What kind of joint arthrosis occurs? The most effective remedies for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Recipes for compresses for joints

Sore joint

Painful sensations in the knee are often associated with degenerative processes in the joint that occur with arthrosis under the influence of various factors: congenital defects, acquired diseases and external irritants. Therapy is carried out over a long period and directly depends on the type and degree of the disease.

Depending on the reasons that provoked the deviations, arthrosis can have both sluggish and rapid progress.

Degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint

What does arthrosis of the knee joint look like?

Dystrophic transformations of cartilage, which are manifested by a violation of elasticity and integrity, over time lead to thinning of the cartilage tissue, the formation of roughness and cracks, a decrease in gliding due to a decrease in the volume of synovial fluid, a narrowing of the joint space and the appearance of bone growths. Pathological deformities are accompanied by painful feelings, an unpleasant crunching sound and problems with motor activity. The disease is dynamic in nature and, without proper attention, gets worse and leads to a complete loss of the functional abilities of the organ.

Arthrosis of the knee joint 1st degree

The initial stage is difficult to diagnose, since x-rays are not

initial stage

record significant deviations. When making a diagnosis, doctors rely on symptomatic signs,

Which are observed in the patient:

• stiffness, difficulty moving after rest, especially in the morning, which resolve on their own with activity;
• minor, rare limitation of mobility;
• painless crunching that occurs during sudden strain;
• pain after prolonged or significant overload, which disappears after rest.

Despite the seriousness of the disease, the doctor will tell you how to cure gonarthrosis of the knee joint at the initial stage.

1. From the use of chondroprotectors to restore the structure of cartilage. Well proven Dona, Artra, Chondroitin, and Alflutop.
2. Physiotherapy: treatment ultrasound, microwaves, electrophoresis, thermal applications.
3. Alternative techniques: hirudotherapy, apitherapy, cryotherapy, acupuncture, stone therapy, moxotherapy.
4. Massage and therapeutic exercises.
5. Folk ways which include gelatin treatment, as a natural alternative to chondroprotectors, use compresses from burdock, cabbage, plantain, celandine.

Great importance is given to nutrition during pregnancy, especially if there is excess weight.

Arthrosis c/s 2nd degree

Progress is accompanied by the formation of significant, acute

2nd degree

painful sensations and vivid symptoms:

• excessive crunching with any changes in the position of the leg;
• noticeable decrease in motor functions;
• functional shortening of the limb;
• modifications in the biomechanics of movements;
• increased starting pain;
• constant fatigue and feelings of pressure, heaviness;
• the occurrence of “mechanical pain”, which is provoked by a decrease in shock-absorbing capabilities;
• noticeable deformation;
• the presence of reactive synovitis;
• minor inflammation.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment with Amelotex, Piroxicam, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen allows you to alleviate the patient’s condition by eliminating pain, swelling and inflammation.
2. Vascular medications type T rentala, xatinol, nicotinate, which improve blood flow in the affected area and help eliminate spasms.
3. Local anesthetic ointments ( Menovazin, Nicoflex or Fastum).

During remission, you can use the generally accepted methods described above.

3rd degree

X-ray prints indicate the almost complete disappearance of the gap between the bones, multiple osteophytes, surface damage, destruction of intra-articular parts, abrasion of cartilage, and the appearance of sclerosis.

Stage of deep deformations

Patients have:

• significant damage accompanied by bone growths and fluid accumulation;
• significant limitation of mobility;
• sharp pain both when moving and at rest, which is caused by muscle spasms, the presence of reactive synovitis, and inflammation.

In addition to anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs and vasodilating medications, treatment with intra-articular injections of corticosteroid hormonal drugs, as well as hyularic acid, is possible. When a critical level is reached,

• arthroscopic debridement– remove overgrown fragments;
• osteotomy– cut off and rearrange the damaged bone;
• resection– part of the bone is removed;
• arthroplasty– grind the surface.

4th degree

There is no 4th degree in the medical classification. It actually includes the final stage of the third, which is expressed by absolute immobilization of the leg and disability.

There are no conservative methods for treating advanced variants. In this case, only surgical replacement with an implant will help.

Causal classification and types of arthrosis

Behind the occurrence of arthrosis there are many factors that are closely intertwined. Depending on the origin, a list of species is distinguished.

1. Involutionary. This type occurs due to age-related deterioration in the body, affecting the metabolic rate. As a result, the tissues do not have time to renew themselves, and degeneration begins.
2. Dysplastic. Depends on congenital abnormalities in the formation of the knee, which is compensated by excessive or uneven loads, leading to inevitable violations.
3. Post-traumatic. Joint changes appear after previous injuries and operations. The onset of the disease may be delayed. Arthrosis manifestations can be encountered even 10 years after injury.
4. Metabolic. Occurs with gout, hemochromatosis, chondrocalcinosis.
5. Dishormonal. This type is caused by hormonal imbalances in diabetes, obesity, during menopause, and an imbalance of thyroid hormones and sex hormones.
6. Post-infectious (post-inflammatory). The destruction of articular elements begins under the influence of acute or chronic arthritis, inflammation of autoimmune origin, infections that cause purulent processes.
7. Static. The knees, taking on unbearable pressure, begin to change. The course is affected by overloads associated with sports, work habits, improper distribution of pressure, and excess weight.
8. Ischemic type of arthrosis. Appears as a result of problems with the blood vessels of the lower extremities. Under the influence of varicose veins, obliterating endarteritis, and atherosclerosis, nutritional failure occurs, which entails modification of cartilaginous tissue.
9. Idiopathic. Such a diagnosis is possible when the origin of arthrosis abnormalities is unknown.

Subspecies

Based on the manifestations of pathological changes, they distinguish

Deforming arthrosis (osteorthrosis, gonarthrosis). The disease is chronic and irreversible. Degenerative-dystrophic degenerations are expressed by a whole complex of disorders that tend to progress.

• the occurrence of primary defarthrosis often occurs for unknown reasons; it is associated with age-related changes and hereditary predisposition;
• behind the secondary are injuries, pathologies of the knee, endocrine and metabolic disruptions in the body, and circulatory disorders.

With the disease, there is a close connection between the condition of the joint and a deficiency of chondroitin particles. When chondrocytes are reduced to a minimum, the cartilage begins to thin, crack and become loose. The process worsens over time, which affects the condition of the adjacent bones.

It has three stages of development, which differ on x-rays and are expressed by different symptoms.

• from drug therapy aimed at restoring the structure and functions of cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
• Exercise therapy (physical therapy), which allows you to improve nutrition, restore motor abilities, strengthen muscles and ligaments;
• folk recipes consisting of massages, baths, compresses, rubbing;
• resort healing, including various techniques, including physiotherapy, balneotherapy, alternative methods of recovery.

Patellofemoral. In fact, it does not refer to specific diseases, but is classified as a syndrome. Occurs as a result of previous injuries and increased stress. Painful sensations when femoropatellar arthrosis is observed at the junction of the patella and the adjacent part of the thigh, and is not accompanied by inflammatory reactions. Pain points can be felt along the edges of the patella. Without preventive measures to limit the load on the diseased organ and, if necessary, treat the pain syndrome, patellofemoral arthrosis actually becomes a “zero” degree of arthrosis of the knee joint. In most cases, it is perfectly curable and has no negative consequences.

Inflammatory arthrosis-arthritis. This type of illness comes from a combination Arthritis and Arthrosis. On our own Arthrosis is not inflammatory in nature. With provoking diseases such as rheumatoid and other arthritis, immune pathologies, inflammation of the ligaments after injuries or exacerbation due to infections, the inflammatory process can spread to the cartilage tissue of the joint. This aggravates the situation and accelerates the deformation of the articular elements. In this case, a combination of two different diseases is diagnosed: arthrosis and arthritis.

• with synarthrosis with a fixed bone connection;
• with nonarthrosis with the appearance of a false joint after unsuccessful treatment.

Such variants require non-conservative methods of elimination.

Despite the diversity of causes, types and stages of gonarthrosis of the knee joint, modern medicine can significantly improve the patient’s condition. The main thing is not to miss the moment and start therapy as early as possible. And even in neglected cases, there are many ways to correct the situation and return to a full life.

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that results in the destruction of cartilage inside the joint. After it, the tissues near the joint are regenerated, inflammation occurs, and the ends of the bones change. This disease has different causes.

Development of arthrosis

When a person experiences pain under various loads, and it subsides at rest, he should worry about his health. There is often a crunching sound and it is also difficult to move.

The joint may become deformed if timely treatment is not provided.

Subsequently, there is a restriction of movement, as well as constant pain, and all due to the fact that they are not as elastic as they should be. Small cracks then appear, which can become larger over time. Subsequently, the cartilage tissue is destroyed and the joints no longer work as they should.

The disease can affect not only older people, as is generally believed, but also young people. People who play sports, dance, etc. are especially susceptible.

Arthrosis develops with the following problems:

Symptoms of arthrosis

As the disease progresses, the following symptoms appear:

• when exerting, pain appears, which becomes less in a calm state;
• joint movement is limited;
• a crunch is felt;
• where the functioning of the joint is disrupted, the muscles are tense;
• possible swelling in the affected area;
• movements are constrained.

