Osteoarthritis is the progressive non-inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage.
Due to degenerative-dystrophic changes, the joint gradually loses its functions and flexion-extension movements become more difficult and then completely impossible.
Joints are movable bone joints. The human body has more than 200 such joints, which provide all kinds of movements of the bony skeleton. Free sliding in them occurs thanks to the smooth surfaces of hyaline cartilage and synovial lubrication.
In osteoarthritis, the hyaline cartilage becomes thinner and gradually collapses, becomes rough and there is no longer enough synovial fluid to allow it to slide freely. This creates friction, which hinders movement in the joint and leads to its progressive destruction.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They affect more than 30% of people between 45 and 65 years of age and more than 65% of people over 65 years of age. The incidence shows a pronounced age dependency.
Most often, the disease affects large joints - the knee (gonarthrosis), the hip (coxarthrosis) and the shoulder. Of the small joints, the joints of the hand, foot and spine are most commonly affected.
In the late stages of the disease, ankylosis (complete immobilization) of the joint occurs. In this case, only surgical treatment is possible – removal and replacement with an endoprosthesis.
In stages 1 - 3 of osteoarthritis, conservative treatment is possible, the aim of which is to slow down and stop the destruction of the joint, gradually restore cartilage tissue, improve functions (mobility), increase range of motion and relieve painSymptoms and inflammation.
In the clinic, these goals are achieved through the integrated use of reflexology, herbal and physiotherapy methods of oriental medicine.
Causes of osteoarthritis
The cause of the disease is that the wear and tear of hyaline cartilage outweighs the process of its regeneration. This means that the articular cartilage is worn down and destroyed faster than it can recover when it is stressed.
This is due to two factors: increased stress and/or slow recovery.
For the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, collagen is required, which is produced in the body with the participation of the liver.
This organ is not only involved in collagen synthesis, which is necessary for the joints, but is also responsible for body heat.
From a medical perspective, the cause of all colds, including osteoarthritis, is a drop in body heat. This can particularly happen due to inadequate liver function.
All osteoarthritis is a degenerative, dystrophic disease. Their development begins with dystrophy, i. e. a lack of tissue due to insufficient blood supply.
In order to constantly regenerate, the articular cartilage needs collagen, a universal building material of connective tissue. This protein substance is synthesized in the body and reaches the joints with the blood.
If the blood supply is disrupted for some reason, the hyaline cartilage lacks collagen. The regeneration process in them slows down. In this case, the most stressed joints - knees, ankles, hips and shoulders - suffer the most. The articular cartilage gradually begins to wear down and break down.
When cartilage is destroyed, its fragments break off and move freely in the joint cavity (the so-called "mice"), causing entrapment and blockages, further restricting movement and increasing pain.
Another cause of the disease can be a collagen deficiency due to insufficient synthesis of this substance in the body. This may be due, for example, to functional insufficiency of the liver, which is actively involved in this synthesis.
The triggering factors for the development of the disease can be:
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet
- heavy physical work, intensive sport,
- trauma, multiple microtraumas,
- Cold exposure
- age-related changes (dehydration) in the body,
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, connective tissue weakness, etc. ).
classification
Osteoarthritis that develops against the background of metabolic disorders is called primary.
Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of inflammatory processes (arthritis, including autoimmune diseases), endocrine diseases or injuries.
Some of the most common forms of the disease have their own names – gonarthrosis (knee joint), coxarthrosis (hip joint), spondyloarthrosis (spine).
If there is additional inflammation, the disease is diagnosed as osteoarthritis.
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
Osteoarthritis in the 1st stage is manifested by periodic pain and a slight narrowing of the joint space.
In stage 2 of the disease, there is a noticeable narrowing of the joint space, limited mobility, the formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and joint deformation.
Osteoarthritis in stage 3 means almost complete disappearance of the joint space, limitation of freedom of movement to a minimum, joint deformation, involvement of periarticular tissues and bones (osteoarthrosis, periarthrosis).
In the 4th stage, complete immobilization (ankylosis) occurs and the joint space disappears completely.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Like many other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteoarthritis develops gradually.
Symptoms may be absent for a long time, although changes in the cartilage tissue, volume and properties of synovial lubrication have already begun.
Symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis are increased fatigue of the joint, mild pain that occurs after physical activity or at the beginning of movements after long-term immobility (the so-called "start-up pain"), after which the joint develops. The area of flexion-extension- and rotational movements are not restricted and there are no difficulties with the movements.
