Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
Joints characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage, marginal hypertrophy of the bone tissue and changes in the synovial membrane. Most often this pathology occurs in the elderly.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis
Don't confuse osteoarthritis and arthritis. In some sources, it can be seen that osteoarthritis supposedly differs from arthritis in that the first is non-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
Osteoarthritis is a fairly common disease. According to reports, more than 75% of people over 70 have certain signs of osteoarthritis. While the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not only caused by aging of the joint tissues. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of the pathology. These include:
- Osteoporosis;
- Obesity;
- Post menopausal women;
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- Micronutrient deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia);
- Joint injury;
- regular microtrauma;
- Exposure to certain toxins;
- surgical interventions performed on the joints, etc.
The pathology can be primary and secondary. When the cause is unknown, osteoarthritis is said to be primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, etc. , it is considered secondary.
Stages of osteoarthritis
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies of the joint tissue. Changes in the synovial membrane and the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) can appear on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant deformation of the joint, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous stage as well).
Localization and symptoms of the pathology
Osteoarthritis commonly 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 that are commonly affected by disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral joint, hip, knee, and the 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 in joint function;
- Swelling.
The pain usually progresses gradually, usually over many years. Painful outbreaks can be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually occurs when the joint is in motion and subsiding at rest, at least until the disease progresses to a more severe stage. Joint stiffness is often felt shortly after periods of rest. It usually decreases within a few seconds or minutes of the exercise. Symptoms are most common in older people, while osteoarthritis is often asymptomatic in people under 40 years of age.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis
- Rest, avoid excessive physical exertion;
- Weight loss (to relieve pressure on the joints);
- Physiotherapy such as exercise therapy;
- Aids such as walking sticks, elastic knee supports;
- careful use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
In addition, patients are often shown a spa treatment.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
prophylaxis
To minimize the risk of osteoarthritis, it is necessary to maintain sufficient physical activity to timely treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in the biomechanics of the joint (e. g. correction of flat feet). Prevention methods also include reducing obesity (which puts more stress on the joints).