Basically, the pain changes at different times of the day: sometimes it is acute, sometimes it is muffled. When the disease is in the early stages of development, the patient does not feel any pain at night. When the disease progresses and reaches an advanced stage, the pain continues even at night.

Osteoarthritis develops slowly, so if you do not treat it in the early stages, you can get severe complications over time. You can push the condition of a joint to the point where it stops moving.

Types of arthrosis

In medicine, there are many different types of this disease.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint

With this disease, the cartilage of the shoulder joint and the tissue that is adjacent to it change. This disease mainly appears in older people.

This disease develops due to the following factors:

• congenital pathologies;
• persistent minor shoulder injuries;
• heavy load on hands (builders often suffer from such problems);
• arthritis, which is accompanied by inflammatory processes;
• salts are deposited in the joint itself, and all due to poor metabolism.

It’s even worse if hemiarthrosis occurs, when blood flows into the joint, and all because a vessel bursts. Most often it occurs in the knee.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Gonoarthrosis is arthrosis of the knee joint.

With this disease, the gap between the joints narrows, which leads to rapid destruction of cartilage. The tissue itself gradually begins to change, so treatment should begin when the problem has been identified.

This pathology is accompanied by severe pain.

Gonoarthrosis occurs more often than all other types. Most of the victims are women. It develops due to the following factors:

• the tissue of the joint itself is damaged;
• constant load, which leads to aggravation of the situation;
• minor injuries;
• fractures;
• arthritis.

Basically, with gonoarthrosis, pain begins to appear, which becomes greater as soon as a person receives a large load on the knee.

Very often, with this disease, hemiarthrosis appears, which requires urgent treatment. So it can resolve in other joints, not like in the knee.

Patellofemoral arthrosis

Patellofemoral arthrosis appears due to heavy load on some part of the body. If the disease is not treated promptly, it can develop into arthrosis of the knee joint. Patellofemoral arthrosis is characterized by:

• restricted movements;
• sensations of discomfort either from the inside or from the outside of the knee;
• when the load increases, the kneecap begins to hurt;
• Jumping and running can increase the pain;
• It’s difficult to sit with your legs bent.

Patellofemoral arthrosis must be diagnosed in a hospital. Basically, this pathology is not accompanied by inflammation, but it can develop if the symptoms are ignored.

Uncoarthrosis

Uncoarthrosis appears only in the cervical spine. It occurs due to the fact that the supporting and ligamentous apparatus wears out, after which the bone nodes begin to grow. Bone spurs appear. After the load on them increases, they begin to grow even more. This design puts pressure on the nerve endings, as a result you can feel the following symptoms:

• neck hurts;
• pain appears in the upper half of the chest;
• sometimes the pain goes to the back or arms;
• tingling sensations are felt;
• sometimes there is numbness;
• weakened muscles.

Uncoarthrosis should be treated with conservative methods, since in most cases they cope well with the symptoms.

Pseudoarthrosis

Pseudoarthrosis is a complex disease. It is characterized by the fact that the joint is not located in the place where it should be. It can appear as a result of a fracture, as well as a dislocation, since the two ends of the bone are displaced. Pseudoarthrosis occurs:

• congenital;
• acquired.

Most often, this disease appears on the lower leg, but there have been other places where it occurs. A very rare, but possible, acquired form when pseudarthrosis appears in the fetus inside the womb. This is childhood arthrosis.

Also less common is arthrosis, and it is characterized by a combination of arthrosis and arthritis, and other types of this disease.

So, arthrosis is a serious disease that must be treated immediately. It can occur in different parts of the body. If you do not notice it in time, complications may arise.

To eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the following groups of drugs are used:

• Pain syndrome - analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (ketorol, oxadol), muscle relaxants (milgamma, baclofen);
• Pain in the head - vasodilators (no-spa, papaverine) and nootropics (phenibut);
• Dizziness - drugs that improve microcirculation in brain tissue (trental, cinnarizine);
• Paresthesia (change in sensitivity) - B vitamins (milgamma, neuromultivitis).

Painkillers

The pain that occurs with cervical osteochondrosis is caused by several factors:

• Inflammation in the area of ​​the damaged disc - destroyed disc tissue releases substances that trigger an inflammatory reaction. Blood flow to the affected area increases, swelling and compression of pain receptors occurs.
• Compression of the spinal nerve root - tissue swelling that occurs due to inflammation compresses the nerve trunk, causing a person to feel pain.
• Muscle spasm - a damaged nerve root sends a pathological signal to the neck muscles, causing them to contract. Prolonged tension leads to the accumulation of lactic acid in them, to which muscle receptors react - they send pain impulses to the brain.

To effectively eliminate pain, you must address all the causes of its occurrence. The following drugs are used for this:

• Celecoxib disrupts the production of inflammatory substances, due to which it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Eliminates swelling and pain.
• Baclofen - relaxes spasmodic muscles. The drug acts on inhibitory receptors in the brain and in nerve synapses - places where information is transmitted from one nerve cell to another. Thus, the transmission of pain impulses from the muscles and pathological impulses from the pinched nerve root are inhibited. The muscles relax, the pain disappears.
• Oxadol - affects the perception of pain in the brain. Activates endorphin receptors in the brain, thereby reducing pain sensitivity.

Dizziness with osteochondrosis occurs as a consequence of insufficient blood supply to the brain.

In close proximity to the cervical vertebrae there passes a paired vertebral artery, which carries blood to the brain.

Inflammatory swelling in the spine or a herniated disc compresses the artery, narrowing its lumen.

Blood flow to the brain deteriorates, a person feels dizzy, spots flash before the eyes, and tinnitus occurs.

Numbness in the hands occurs when the nerve root, which is responsible for sensitivity and movement in the upper extremities, is compressed. The nerve impulse from it gets distorted into the brain, so the person feels crawling, tingling and numbness.

Changes in nervous regulation gradually lead to deterioration of blood circulation in the upper extremities. This increases the discomfort, in addition to which muscle weakness and chilliness of the hands appear.

To cope with pathological changes, you should take:

• Mydocalm tablets– contains B vitamins (1 and 6). They are necessary for the restoration of the nerve fiber and the transmission of impulses along it. They stimulate the production of a protective fatty film that covers the nerve from the outside. Thanks to this, nerve sensitivity is restored and hand numbness is reduced.
• Neuromultivit is a multivitamin preparation that also contains B vitamins.
• Trental (pentoxifylline) – has a vasodilating effect and improves blood flow. Trental increases blood flow to the brain and improves microcirculation in its tissues. Dilates blood vessels in the upper extremities, eliminates the feeling of chilliness and numbness in the hands.
• Cinnarizine – improves blood microcirculation in brain tissue. The drug dilates blood vessels and reduces blood viscosity. Eliminates tinnitus, dizziness, and flickering of eyesight.

For headaches

Headache with cervical osteochondrosis has several causes:

• deterioration of blood supply to the brain;
• irritation of the spinal nerve (develops “cervical migraine”);
• disruption of the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity;
• reflection of pain from the cervical spine;
• compression of the sensitive nerve endings that innervate the occipital and temporal parts of the head.

A combination of an anesthetic drug with a vasodilator will effectively eliminate headaches. You can take analgin together with papaverine or no-shpa.

Vinpocetine is a drug for improving cerebral circulation. It dilates blood vessels, improves the absorption of glucose and oxygen by nerve cells. Vinpocetine reduces blood viscosity, thereby improving microcirculation. Protects nervous tissue from the harmful effects of hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

If the pain is of an excruciating bursting nature, accompanied by vomiting, then most likely it is caused by a violation of the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity. To alleviate the condition, the doctor may prescribe a diuretic drug - diacarb.

Diacarb reduces the production of cerebrospinal fluid and at the same time enhances the removal of fluid from the body. Quickly relieves headaches, but you can take it for no more than 5 days.

Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is characterized by pain along the ribs, in the abdomen, and in the region of the heart. They are combined with headache, dizziness, neck and back pain. Severe pain syndrome requires the prescription of potent analgesics:

• ketorol;
• tramadol;
• Nurofen.

If there is severe destruction of the intervertebral discs and an inflammatory reaction, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticoids, for example, prednisolone tablets. The drug has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect due to disruption of the synthesis of certain biologically active substances.

The listed drugs must be combined with tablets for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, so it occurs with periods of exacerbation and remission.

During an exacerbation, a person experiences severe pain, to eliminate which the doctor prescribes analgesics, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Most of them should not be taken for a long time as they cause side effects.

During remission (absence or minimal manifestations of the disease), it is recommended to take tablets that improve blood supply to the brain, B vitamins, nootropics (drugs to improve brain activity), and chondroprotectors.

Damage to the cervical spine often has a pronounced negative impact on a person’s psyche and mood. There are several reasons for this: malnutrition of the brain, changes in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, constant headache.

Mild herbal preparations can be prescribed: valerian tablets, novopassit, afobazole. In severe cases, they resort to the anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine. It reduces the excitability of the cerebral cortex and affects the exchange of neurotransmitters (substances that are responsible for transmitting information between cells). Thanks to this, carbamazepine eliminates irritability, anxiety, and depression.

Brain hypoxia can lead to disorders of thinking and memory. A person notices that it is more difficult for him to concentrate on work, fatigue sets in faster, and habitual mental operations are not possible. Drugs from the group of nootropics can cope with these phenomena.