In stage 2, the pain in the joint becomes more intense and lasts longer and occurs even with little stress. A creaking or grinding noise can be heard when moving. Flexion, extension and rotation movements become more difficult and their volume becomes increasingly limited. Stiffness occurs.
In the 3rd stage of osteoarthritis, the joint pain becomes constant. Movements in the joint are carried out with difficulty and their volume is reduced to a minimum. The joint becomes severely deformed due to bone growth and enlargement. If the joints of the legs are affected, severe lameness occurs.
In stages 2-3 of the disease there is usually inflammation with symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased pain and local fever.
Pain in osteoarthritis can worsen with changes in the weather, wetness, cold, at night, when starting to move or during physical activity, as well as when a joint is blocked with a mouse.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of arthrosis is made on the basis of an interview, external examination and hardware methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
During the interview, the doctor examines the medical history, asks the patient about the symptoms, the circumstances of their occurrence and the exacerbation.
At the first appointment in the clinic, the doctor usually asks the patient not only about the symptoms of arthrosis, but also about the type of diet and lifestyle, since in Eastern medicine the human body is viewed as a single system. In this unified system there are internal relationships.
For example, the condition of the joints depends heavily on metabolism, the immune system, the hormonal system and the movement of body fluids, as well as the body mass index.
Modern medicine classifies arthrosis as a cold disease, which develops against the background of a lack of energy in the body, a decrease in heat levels and accumulation of cold. The key factors in this case are poor diet, lack of exercise, exposure to cold and moisture.
During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the size, shape of the joints, mobility and signs of inflammation - swelling, redness, local increase in temperature.
After examining and questioning the patient, the doctor sends him for further examination – X-ray, CT or MRI.
On an x-ray, the doctor sees a narrowing of the joint space, which indicates thinning of the cartilage. The stage of osteoarthritis is determined based on the degree of narrowing.
An x-ray clearly shows osteophytes - growths along the edges of bones that form in osteoarthritis.
X-rays make the bone tissue clearly visible, but only show weakly connecting, soft structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides much more information.
With the help of a tomogram, the doctor can examine the condition of the hyaline cartilage as well as the bursa and the joint capsule in detail and detect joint mice and damage to the meniscus and ligaments.
To examine the blood supply to the joint, angiography with a contrast agent (radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
For stage 4 osteoarthritis, surgical treatment is used, the joint is removed and replaced with an endoprosthesis. In stages 1 – 3 of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out.
- Medication.Drug therapy is used to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. If there is an inflammatory process, hormonal (glucocorticoid) or non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs based on ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. ) are prescribed. Typically, these medications are administered by injection into a joint or intramuscularly. To slow down the process of destruction of articular cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
- Injections into the joint.To reduce friction and improve sliding, hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, whose molecules have the ability to retain moisture. Injections with hyaluronic acid protect the cartilage surfaces from drying out and slow down their destruction.
In case of severe inflammation and swelling, hormonal preparations are injected into the joint cavity. - Operation.The surgical treatment of osteoarthritis consists of replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis. Such interventions are indicated in the 4th stage of the disease with ankylosis (complete immobility).
- Physical therapy.Physical therapy methods such as laser therapy, magnetic field therapy and the administration of medication using electricity (electrophoresis) or ultrasound (phonophoresis) are used to relieve inflammation.
Mud applications, compresses and warming improve local blood circulation, promote healing and restoration of cartilage tissue, and relieve pain. - Other treatments.Exercise therapy (physiotherapy) is prescribed to prevent osteoarthritis and as a supportive treatment method. By regularly performing simple exercises, blood circulation in the joint is improved, its mobility and range of motion are increased.
Hot baths can be used to warm up a painful joint and relieve symptoms. Balneological treatment of arthrosis includes remedies such as mud or radon baths.
It is important!
Chondroprotectors have no influence on the causes of osteoarthritis. These are essentially not therapeutic, but rather prophylactic agents. They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which increase the lubricating effect (joint fluid) and make sliding easier. Reducing friction slows the destruction of cartilage but does not restore it.
In order not only to slow down the development of the disease, but also to reverse it, it is necessary to improve blood supply, activate metabolic processes and tissue regeneration. Chondroprotectors do not do this. Therefore, they can be used as an aid, but not as a replacement for full treatment.
Treatment of osteoarthritis in a specialist clinic
In the clinic, the treatment of arthrosis in stages 1 – 3 is carried out using phyto-, physio- and reflexology methods of oriental medicine. In more than 90% of cases, positive results are achieved in the treatment of this disease.
