Among all joint diseases, arthritis is the most common.This pathology is observed in almost 20% of the world's population.It is suitable for both developing and developed countries.More than 2 million patients have been registered with various forms of joint diseases.Fatal consequences from joint disease are very unlikely but it can lead to early disability, loss of ability to work and a significant decline in quality of life.
The prevention and treatment of joint diseases must be performed by a highly qualified doctor.
Traditional treatment
For effective treatment of degenerative-dystrophic joint lesions, the entire arsenal of drugs, physiotherapy, orthopedics and surgery is used.It should be noted that great importance in the treatment and prevention of joint diseases is attached to the choice of optimal exercise regimen and normalization of body weight.Traditional therapy includes the following methods:
- Treat symptoms.
- Use chondroprotectors.
- Local therapy.
- Physical therapy.
- Surgical treatment.
Treat symptoms
In most cases, the cause of pain in arthropathy is considered to be reactive inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint.Therefore, it is quite reasonable to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.Usually, standard drugs from the NSAID group are used.
When choosing drugs, he prioritizes drugs that are quite effective, safe and accessible to the majority of people.At the same time, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause the development of serious pathology of the digestive tract in the form of erosions and ulcers.To prevent such complications, special medications may be prescribed.
It is not recommended to combine different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as this will not enhance the therapeutic effect, but will only significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Chondroprotectors
Currently, chondroprotectants are successfully used to restore cartilage tissue and prevent the development of pathological changes in the joints.In the early stages of the disease, these drugs effectively inhibit the progression of the degenerative process.However, in stages 3 and 4 of the disease, cartilage-protecting drugs have little effect.
Most chondroprotective drugs are well tolerated by patients.However, unfortunately, they cannot be taken during pregnancy and lactation.Their distinctive feature is that the therapeutic effect occurs on average 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment.At the same time, they continue to be effective for 2–5 months after completion of chondroprotective therapy.
Fake synovial fluid
Every expert will tell you that without synovial fluid, joints cannot function properly.Some medications are used as synovial fluid substitutes.
All drugs improve the properties of joint fluid and at the same time inhibit the inflammatory process and destruction of articular cartilage.On average, a treatment course may include up to 5 injections into the joint.A maximum of two courses should be conducted per year.The indication for repeated treatment with hyaluronic acid-based drugs is increased pain and severe limitation of function of the affected joint.
Only the attending physician can determine the feasibility of prescribing a particular drug.
On-site treatment
It is rare for arthritis to be treated without the use of topical therapy.Intra-articular use of glucocorticosteroids is used in cases of chronic inflammation of the synovium of the joint and lack of adequate analgesic effect with NSAIDs.During the year, 3-4 injections of glucocorticosteroids into the joint are allowed.The interval between injections is about 90 days.
If there are no contraindications, use compresses with pain relievers.To achieve the desired effect, 10-12 procedures are prescribed.The option of prolonging therapy or repeating courses is not excluded.Additionally, to reduce pain and the prescribed dose of NSAIDs, a variety of pain-relieving ointments, gels or creams are used.
Physical therapy
At all stages of degenerative joint dystrophy, various physical therapy methods can be used.Basic physiotherapy methods help eliminate pain caused by stress in the joints, reduce inflammation and improve the process of restoring cartilage tissue.What physical procedures are used for arthritis:
- Electromagnetic field.
- Magnetic therapy.
- Ultraviolet radiation.
- Electrophoresis.
- Supersonic.
- Heat sensor.
- Infrared laser therapy.
- Balneotherapy.
- Mud application.
Physical therapy can also be used to prevent arthritis.For example, ultrasound therapy, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths prevent pathological changes in articular cartilage.
Therapeutic exercises
The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to restore the function of affected joints, strengthen the musculo-ligamentary system and prevent progression of the disease.Let's consider an approximate set of exercises that can be used for the prevention and treatment of the most common localized arthritic condition - the knee joint:
- Let's get a chair.We stood behind the chair.Slightly bend the left leg at the knee joint.We take a step back with our right foot.Then the foot of this leg moves down.This movement creates tension in the calf muscles.You should stay in this position for 15 seconds.Repeat several times and switch legs.