Nootropics protect cortical neurons from the harmful effects of hypoxia and normalize their metabolism. They improve mental functions, memory, reduce anxiety and depression. Representatives of this group are glycine, phenibut, and avifen.

In any case, the selection of a treatment regimen should be carried out by a specialist - only he is able to take into account all parts of the pathological process and prescribe the most suitable drugs.

The cervical spine consists of seven segments, between which discs are located. The neck is the most vulnerable and mobile part of the spine, which bears most of the load: turning the head, bending, static postures.

The muscles supporting this section are the weakest, and this is precisely the first reason for the appearance of osteochondrosis. It is also worth noting the fact that most people are engaged in sedentary work, which negatively affects the spine.

Doctors diagnose four stages of osteochondrosis, each of which indicates the degree of damage to the discs.

Kinesiology

Anti-inflammatory drugs

With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a person suffers from pain in the back, in the area of ​​the heart, stomach, and along the ribs. It is often painful for a person to take a deep breath or lie on one side. To help cope with the symptoms of the disease:

• diclofenac, dolobid, meloxicam;
• sirdalud, melliktin;
• ketorol, analgin;
• pentoxifylline;
• traumeel

With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, the patient is bothered by pain in the lower back with radiation to the perineum and thigh, lumbago, difficulty urinating and defecating.

The following tablets will help:

• diclofenac, lornoxicam, meloxicam;
• mydocalm, sirdalud;
• milgamma and B vitamins;
• ketorol;
• pentoxifylline, aminophylline.

Effective remedies for annoying osteochondrosis can be prepared at home:

1. The infusion of the string should be prepared according to the following recipe: take a spoonful of herbs and add boiling water. Wait 4 hours, strain and take 0.5 cups.
2. A decoction of string is easy to prepare. To do this, you need to purchase this herb at the pharmacy and pour boiling water over a tablespoon of dry leaves - 2 cups. Set on low heat, cook for 3 minutes. Strain the broth and take 1/3 cup 3 times throughout the day.

Among the means for external treatment of the disease, there are also the most effective:

1. Adam's root tincture involves using the root itself - 200 g, vodka - 0.5 l. Grate the product, add vodka, and place in a dark place for 5 days. The finished product is used to rub the affected cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. This treatment provides deep heating, affecting the nerve endings.
2. An ointment for rubbing the cervical, thoracic or lumbar region should contain the following herbs: knotweed root, St. John's wort, mint, pine buds, celandine, eucalyptus leaf. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions and poured with 100 ml of boiling water. After boiling, add melted internal pork fat to the broth. Cool the finished ointment and put it in the refrigerator.
3. Another effective remedy in the fight against osteochondrosis is an ointment made from herbs such as marshmallow root, lavender, yarrow, horsetail, and dandelion root. All ingredients are taken equally and poured with boiling water; after boiling, add melted internal fat.
4. To obtain this ointment for the treatment of cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis, you need to prepare the following herbs: burdock root, mint, plantain leaf, pine buds, chamomile flowers, tricolor violet herb. Further preparation is similar to the previous recipe.

A group of these drugs is intended to reduce pain, which is almost always present with osteochondrosis. Medicines also help remove swelling and improve blood circulation in problem areas.

Normal blood circulation is a very important point in the treatment of the spine. Taking medications allows you to improve the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, which helps to relieve the acute period more quickly.

1. Eufillin. This drug has a wide range of effects. Being primarily a bronchodilator, it also improves blood circulation in the peripheral circle, thereby dilating the blood vessels of the muscles of the body and brain. The drug is also used in hardware therapy for local effects on the spine.
2. Pentoxifylline. It has a local effect, dilating blood vessels in the problem area of ​​the body, improving peripheral blood circulation.
3. Vinpocetine. Prescribed in the acute period of cervical osteochondrosis, in case of impaired blood circulation in the brain, in case of migraine-like pain and other negative manifestations of the disease. It also has neuroprotective and antihypoxic effects.

Muscle relaxants

This group of drugs allows you to quickly relieve muscle-tonic syndrome, which helps improve blood circulation, relieve pain and swelling.

1. Mydocalm. This drug has a selective effect on the body, relieving muscle spasm and tension, but without inhibiting nerve impulses for the normal functioning of the muscular skeleton. It is well tolerated, improves blood circulation and has an analgesic effect. Contraindicated if you are allergic to lidocaine and tolperisone.
2. Tizanidine. This drug effectively relieves muscle spasms and helps increase strength during movement. Does not inhibit impulse transmission. Relieves muscle spasticity, reduces pain when moving. Side effects: drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and kidney disease.

Blockades

When a hernia or protrusion appears that puts pressure on the nerve roots, causing pain and other symptoms, blockades are used.

Blockades are introduced into various locations: into a pinched nerve, near a root, into the deep layers of muscles near the spine or under the skin. For blockades, Novocaine, Lidocaine or the hormone Diprospan are used. In most cases, blockades immediately relieve pain, and hormonal injections additionally neutralize swelling. Treatment with blockades is carried out 4-5 times at equal intervals.

B vitamins are always included in the treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis. This is due to the fact that the active substances help reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles, and suppress negative neurological symptoms.

1. Neurovitan.
2. Milgamma.
3. Pentovit.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors are drugs that, over time, restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue that makes up the intervertebral discs. There are several types of drugs according to the method of use:

1. Tablets and capsules.
2. Injections.
3. Ointments.

The most popular include Dona, Structum, Alflutop.

Anti-inflammatory tablets play a very important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis, since this disease is accompanied by the destruction of bone tissue and intervertebral ligaments and joints, which is accompanied by a strong inflammatory process and tissue swelling.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acting on various substances, suppress pain sensitivity. This group of drugs not only relieves pain, but also reduces fever, relieves inflammation and swelling.

Among the most popular anti-inflammatory tablets for osteochondrosis, it is worth highlighting:

1. Diclofenac.
2. Voltaren.
3. Aspirin.
4. Butadion.
5. Indomethacin.
6. Nimesulide.
7. Ketoprofen.

Diclofenac

A popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that contains the active component diclofenac sodium. It not only has an anti-inflammatory effect, but also relieves pain and fever.

The dosage is prescribed by the attending physician, but adult patients usually take 25-50 mg two to three times every 24 hours. Do not chew the tablets and take them with meals. Once a therapeutic effect is achieved, the dose should be gradually reduced. The maintenance dosage is 50 mg per 24 hours.

READ ALSO: Violation of venous outflow in cervical osteochondrosis

Patients with a high risk of developing gastric bleeding, erosions and ulcers, aspirin-induced asthma, hematopoietic disorders, hemophilia, or intolerance to diclofenac are prohibited from taking the drug. It is not used for the treatment of pregnant women, children (up to six years of age), and women who are breastfeeding.

In some cases, use may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice, vomiting, liver necrosis, hepatitis, colitis, loss of appetite, cirrhosis, headaches, drowsiness, irritation, fear, tinnitus, diplopia, scotoma.

Voltaren

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on diclofenac sodium. It has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects.

The dosage is individual, but doctors recommend taking the minimum effective dose. The standard dose is 100-150 mg per 24 hours. The tablets should be swallowed and washed down with plenty of liquid.

Patients with stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, bronchial asthma, renal or liver failure, coronary artery bypass surgery, or intolerance to diclofenac are prohibited from taking the drug. Not prescribed for the treatment of pregnant women.

In some cases, use may be accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, colitis, gastritis, vertigo, diplopia, headaches, cramps, and allergies.

Aspirin

A popular remedy that is taken for osteochondrosis to relieve inflammation. The medicine contains acetylsalicylic acid. It has an antipyretic and analgesic effect. Inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, which take part in the synthesis of protaglandins.

The most effective drugs

The effect of medicinal substances on the body is purely individual, so the same pills will have different effects on different people. There is no drug that is equally effective for every person.

The most effective drugs are those that affect the cause of the disease. In the case of osteochondrosis, these are tablets that reduce the rate of destruction of intervertebral discs. These include drugs that improve the nutrition of vertebral joints (pentoxifylline, aminophylline) and vitamin-mineral complexes.

Osteochondrosis cannot be overcome with drug therapy alone. Treatment must include rational physical activity, massage and various methods of physiotherapy.

For those people who want to forget about the unpleasant manifestations of osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic region, it is necessary to begin performing exercises that strengthen and give flexibility to the spine. While in a sitting position, you need to monitor your posture all the time and sleep on a hard mattress.

If you use a soft bed to sleep, the intervertebral discs are warmed, as a result of which they become easily shifted. Every day you should strengthen the muscles of the cervical, lumbar and thoracic back, and avoid a monotonous position of the spine.

For those who want to avoid physical suffering, you can use the following folk remedy for cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Take a regular rolling pin for rolling out the dough in your right hand.
2. Carefully and slowly, tap her on the right side of her shoulder, shoulder blade, and spine.
3. Perform all the steps in the same way, but with the left side.
4. You can perform this exercise at home, for example, while watching TV. Regular exercise will help you achieve maximum effect and eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis.

Using the same rolling pin, you can do another effective exercise:

1. Take a lying position on the floor.
2. Roll the rolling pin on your back for about 15–20 minutes.
3. It will be difficult to repeat the procedure the next day due to pain, but this is how it should be.

