements with your knees in both directions;
- slowly move around the apartment in a squat, the so-called “goose gait”;
- When the hands and fingers are affected
- make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
- with outstretched arms, strongly clench and unclench your fist, spreading your fingers like a fan;
- twirl a round object (ball) in your hands, rolling it in different directions.
- Shoulder and elbow area
- rotate 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 elbow, stretching them out in front of you with your palms up.
Gymnastics at home should be performed carefully, listening to the body’s reaction.If severe pain is present and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercises are permissible only with the permission of a doctor.
Operation
Surgery is the last resort for treating arthrosis.Direct indications for surgery are the low effectiveness of conservative therapy, rapid deterioration in the condition of the joints and well-being.With significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only and life-saving method.
Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:
- arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation involving the introduction of a device into the articular cavity in order to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as diagnose and treat pathological changes;
- arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of articular surfaces with the application of a pad made of artificial material or the patient’s own tissue between them;
- cheilectomy– surgery with preservation of the joint, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
- endoprosthetics– radical surgery to replace a non-functional joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility for many 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 a patient’s active life and avoid disability.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Is arthrosis curable?”received – the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The right combination of medicinal and non-medicinal methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, get rid of unpleasant symptoms, and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment in a timely manner and constantly monitor your health.