- We sat down on a chair.We straighten our legs at the knees and keep them straight in front of us.Just holding your foot for about 5–7 seconds is enough.If this is difficult, you can do the exercise by straightening only one leg.Perform 10–12 repetitions.If you feel well and no longer have pain, you can increase the number of approaches.
- We stood with our backs to the wall.Take a small step forward.My back was pressed against the wall.We lower ourselves into a semi-squat position.We try to stay in this position for 5–7 seconds.Then we slowly stood up.At the same time, your back does not leave the wall.Increase the static load (holding a semi-squat position) gradually.
- Regular squats are considered an ideal exercise to develop knee joints.The optimal number of squats depends on the patient's condition and its severity.
- We lie down on the floor.Raise your legs and perform movements reminiscent of riding a bicycle.Perform the exercise for 20–30 seconds.Then rest a bit and approach another.If your fitness allows, increase the time spent performing the exercise and the number of approaches.
At any stage of joint disease that is not worsening, therapeutic exercises are useful to help restore joint function.
Surgical treatment
As clinical practice shows, not all patients can cope with this disease using conservative methods.If standard therapy does not yield the desired results and severe joint damage is observed, leading to disability, surgical treatment is indicated.Many patients with severe deformities of large joints are recommended to undergo arthroscopy.The effectiveness of replacing the affected joint with an artificial joint is more than 70%.Most patients after a colonoscopy experience a significant improvement in quality of life.
Traditional medicine
It is difficult not to notice the fact that in recent years, the popularity of using folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases, including joint diseases, has increased sharply.Today, without much difficulty, you can find a lot of folk recipes for compresses, ointments and tinctures.Let's list the most popular ones:
- compress clay.Mix clay and water in such proportions as to obtain a homogeneous mass.Next, we put it on a small piece of fabric.We put a piece of clay on the affected joint.The duration of the procedure can reach about one and a half hours.You will notice positive results after 5-7 days.
- Cabbage and honey compress.It is especially popular because it is quite simple to make and apply.Before going to bed, take 3-4 cabbage leaves.On the one hand, you need to lubricate them with honey and apply it to the sore joint.To enhance the effectiveness of compression, you can wrap the joint with polyethylene and a warm cloth.It is best to apply it at night.
- Compressed oatmeal.Take a glass of oatmeal and cook for 8 minutes.You will need less water than when cooking normally to get a fairly thick porridge.When finished cooking, let the porridge cool.Next, place the oatmeal on a thick cloth.And the compression is ready for use.It is also recommended to wrap the affected joint with polyethylene and a wool scarf.
- Horseradish compress.Horseradish roots need to be chopped finely.Fill with water and boil for a few minutes.Then we evenly placed horseradish on a natural cloth to apply to the sore joint.The compress is applied for about 2 hours.
- Rubbing oil from celandine.Leaves and stems of medicinal plants should be finely chopped.Take 3 tablespoons of celandine and pour it into a small jar.Pour 200 ml of vegetable oil into it.We insist for 14 days.Then we tense up.This celandine oil can be used as an external treatment three times a day for a month.
- Dandelion scrub.Find a bottle, jar, or any other container made of opaque glass.Fill a glass vase about halfway with dandelion flowers.Then add 400 ml of vodka to this container.You will have to insist for at least a month.Before use, you must filter the liquid.Dandelion tincture is used as a joint rub.Usually, the rubbing procedure is best done before bedtime.
- Take a medicinal bath with herbs.To prepare this bath, you will need medicinal plants such as St.John's wort, oregano, calendula, nettle and burdock.Take 3 tablespoons of each ingredient and soak in hot water for 60 minutes.Then pour the infused liquid into the bath.Take a herbal bath for about 15–20 minutes.
Before using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of joint diseases (elbows, knees, hips), you should definitely consult a doctor.
prevent
If you do not want to undergo long and continuous treatment, proceed with the prevention of arthritis.Some helpful tips will significantly reduce your risk of developing degenerative disorders in your joints:
- Normalize your weight.
- Avoid injury and damage.
- Eat right.
- Stick to optimal movement patterns.
- The most helpful sports for arthritis are swimming, skiing and regular walking.
Your musculoskeletal system will be in excellent shape if you do not ignore the recommendations of medical specialists and have regular medical examinations.