A rational combination of medications will best help with cervical osteochondrosis. That is, each of them must influence some link in the pathological process, thus enhancing the effect of each other.

An example of a rational treatment regimen:

• celecoxib – eliminates inflammation and relieves pain;
• baclofen – will relieve muscle spasms, thereby enhancing the analgesic effect;
• trental – improves blood circulation in the brain;
• milgamma - will accelerate the recovery of an unequal root;
• arthra - restores tissue of the intervertebral disc.

Medicines that cure osteochondrosis forever have not yet been invented, but there are medicines that stop pathological processes, restore previous activity, the joy of movement, and relieve pain.

The patient's health condition will begin to improve rapidly if the medications are chosen correctly. Tablets for osteochondrosis are the most effective, helping to neutralize spasms and relax muscle tissue.

Maintenance therapy uses antispasmodics and muscle relaxants. What pills to take for osteochondrosis are prescribed by a specialist after an examination. Drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are available in several formats; choose the one that is more convenient to use: injection, ointment, tablets.

Mydocalm is a drug whose effect reduces muscle spasms in the spinal and vertebral regions and has an analgesic effect. Available in the form of injections and tablets. The remedy for osteochondrosis does not cause muscle weakness and there is no sedative effect.

Sirdalud - dosed at 0.006 g per day, with use the volume increases to 0.01 g per day. The appointment time is calculated based on pain and muscle spasms;

Baclofen is a rarely prescribed drug. Dose: 0.005 g three times a day. The amount of medication is analyzed over time, increasing to 0.03-0.075 g for an adult. The time of use is prescribed by the doctor, based on the symptoms expressed. The drug is withdrawn gradually.

Katadolon is a drug that should be discussed separately. These tablets for osteochondrosis have a specific non-narcotic analgesic effect. The medicine has an effect, activates the K channels of neurons, acts on the central system, relieves pain in the muscles of the spinal region, because

It is used in monotherapy and as a medicine for osteochondrosis in case of contraindication to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drug is prohibited for car drivers and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home? The answer is simple - do physical therapy every day.

Before going further, I’ll tell you when you can do exercise therapy. In the acute phase of osteochondrosis, physical therapy is contraindicated. The ideal time to start performing a set of exercises is immediately after pain and inflammation are eliminated, but not before.

Advantages of exercise therapy:

• improving the condition of the muscle corset;
• pain reduction;
• restoration of normal neck movement;
• reduction of muscle spasms;
• reduction of dizziness attacks;
• significant improvement in blood microcirculation in the cervical region;
• restoration of vertebral mobility.

Sounds good, doesn't it? What's the catch? The point is that you can’t skip classes, otherwise you won’t see the benefit.

Doing the exercises is not at all difficult, and the benefits are endless. The main thing is to do gymnastics regularly, or even better, every day, throughout your life. I assure you - there will be much less back problems.

Excellent article on the topic: Top 22 effective sets of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

Before you start reading the exercises, it is strongly recommended to remember the following rules:

1. The pace is smooth, calm, without sudden movements. Otherwise, the risk of injury increases.
2. Jerks must be avoided, otherwise dizziness and darkening of the eyes may occur.
3. If you have acute pain in the neck, exercises are prohibited.
4. The intensity of exercise should be increased gradually.
5. It is advisable to perform a set of exercises every day at the same time. If desired, you can perform the exercises 2-3 times a day.

Anti-inflammatory tablets for osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs with the following pathological manifestations:

• backache;
• headache;
• disturbance of sensitivity (goosebumps, numbness of the skin);
• pain in the limbs;
• dizziness.

The pain syndrome is most pronounced during an exacerbation of the disease; during the lull period, the pain is either absent or has a weak aching character.

It can radiate to the leg, arm, and simulate heart and stomach diseases. The pain spreads along the affected nerve fiber. To eliminate pain, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and muscle relaxants.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often leads to compression of the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain. As a result, headaches and dizziness occur due to insufficient oxygen supply to the nerve cells. To treat cerebral ischemia, vasodilators and antispasmodics are prescribed.

In case of paresthesia (impaired skin sensitivity) in the form of goosebumps, numbness, tingling, the doctor prescribes B vitamins.

One of the mechanisms of pain in osteochondrosis is an inflammatory reaction at the site of a damaged disc and a pinched nerve root. Swelling develops around the tissues, which leads to compression of the pain receptors in them.

Anti-inflammatory drugs interrupt the development of pathological inflammation, thereby eliminating pain.

For osteochondrosis use:

• Diclofenac - prevents the development of an inflammatory reaction. The medicine is drunk either during a meal or immediately after it. It should be swallowed whole and washed down with a small amount of water. Diclofenac provokes the formation of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, so omeprazole is prescribed along with it.
• Dolobid – has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, the analgesic effect develops within an hour after administration.
• Lornoxicam - has an additional analgesic effect by disrupting the formation of pain impulses and weakening their perception in the brain. Copes well with chronic pain syndrome.
• Meloxicam does not provoke the formation of ulcerative defects on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, so it is not contraindicated for stomach ulcers.
• Ibuprofen has a moderate anti-inflammatory effect, but it is suitable for long-term treatment as it rarely causes side effects.
• Naproxen - the anti-inflammatory effect develops over a month and is long-lasting and persistent. It rarely causes adverse reactions and additionally inhibits the process of degeneration (destruction) of cartilage tissue.

In our age of high technology, scientists around the world are alarmed that many diseases traditionally considered age-related are increasingly occurring in young people and even children. One of these diseases is arthrosis. This is what we will talk about in this article.

Let's look at various types of arthrosis, the reasons for its occurrence, let's talk about symptoms of arthrosis. Let's talk about treatment methods - treatment of arthrosis, drugs used, prevention of this disease - prevention of arthrosis. Despite the fact that arthrosis is considered disease marker of osteoporosis, medicine is still only looking for a connection between these diseases. However And They are definitely concomitant diseases caused by metabolic disorders. Not all people with arthrosis develop osteoporosis, and not all people with osteoporosis are diagnosed with arthrosis. Although no one has conducted very long and scrupulous research on this topic.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 10–15% of the world's population suffers from arthrosis. This disease is equally common in both men and women. Statistics show that at a young age, this disease is more common in the stronger sex, and in old age, arthrosis is more common in women. In addition, I would like to note that under the age of 45, approximately 2% of the population suffers from arthrosis; between the ages of 45 and 65, this disease occurs in approximately 30%; among people over 65 years of age, arthrosis can be found in 70–85%.

So what is the disease arthrosis?

Arthrosis is a chronic disease of the joints, characterized by dystrophic changes in cartilage tissue not associated with a visible inflammatory process. However, we should not forget that cartilage tissue is part of our skeleton, and therefore there is definitely a connection with the skeletal system. In short, in the treatment of arthrosis, conservative medicine uses pain relief, joint nutrition and physiotherapy to increase blood circulation.

TREATMENT OF ARTHROSIS

Arthrosis is an age-related disease in which cartilage tissue is destroyed.
The main difference from arthritis is the absence of inflammation.
Arthrosis is marker disease. Diseases of joints, connective tissue and bones have a direct relationship with each other, as they are a consequence of metabolic disorders.

CHONDROPROTETORS:

METHODS OF TREATING ARTHRITIS, DRUGS FOR ARTHROSIS:

• NON-STEROID ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS prescribed as antibacterial and antiviral agents.
• LOCAL ANALGESICS used to relieve pain.
• OPERATIVE INTERVENTION It is used only in cases of complete destruction of the joints, as well as in cases where drug treatment does not bring results. The removed joint is replaced with a prosthesis.
• SYNTHETIC CHONDROPROTETORS for the restoration of cartilage tissue - based on hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate.
• - based on plants that contain substances that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
• - based on natural hormone and calcium donor substances. In Russia, natural osteoprotectors are represented by the only line “” based on drone homogenate - a donor of testosterone prohormones and hormones (estrogen, estradiol, etc.), which normalize the function of the thyroid gland, normalizing metabolism. Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is an important aspect of arthrosis treatment. Patients need to restore mineral metabolism in the body.
• Exercise therapy- gymnastics will improve the structure of cartilage tissue, as well as improve blood supply to the joints. Strengthening the muscle corset through physical therapy will help avoid joint instability, and the load should not be excessive.

There are a lot of synthetic drugs, but if a person understands the balance of harm and benefit of synthetic drugs, he will definitely choose natural ones, such as, for example, for nourishing joints "Osteomed" and to increase blood circulation - "Dandelion P." But we will tell you about everything that is used in modern medicine.

Types of arthrosis

The cause of arthrosis is a violation of metabolic processes, as a result of which the cartilage tissue of the joint gradually begins to lose elasticity. This may be due to lack or loss proteoglycon, substances that precisely provide elasticity of joint cartilage tissue. There are several classifications of this disease, based on which there are different .