Complex treatment sessions include several procedures (moxibustion therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, etc. ), which reinforce each other's effects according to the principle of synergy.
The aim of treatment in the clinic is to eliminate the cause of osteoarthritis, this ensures long-term and lasting results.
Joint diseases refer to disorders of the base of Bad Kan - one of the body's three control systems, the balance of which means health and the imbalance of which means disease. In addition to the joints, this foundation is responsible for the lymphatic system, body fluids, the immune system, hormones and metabolism.
An imbalance of Bad Kan usually causes not one, but several diseases at the same time. Therefore, osteoarthritis is almost always accompanied by concomitant illnesses, diseases such as overweight (obesity), chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and/or immune deficiency states, endocrine disorders, hormone-dependent gynecological diseases (in women), etc.
Modern treatments restore balance to the entire Bad Kan base, eliminating the common cause of all these diseases. Therefore, in addition to osteoarthritis, other concomitant diseases also occur.
When treating osteoarthritis, the doctor works not only on the area of the affected joint, but on the entire body to restore balance to the badk-an base. This is the secret of the high effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatment in our clinic.
Tszyu or Moxo therapy.
In this process, bioactive points are heated simultaneously or one after the other with a wormwood cigar or smoldering cones (made of wormwood or coal). Ju therapy is the main treatment for osteoarthritis in alternative medicine. It is used both locally in the area of the affected joint and on the meridians of the body to restore balance to the Bad-Kan base and the entire body.
This procedure has a comprehensive effect: it improves blood circulation, stimulates blood circulation, activates and accelerates the restoration and renewal of connective tissue, improves the properties and normalizes the volume of synovial lubrication, and has anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
Acupuncture.
Inserting medical needles into bioactive points has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic effect and promotes the drainage of inflammatory fluid.
The effect on the bioactive points of the liver meridian helps to improve the functioning of this organ and activate collagen synthesis in the body.
The effect on the bioactive points of the kidneys contributes to improving blood circulation in the lower body in gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other arthrosis of the legs.
Acupressure.
Strong point pressure improves local blood circulation, increases blood circulation, accelerates metabolic processes and tissue regeneration, eliminates muscle tension and cramps. Acupressure on the body's meridians (Ku-nye) increases the body's overall energy level.
Phytotherapy.
For arthrosis, various herbal remedies are prescribed that accelerate metabolism, increase body heat, accelerate recovery processes in the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and improve liver and kidney function.
Aids.
Hirudotherapy, stone therapy, manual therapy and shock wave therapy are used as aids.
Hirudotherapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves blood circulation.
Hot stone therapy increases body heat.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves local blood circulation, accelerates healing and restoration of the joint.
With the help of manual therapy, the doctor relieves the painful joint, increases mobility and mobility.
Diet for osteoarthritis
If you have osteoarthritis, warm, warm meals are recommended.
Warming foods such as fish, lamb, poultry, seafood, pumpkin, liver, nuts as well as garlic, onions, ghee and sesame oil are recommended.
To increase the energy value of food, be sure to consume spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, coriander, asafoetida, etc. ).
Warm dishes with a lot of animal connective tissue are useful, for example rich bone and meat broths.
You should exclude cold foods and chilled drinks and reduce the consumption of cooling foods such as sugar, butter, milk and dairy products, confectionery, citrus fruits, raw vegetables and leafy salads, semolina and legumes.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
To prevent arthrosis, you should avoid factors that provoke an imbalance in the base of Bad Kan - cooling diet, a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), exposure to cold, humidity.
A warming diet, physical activity, especially walks, outdoor games and physiotherapy exercises are useful.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Are vitamin complexes useful for osteoarthritis?
Vitamin complexes affect metabolic processes in general. However, they have no specific, preventive or therapeutic effect on joint diseases. To maintain the overall health and balance of the body, the vitamins contained in food are sufficient, provided proper nutrition is followed.
Is there always inflammation with osteoarthritis?
No not always. Osteoarthritis can be accompanied by arthritis, but inflammation is secondary. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) does not always help with osteoarthritis and is often pointless.
Is heat good for the joints?
Warming up for osteoarthritis promotes blood circulation and is generally beneficial. But only if there is no acute inflammatory process. With arthritis, thermal procedures and warming up are contraindicated.
How long does the treatment of osteoarthritis take?
Typically, treatment in a rehabilitation clinic consists of 10-15 complex sessions, carried out every other day, and lasts 21-30 days. After that there is a break of 6 months. Six months later, an examination is carried out, on the basis of which a decision is made about carrying out a second treatment to improve and consolidate the results.