Arthrosis is conventionally divided into 2 groups:

• Primary arthrosis - occurs for no apparent reason, affects the healthy cartilage tissue of the joints, this process usually affects several joints at once (for example, knee and elbow joints, etc.). This type of disease most often occurs in people over 45 years of age. One of the causes of primary arthrosis is an imbalance in the processes of synthesis and destruction in cartilage tissue, as well as chondrocyte dysfunction. Destructive processes begin to dominate in cartilage tissue.
• Secondary arthrosis - most often occurs due to significant changes in metabolic processes, with disturbances in blood supply, salt metabolism and impaired lymph outflow. The cause of secondary arthrosis can also be a hormonal imbalance, leading to disruption of the absorption of substances needed by the joint tissues. This type of disease mainly affects older women.

Joint damage by arthrosis is divided into 3 degrees:

• 1st degree. The disease is practically asymptomatic. Painful sensations rarely occur, but pathological changes already occur at this stage of the disease. The composition of the synovial fluid in the joint changes, muscle tone weakens.
• Stage 2 of the disease is characterized by the beginning of destruction of articular tissues, pathological bone growths (osteophytes) appear. Pain increases. The affected joints begin to crack when moving. Muscle functions are gradually impaired.
• 3rd degree arthrosis. Thinning of the cartilage tissue of the joint occurs, and widespread destruction of articular tissue is noted. Due to pathological changes, the ligaments are shortened. Joint mobility is impaired. Violations occur in joint nutrition and periarticular tissues.

The disease occurs with periodic exacerbations alternating periods of remission.

According to localization, the following are distinguished: types of arthrosis: knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, cervical, osteoarthritis of the fingers, spondyloarthrosis. Let's take a closer look at each type of disease.

Knee arthrosis

Knee arthrosis (gonarthrosis) is a chronic disease characterized by pathological changes with deformation and destruction of the cartilage tissue of the knee joints. The disease is accompanied by persistent pain. This disease is more common in women of mature age (40 - 45 years).

At a younger age, this disease most often occurs due to injury. Such injuries include: fractures, dislocations, and meniscus injuries. If the knee joint is damaged, then motor activity of the limb (flexion - extension) becomes impossible. Treatment of an injury involves fixing it in one position, which often impairs blood circulation. Poor circulation in a joint often leads to post-traumatic arthrosis of the knee joint.

Among the injuries that provoke the development of arthrosis, the leading position is occupied by the meniscus. A meniscus injury causes the knee to “lock up.” As statistics show, in 9 cases out of 10, removal of the meniscus leads to knee arthrosis.

Another reason for the occurrence knee arthrosis is excessive physical activity. A person in pursuit of good physical shape often neglects the advice of specialists. And at the age of 40 he tries to train and perform the same loads as he did at 20. Most often this leads to injuries (fractures, dislocations, sprains) or microtraumas. Note that, despite the fact that microtraumas may not manifest themselves in any way, they cause enormous harm to the joints. Therefore, physical activity in adulthood should be moderate. According to experts, running and squats cause the greatest harm to joints; they are recommended to be replaced with other exercises (more gentle).

Specialists are one of the main reasons for the development knee arthrosis name other joint diseases, primarily (rheumatoid, psoriatic, reactive).

Also at risk for knee arthritis are people who are overweight and have diseases associated with metabolic disorders (diabetes).

Symptoms of knee arthrosis

Perhaps the very first symptom of knee arthrosis What the patient pays attention to is pain. The pain does not occur suddenly; in the initial phase of the disease it is mild and occurs mainly against the background of physical activity. This condition can last from several months to several years until an exacerbation occurs. When the disease progresses to stage 2, pain appears much more often; now pain can appear not only during physical activity, but even at rest.

One more symptom of knee arthrosis is a knee deformity. It develops in later stages of the disease. The knee retains its shape but swells.

The next symptom of arthrosis of the knee joint is synovitis. Synovitis is the accumulation of synovial fluid in the joint cavity. When there is too much of it, a so-called Baker's cyst appears - an elastic formation on the back wall of the joint. It can be noticed when the leg is in an extended state. Baker's cyst is highly treatable and can be removed without surgery.

A characteristic symptom of grade 2 and 3 arthrosis is joint crunch. The crunching of a joint during arthrosis should not be confused with the sounds that occur in a healthy joint during flexion and extension. The crunching of the joint with knee arthrosis is sharp and accompanied by pain.

In the later stages of the disease, another characteristic symptom appears - limited motor ability of the joint. The patient cannot fully bend or straighten the leg (the leg bends only at an angle of 90 degrees). Simultaneously with this process, joint deformation develops. In the later stages of the disease it is clearly visible. At stage 3 of the disease, the joint can be completely immobilized.

Diagnosis of knee arthrosis

To establish and clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis. For diagnosis of knee arthrosis X-ray examination or magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint is used. This diagnosis helps determine the cause of joint pain – injury or arthrosis. The diagnosis of arthrosis is made if the diagnosis shows:

• Dystrophy or absence of cartilage tissue in the joint;
• Small gap between joint and capsule.

I would like to note that magnetic resonance imaging very accurately shows the condition of the cartilage and determines the size of the interarticular space.

Treatment of knee arthrosis

Treatment of knee arthrosis must be comprehensive. It usually includes conservative and restorative treatment. In some cases for treatment of knee arthrosis surgical treatment is used.

Conservative treatment includes ensuring rest and minimizing physical activity. In addition, painkillers are prescribed (non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen, Indometacin); in case of severe pain, painkiller injections are made directly into the joint. In the later stages of the disease, intra-articular injections of fluid for lubricating joints, Giastat, may be prescribed. (Giastat) (drug – implant synovial fluid).

Another important step in the treatment of gonarthrosis is physiotherapy (SWT (shock wave therapy), electromyostimulation, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, radiofrequency therapy).

Restorative treatment helps avoid permanent loss of joint mobility. The main method of restorative treatment of knee arthrosis is. Exercises begin to be carried out under the supervision of a rehabilitation specialist as soon as the exacerbation passes (pain sensations decrease).

During rehabilitation treatment, the patient is prescribed drugs - chondroprotectors (“Chondroitin sulfate” (Chondroitini sulfas), “Rumalon”, “Dandelion P”), which help replace the natural components of cartilage tissue. Note that arthrosis of the knee joint in the third stage cannot be cured with chondroprotectors.

Late stages knee arthrosis suggest surgery. The patient's joint, affected by arthrosis, is replaced with an endoprosthesis. But we must remember that in old age the endoprosthesis takes root very slowly, and in addition, after the operation, the patient may experience pain for a year. After such an operation, the patient requires long-term rehabilitation, mechanotherapy, and physical therapy.

If the patient refuses surgery, he is given maintenance therapy to relieve pain and maintain the motor ability of the joint.

Ankle arthrosis

The ankle joint is one of the most loaded and active joints of the musculoskeletal system, and problems with it can arise at any age (injuries, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, circulatory disorders). Ankle arthrosis, after all, belongs to the category of degenerative joint diseases. To be precise, arthrosis of the ankle joint is a disease characterized by degenerative processes in the cartilage tissue of the joint. As the disease progresses, the process of degeneration (destruction) becomes irreversible.

Experts distinguish 3 types ankle arthrosis:

• Spicy ankle arthrosis
• Post-traumatic ankle arthrosis
• Deforming ankle arthrosis.

Currently, many doctors around the world are studying this disease, and a large number of studies have been conducted. From the data obtained it follows that among 100 examined patients, 6 were diagnosed with ankle arthrosis.

More often than others, this disease affects older people (approximately 80% of the number of patients with ankle arthrosis). Both men and women are equally susceptible to this type of disease. Among the main reasons contributing to the occurrence of arthrosis of the ankle joint are:

• Excessive physical stress on the legs;
• Excess weight;
• Some sports (especially strength sports, and in athletics various types of jumps);
• Injuries (bruise, fall, dislocation);
• Uncomfortable shoes;
• Elderly age;
• Violation of metabolic processes;
• Presence of other diseases (arthritis, tuberculosis, etc.);
• Heredity.

Like other types of arthrosis, arthrosis of the ankle joints is divided into 3 degrees. Grades 1 and 2 ankle arthrosis are treated, and after treatment the joints regain mobility. But if the disease has progressed to stage 3, an irreversible process of joint deformation begins. As a result, this course of the disease often leads to disability.

As already mentioned, the disease arthrosis of the ankle joint has 3 degrees. Depending on the stage of the disease, new symptoms appear. Symptoms of ankle arthrosis 1st degree:

• Increased fatigue;
• The appearance of painful sensations in the legs during sleep.

In the initial stage of the disease, there are no pronounced symptoms. There are difficulties in diagnosing grade 1 arthrosis due to the fact that pathological changes in the joint are still practically invisible.

When the disease progresses and becomes Stage 2, characteristic symptoms appear things to pay attention to:

• The appearance of severe pain (pain is present even at rest)
• It is possible to develop inflammatory processes in the periarticular tissues, hyperemia of the skin over the joint, and an increase in body temperature.
• The appearance of swelling;
• Decreased activity and mobility of the legs;
• Meteorological dependence appears (legs begin to hurt more when the weather changes).

If the disease is not detected at this stage, it can lead to serious consequences.

When ankle arthrosis goes into grade 3, pain becomes constant. Discomfort and excruciating pain syndrome are associated with the fact that cartilage tissue begins to degenerate into bone(ossification of cartilage occurs). During movement, a characteristic crunching sound occurs. It is at stage 3 ankle arthrosis occurs . Self-medication and reluctance to consult a specialist, in this situation, lead to complete immobilization of the joint and, as a result, to disability.

Diagnosis of ankle arthrosis

Diagnosis of this type of disease is based on a patient interview, examination and the results of an x-ray examination. X-ray allows you to see joint space narrowing, the appearance of bone growths (osteophytes). When the disease is in the later stages, cyst-like formations may appear, as well as osteosclerosis of the subchondral bone zone. To make a more accurate diagnosis, sometimes additional magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle joint is required.

Treatment of ankle arthrosis

All joint diseases require quite a long treatment, which often has its own difficulties. Arthrosis of the ankle joint is no exception. I would like to immediately note that successful treatment of ankle arthrosis may be only at the initial stage of the disease; at later stages, treatment is reduced to stopping the process of destruction of the cartilage tissue of the joint and smoothing out the symptoms of the disease.

Of course, when arthrosis has reached the second stage, it cannot be completely cured, but timely treatment can guarantee a fairly long remission, and, most importantly, prevent the disease from progressing and stop its development.

When arthrosis of the ankle joint reaches stage 3, 2 treatment options are possible:

1. Surgical intervention (endoprosthetics, i.e. joint replacement).
2. Supportive conservative treatment. This treatment is aimed at maintaining the motor function of the joint and pain relief.

In general, the treatment of ankle arthrosis, as well as other types of arthrosis, is divided into 2 stages: conservative and restorative

During the period of exacerbation, conservative treatment is used. When the patient is bothered by severe pain, drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids are used: Hydrocortisone, Kenalog, Diprospan. It must be said that drugs in this group give a fairly quick positive effect, but they have a large number of side effects actions and can even cause such a serious disease as . The fact is that glucocorticosteroids promote destruction of bone tissue.

Note that non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are practically not used in the treatment of arthrosis, the only exception being unbearable chronic pain syndrome; in this situation, drugs of this group are prescribed in a minimum course (3-5 days) to relieve pain. During an exacerbation, the diseased joint is fixed with an elastic bandage.

Restoration of cartilage tissue

During the period of remission, the goal of treatment is to restore cartilage tissue and joint mobility. For these purposes, experts prescribe chondroprotective drugs that contain glucosamine and chondroitin: Chondroitin sulfate, Alflutop, Rumalon, Structum, Chondrolonum ), science has long known that dandelion is a natural chondroprotector, therefore, during this period, dandelion preparations can be used to restore joint cartilage tissue, for example: "Dandelion P".

In order to make the treatment of ankle arthrosis more effective, drugs are prescribed that improve blood circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels: Pentoxyphyllinum, Trental, Detralex, Troxevasin ointment, a natural drug "Dandelion P".

To restore joint mobility and improve the properties of synovial fluid, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid preparations, such as Ostenil, Fermahtron, can be prescribed.

Let us recall that conservative drug treatment is effective only in stages 1 and 2 of arthrosis; in the 3rd stage it comes down to supportive and analgesic therapy.

It plays an important role in the treatment of ankle arthrosis. The following are used in the treatment of the disease: laser therapy, magnetic therapy, thermal therapy (mud and paraffin treatment). Physical therapy is of great benefit in restoring joint mobility.

Shoulder arthrosis

Disease shoulder arthrosis the most susceptible are people whose work involves increased physical activity, for example athletes, builders.

One of the most common causes of this type of arthrosis is shoulder injuries: dislocation, bruise, sprain. In addition, infectious and inflammatory processes, as well as hereditary predisposition, contribute to the development of the disease.

It must be said that, unlike other types of arthrosis, arthrosis of the shoulder joint mainly affects relatively young people (35 - 45 years old). This disease can be called an occupational disease of people involved in the following sports: tennis, volleyball, discus or javelin throwing.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint occurs when a metabolic disorder occurs in the body, which leads to a deficiency of collagen and microelements needed by the body. These processes provoke thinning hyaline cartilage. Mechanical damage to the cartilage tissue occurs, as a result it begins to be replaced by salt growths - osteophytes. Soon, pathological changes begin to affect not only the cartilage tissue, but also other tissues of the joint: the subchondral bone and capsule become compacted, the amount of synovial fluid decreases, the ligaments and muscles of the joint become deformed (they shorten), contractures occur, and the joint space narrows.

Symptoms of shoulder arthrosis

As in other types of arthrosis, there are 3 stages during shoulder arthrosis. Depending on the stage of the disease, manifestations and symptoms of shoulder arthrosis.

Primary, first stage of arthrosis of the shoulder joint characterized by the following symptoms:

• Pain in the shoulder, limiting movement of the shoulder joint;
• The pain appears after physical activity and disappears when the joint is at rest.

When arthrosis of the shoulder joint progresses and enters the second stage, symptoms such as:

• Frequent exacerbations, characterized not only by pain, but by a significant limitation of joint mobility.
• When the attack ends, the pain decreases (pain occurs only with certain movements);
• Another symptom is a characteristic crunch in the joint during movement.

If the disease is advanced and progresses to stage 3, exacerbations occur more and more often and the pain no longer goes away even at rest and at night, remissions occur less and less often and become shorter. In addition, the following symptoms appear:

• Joint deformities become visually visible (bone protrusion at the junction of the shoulder and shoulder blade)
• Movements are so limited that the patient cannot raise his arm or move it to the side.

Treatment of shoulder arthrosis

Treatment of shoulder arthrosis it is necessary to start as early as possible, then it will be most effective. Treatment methods for this type of arthrosis can be divided into preventive, conservative and surgical.

Preventative treatment Shoulder arthrosis is necessary for people who are at risk for this disease (hereditary predisposition, professional physical activity (athletes, builders, etc.)). It includes taking chondroprotectors (Osteomed), as well as eating foods rich in collagen (jelly, various jellied dishes, seafood, turkey meat).

Conservative treatment used during exacerbation of the disease. Its primary goal is to reduce pain. For this purpose, mainly non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are used: Ketoprofen, Indometacin, Diclofenac. To reduce pain, laser and shock wave therapy, as well as radiofrequency anesthesia, are used. To relieve muscle spasms, muscle relaxants can be prescribed: Mydocalm or Sirdalud. After pain relief, massage or manual therapy may be prescribed. It should be noted here that taking chondroprotectors (Chondrolonum, Rumalon, Osteomed, Dandelion P, etc.) is very important in the treatment of shoulder arthrosis.

If conservative treatment does not bring visible results or in the later stages of the disease, a specialist may offer the patient a surgical method for treating shoulder arthrosis. Endoprosthetics is performed, that is, the replacement of a joint affected by arthrosis with an artificial joint. Please note that surgical treatment is a last resort and is used quite rarely. However, if such an operation is nevertheless performed, for faster rehabilitation around the joint it is necessary to ensure good blood flow. It is for this purpose that they take "Dandelion P".

Physical therapy also plays an important role in the treatment of shoulder arthrosis. It is prescribed immediately after pain relief. Classes are conducted under the supervision of a rehabilitation specialist.

Arthrosis of the hip joint - coxarthrosis

Another factor contributing to the occurrence of arthrosis is excess weight. In such a situation, the best preventive measures will be moderate physical activity (slow running, swimming, long walks) and proper, balanced, dietary nutrition, rich in vitamins and microelements.

Arthritis and arthrosis are diseases that affect the joints. There are many varieties of these pathologies. If we consider arthrosis, then gradual age-related deformation of joints is divided into types depending on which particular human joints are affected by the pathological process:

Inflammation of the knees (gonarthrosis), cervical deformity (uncovertebral arthrosis), diseases of the hip joint (coxarthrosis), problems of the shoulder joint, primary polyosteoarthrosis, lesions of the ankle joint, diseases of the spine (spondyloarthrosis) are common.

Arthrosis develops in adulthood. They usually affect people over 40 years of age.

There are also several types of arthritis today. The disease, unlike arthrosis, affects younger patients.

Causes of arthrosis

Among the main preconditions that result in the development of arthrosis, special mention should be made of the natural aging of the body. With age, the cartilage tissue covering the surfaces of the joints loses its elasticity and loses its natural resistance to stress.

It is important to note that aging will not always be the onset of arthrosis. The immediate impetus for the development of the problem will be the resulting mechanical injuries. An excessive degree of mobility of individual parts of the joint can also lead to arthrosis.

In addition to the above reasons, arthrosis is provoked by a person’s professional activity if it is associated with increased stress. For example, arthrosis of the knee joint is a common diagnosis among miners.

This chronic disease is characterized by changes that occur in the articulating joints that make up the bones. If at the very beginning of arthrosis pain can occur only in the inner area of ​​the bursa, then soon, if there is no appropriate treatment, pain occurs in the cartilage covering the surface of the bones. Gradually this happens:

• softening of cartilage on bone;
• its destruction.

Moreover, along with this pathological process, a significant compaction of bone tissue is observed, which causes the formation of osteophytes (bone growths).

Main types of arthrosis

The changes that occur during the development of arthrosis affect only the joints. Most often they suffer from arthrosis of the knee joint, because it is this part of the leg that is most vulnerable. Typically, gonarthrosis of the knee joint affects older people. The pathological process covers the knee joint area on both legs, but only one of them can hurt.

With coxarthrosis, the most severe type of arthrosis that develops in middle-aged and elderly people, the patient feels severe, sometimes excruciating pain in the pelvic area. It is characteristic that women suffer much more often, and their pathology is more pronounced.

Uncovertebral arthrosis directly depends on the patient’s age: the older he is, the higher the chance of getting sick. This pattern is explained by the fact that over time the following is observed:

1. loss of the former natural elasticity of cartilage;
2. gradual decrease in the volume of synovial fluid in the joints.

Shoulder arthrosis is no less common among our compatriots, but its treatment process is much easier and faster when compared with other groups of diseases. Pathology develops in older people.

Women are characterized by osteoarthritis of the hands, and it progresses after menopause. Signs of a problem will be:

• burning in the joints;
• tingling in fingers;
• decreased hand mobility.

If the ankle joint is affected, this occurs after injuries, dislocations, sprains and bruises of the foot ligaments. The causes of the disease can be diabetes mellitus, gouty arthritis, dysplasia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Spinal diseases are a separate group of arthrosis, in which the cartilage tissue of the spinal column is damaged. This provokes various overloads in its departments.

When a person suffers from weakening of articular ligaments and muscle dystrophy, then we are talking about primary polyosteoarthrosis. This type of disease develops in women during menopause and is explained by hormonal changes in the female body. The disease usually manifests itself as tendonopathy (damage to the tendon at the site of attachment to the bone) and discopathy (wear of the intervertebral discs).

The inflammatory process in arthritis of the knee joint is usually accompanied by:

• swelling of the joints;
• redness;
• severe pain syndrome.

The pain does not stop even at rest and after a long rest. In some situations, the pain even intensifies.

The occurrence of arthrosis of the knee joint, elbow, and hip is associated with the development of inflammation in the patient’s body, hormonal disorders or excessive activity of the immune system, which, due to an error, directs all its work to actively fight against its own body.

Arthritis and polyarthritis

Arthritis is characterized by an inflammatory process in one joint or several at once. When arthritis affects two or more joints, the condition is called polyarthritis.

Doctors distinguish several types of disease, depending on what exactly its prerequisites are:

1. rheumatoid;
2. infectious;
3. reactive;
4. exchange;
5. psoriatic.

The signs that appear as the pathology progresses largely depend on its cause. Common symptoms of arthritis will be pain in the joints, especially when the weather changes, swelling, increased overall body temperature, and decreased appetite.

If polyarthritis of an infectious nature develops, then redness of the skin over the diseased joint, limited mobility and swelling may be observed. With the rheumatoid form of the disease, the patient will notice a significant increase in temperature and pain in the internal organs.

Types of polyarthritis

As for polyarthritis, not everything is clear with it either. Rheumatoid polyarthritis is associated with the penetration of infections into the cavity of the joint capsule. This type of disease provokes the development of chronic damage in several joints, for example, inflammation of the knee and ankle joint.

The disease is extremely difficult to treat, especially if it is advanced. As a result of the disease, damage to the connective tissues of the joint occurs.

Infectious polyarthritis covers the joints following an infectious disease suffered by the body. Provided timely and high-quality treatment, getting rid of it will not be difficult, however, there are exceptions. If therapy is ignored, the normal functioning of the knee joint and the entire body is disrupted.

The metabolic type of polyarthritis is a condition that arose against the background of disruptions in metabolic processes. The main reason for the problem is the accumulation of salts (urates) in the joints, for example, lesions:

• knee;
• elbow joint;
• big toe.

Psoriatic inflammation in several joints can begin to bother a person even at an early age. Most often, the ankle and knee joint area are affected, and only six months after the first symptoms characteristic of the skin pathology of psoriasis. The causes of psoriasis have not been fully studied by medicine at the moment. It is believed to be caused by problems with the immune system.

Reactive polyarthritis is distinguished by a special, peculiar reaction of the human body to infectious infections of internal organs (one or more). This variation of arthritis causes colitis, polyneuritis and conjunctivitis, which significantly complicates treatment.

What are the types of arthrosis?

Medicine identifies about a dozen types of osteoarthritis that affect human joints. Each type of arthrosis has common symptoms, which we will talk about in a separate article. But there are differences in the course of the pathology and treatment features.

So, let’s highlight the main types of arthrosis:

• knee (gonarthrosis);
• arthrosis of the hip joints (coxarthrosis);
• cervical (uncovertebral);
• brachial;
• osteoarthritis of the fingers and hands;
• arthrosis of the spine (spondyloarthrosis);
• ankle;
• primary polyosteoarthrosis.

Knee arthrosis

Gonarthrosis is called osteoarthritis of the knee joints. One of the most common types of arthrosis group. Most often, people who have crossed the 45-year mark suffer. There are statistical data that women get sick somewhat more often than the male part of the population. The risk group includes people with excess body weight who have suffered injuries and bruises to their legs. Varicose veins also negatively affect the condition of cartilage tissue and bones. Gonarthrosis usually affects both legs, but pain can only be felt in one of the knees.

To identify the disease, a thorough x-ray examination is carried out, including images from three sides of the diseased knee, bent at an angle of 60 degrees. With deviations of knee arthrosis, “drawer syndrome” occurs, affecting about a third of patients. At the same time, the ligaments are weakened and stability deteriorates.

Osteoarthritis of the hip joints

Coxarthrosis leads among types of arthrosis in this sad statistics. Damage to the hip joints is recognized as the most severe type of osteoarthritis, difficult to treat. Considering the incidence from a gender perspective, we can say that the ratio between men and women is approximately the same, but the female gender suffers coxarthrosis more difficultly, and they are more likely to experience severe stages of the disease. Coxarthrosis mainly affects people of middle and retirement age, but the disease can also occur among young people, then most often joint dysplasia occurs, i.e. congenital disorders in the structure of bone and cartilaginous apparatus.

A striking symptom of coxarthrosis is sharp, severe pain in the hip area. This can cause a limp in a person's gait. Touching the sore spot causes pain, but no significant swelling is observed. As the disease progresses, atrophy of the adjacent muscles occurs, this contributes to the fact that a person involuntarily leans forward to reduce pain, further aggravating the condition of the joints not only of the hip, but also of the knee. Osteoarthritis of this type negatively affects the health of the spine, causing its curvature. The defeat of both joints by arthrosis and the curvature of posture causes a person to limp, from the outside it looks like a “duck walk”.

Cervical arthrosis

Cervical arthrosis is often called uncovertebral. This type of arthrosis is directly related to the natural aging processes in the human body, therefore the main group of patients with this disease are older people. With age, the structure of cartilage tissue loses its elasticity, the synovial fluid contracts, the layer between the bones becomes thinner, which causes dystrophic changes in the joints.
If cervical arthrosis is not dealt with in time, it can cause severe headaches, arterial hypertension, tinnitus leads to deterioration of vision, a decrease in the amplitude of neck mobility, heaviness in the shoulders, and curvature of the patient’s posture.

Shoulder arthrosis

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is also very common among the population. However, it is easier to cure than, for example, coxarthrosis. In a neglected state, hand movement is affected. Elderly people suffer from this type of arthrosis, and it has been noticed that men suffer from it more often. Two thirds of patients have hand joint deformities.

The causes of shoulder arthrosis are the following:

• inherited predisposition;
• playing professional sports;
• joint dysplasia (congenital structural abnormalities);
• problems in metabolism in the human body;
• receiving injuries, bruises, sprains;
• arthritis.

Arthrosis of the hands and fingers

Arthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of osteoarthritis. This disease is also called Heberden's nodes. Usually occurs in women during menopause. It occurs on several fingers; when palpated, you can feel pea-sized nodules that cause painful effects. Bone formations - osteophytes - also occur, as in other types of arthrosis. Symptoms of the disease include burning, tingling in the phalanges of the fingers, and decreased joint mobility.
Arthrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joints is a special case of the development of arthrosis of the distal phalangeal joints. Otherwise called Busher's nodes due to the formation of nodules in the fingers on the outer side, noticeable upon palpation. The disease significantly limits the amplitude of the fingers.

Arthrosis of the spine

Spondyloarthrosis affects one or more vertebrae of the spinal column and may be associated with cervical osteoarthritis or with damage to the upper thoracic region. When the disease occurs, the cartilage tissue and the condition of the joints suffer, which is typical for all types of arthrosis. The causes of this type of disease are said to be overload of a specific part of the spine, for example, with scoliosis and other postural disorders.

The following subtypes are distinguished in spondyloarthrosis:

• arthrosis of the thoracic region (dorsarthrosis);
• arthrosis of the cervical region (cervicoarthrosis);
• arthrosis of the lumbar spine (lumboarthrosis).

Pain due to spondyloarthrosis is of a permanent, aching nature, subsiding during rest and intensifying during bending of the body, when performing various actions that affect changes in the position of the spinal column.

Arthrosis of the ankle joints

This type of arthrosis is most often caused by foot injuries, subluxations, and bruises of the leg, which a person does not want to pay attention to. Sprains, osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs negatively affect the condition of our ankles. Among the causes of arthrosis of the foot are also dysplasia, diabetes, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Long-term wearing of high heels by women automatically puts beautiful ladies at risk for arthrosis of the ankle joints. Participation in certain types of professional sports (football, hockey, figure skating) also threatens to affect the ankle with osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of the disease: crunching in the ankle; the appearance of aching pain when walking, subsiding at night; limitation of joint mobility; swelling of the foot; atrophy of adjacent muscles.

Polyosteoarthrosis

Primary polyosteoarthrosis, otherwise known as Kellgen's disease, is characterized by weakening of the ligaments and degeneration of the muscles affected by arthrosis. It mainly occurs in women at the time of menopause. This pathology occurs in the form of general arthrosis of the limbs, discopathy and tendinopathy.

Having considered the main types of arthrosis, we hope that now you will not get confused by the frightening names of joint diseases and will be able to distinguish coxarthrosis from gonarthrosis. You can find out more about each group of deforming osteoarthritis on our website.

Types of arthrosis

A disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by deformation and degeneration of cartilage tissue as a result of insufficient nutrition and changes in configuration, is called arthrosis. The lower extremities of a person in the area of ​​the hip, knee, and ankle joints are subject to unpleasant disturbances, which is associated with significant load as a result of increased body weight, improper development of cartilage, and mechanical stress - injury. Depending on the degree of development, the location of the disease, the main types of arthrosis of the legs are distinguished, what they are, how they are classified according to ICD10.

Coxarthrosis - symptoms, description

Coxarthrosis is a disease of the hip joint. The development of the disease is observed mainly after forty years. Coxarthrosis affects men and women equally. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint develops in one or both hips.

• Symptoms There is pain radiating along the surface of the thigh, localized in the groin, on the buttock; the pain syndrome almost never affects the leg below the knee. Difficulties arise when trying to get out of bed, when walking, tying shoes, or “crossing” your legs.
• The correct diagnosis is to determine which part of the leg the pain reaches: if it is below the knee, it is not arthrosis of the hip joint, but a disease of the lower back, an intervertebral hernia. To make the correct diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging and radiography are used.

Disease of the hip joint is accompanied by shortening of the lower limb as a result of neglect of the disease, in which cartilage atrophy and bone tissue damage occur.

Gonarthrosis is a disease of the knee

The pathology of the normal functioning of the joints of the lower extremities, localized in the area of ​​the knee joint, often found in older people, is called gonarthrosis. It is characterized by painful symptoms that require long-term treatment to eliminate.

• Manifestation of the disease. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is accompanied by a decrease in the mobility of the limbs, the formation of a swollen area, the appearance of a crunch when walking, sharp pain, accumulation of joint fluid, and prolonged attacks of pain.
• Diagnostics. To determine the severity of the disease, radiography and laboratory tests are used. The exact result is shown by instrumental diagnostics - arthroscopy (invasion of the LED conductor), computer, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound of the knee joint.
• The main causes of knee arthrosis: leg injuries, meniscus damage, excess weight, increased loads, weak ligaments, concomitant diseases - arthritis, tumor, diabetes. Arthrosis of the knee joint can be caused by improper metabolic processes in the body.
• Targeted treatment of gonarthrosis: the use of NSAIDs, the prescription of glucocorticoid drugs, the use of analgesics, chondroprotectors to restore the cartilage of the knee joint. At the initial stage of arthrosis, you can limit yourself to fixation with a bandage, use of ointments, and diet therapy.
• Medicines. Treatment of the knee joint NSAIDs – Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Fastum-gel externally, hormonal glucocorticoids – Betamethasone, Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone intra-articularly, analgesics – Meloxicam, NIMEsulide, opiates – Tramadol, Codeine, Fentanyl, chondroprotectors – Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Wobenzym.
• According to ICD 10, gonarthrosis occupies position M17 (varieties of the disease from M17.1 to M17.9).

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint involves treatment according to the following scheme: blocking pain, relieving inflammation, introducing nutrition to cartilage tissue. Remission of the disease depends on the nature and extent of the damage; in any case, treatment of the knee joint is long-term.

Osteoarthritis – disease of the joints of the foot

Types of degenerative deformational arthrosis, in addition to diseases of the hip and knee joints, include ankle disease, which affects more than seventy percent of people with arthrosis. Violation of the normal mutual sliding of cartilage and bone tissue leads to the occurrence of osteoarthritis and, as a result, disability.

• Symptoms of arthrosis: local aching pain with limited mobility of the foot, limping as a result of the patient’s efforts to transfer body weight to the unaffected foot, a feeling of stiffness, deformation of the foot with the formation of osteophytes - bone growths when bone tissue is replaced with connective fibers.
• Correct diagnosis. Osteoarthritis can be detected using computed tomography, MRI, and radiography. Laboratory tests for osteoarthritis are useless - the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is normal even in the presence of an inflammatory process.

There are three stages of osteoarthritis. The first two can be cured with medication; to eliminate the disease of the third degree, surgical intervention with endoprosthetics is required - replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one. After the operation, normal walking function is restored.

Interphalangeal arthrosis of the leg joints

The disease belongs to ankle arthrosis, but it can be distinguished as a separate type, since it affects the fingers (phalanxes) - small joints. Deforming arthrosis occurs when nutrient fluid ceases to flow into the joints of the toes.

• Signs of the disease. The joint loses its elasticity, deformation of the position of the fingers, and improper muscle connection of tissues are visually observed. The bone tissue is subjected to severe deformation, resulting in terrible pain, serious difficulties with movement, inflammation, and narrowing of the lumen.
• Diagnostics. Interphalangeal arthrosis can be diagnosed visually; to clarify the clinical picture (stage of the disease, extent of inflammation), radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography are performed.
• Causes of the disease: mechanical damage - injuries, fractures, hereditary predisposition, improper metabolism in cartilage and bone tissues, diabetes, obesity, uneven load, especially when wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Treatment. Interphalangeal arthrosis is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; chondroprotectors containing chondroitin and glucosamine are used for normal tissue nutrition. It is imperative to relieve the load on the joint and normalize metabolic processes by improving blood microcirculation.
• Medicines for interphalangeal arthrosis: NSAIDs - Aceclofenac, Diclofenac, Paracetamol, chondroprotectors inside - Arthrodarin, Structum, inside the joint - Ostenil, Sinvisk.

According to the ICD 10 classification, interphalangeal arthrosis can be classified as polyarthrosis if there is damage to several joints - code M15. If interphalangeal arthrosis is not multiple in nature, then according to ICD 10 it is assigned code M19 - other arthrosis, the exception of which is code M20.2 - rigid big toe with similar lesions.

Types of arthrosis vary in severity. In order to avoid surgical intervention, it is worth contacting a specialized doctor in a timely manner for consultation and diagnosis, who will be able to assess the severity of the disease of the hip, knee, ankle joint, and interphalangeal arthrosis. The disease is easier to localize and cure at the initial stage. Arthrosis takes a long time to cure.

Laboratory and instrumental studies for the diagnosis of arthrosis

Arthrosis (deforming osteoarthritis) is represented by degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the joint. Against the background of a malnutrition of cartilage fibers, a gradual loss of motor function occurs in the joint. Early diagnosis of arthrosis is the key to the speedy restoration of affected cartilage fibers.

Arthrosis: features of pathology

Considering the cause of the disease, arthrosis has 2 stages:

1. Primary. It is more common in medical practice. The cause of the occurrence is unknown, or a list of possible causes for the development of the pathology is identified.
2. Secondary. Doctors can easily determine the cause of the disease: trauma (in athletes, loaders, auxiliary workers), clear genetic inheritance, hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus and other congenital and acquired pathologies.

Treatment of arthrosis is a long process. In the initial stages, doctors prescribe only drug therapy. The medications are taken in courses, and the patient takes chondroprotectors constantly.

If the pathology is already too advanced, treatment will consist of surgery. The diseased joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. The success of treatment for arthrosis depends on the degree of aggressiveness of the disease, the correctness of the therapy, and following the doctor’s instructions.

Types of arthrosis

According to the location of the pathology, doctors identified specific types of arthrosis. These types are included in ICD10. Let's look at the types of arthrosis below.

Coxarthrosis. This pathology is a lesion of the hip joint. The disease often affects the joints of people over 40 years of age. It is recorded equally often in patients of both sexes. With arthrosis, both hips or one are affected at the same time.

If the joint is damaged in this place, pain spreading along the surface of the thigh is noted. Sometimes the pain radiates to the groin, to the buttock area. It becomes difficult for the patient to get out of bed, walk, and bend over.

Arthrosis in this joint occurs for the following reasons:

• metabolic disease;
• weakening of cartilage fibers;
• concomitant diseases (necrosis of the femoral head, Perthes disease);
• infections (tuberculosis of the hip joint, rheumatoid, purulent arthritis).

Treatment is carried out with the following medications:

1. NSAIDs (Nise, Celebrex, Ketanov, Voltaren, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen).
2. Vasodilator medications (“Trental”, “Stugeron”).
3. Hyaluronic acid (injection).
4. Hydrocortisone (injection).
5. Chondroprotectors (“Chondroitin”, “Glucosamine”).

Lack of treatment for the pathology often causes shortening of the lower limb, because the cartilage atrophies and the bone tissue is deformed.

Gonarthrosis. The disease manifests itself as damage to the knee joint and often develops in older people. This pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• swelling;
• decreased limb mobility;
• sharp pain;
• crunching sound when walking;
• accumulation of joint fluid.

The main reasons for the development of gonarthrosis:

• meniscal damage;
• leg injury;
• excess weight;
• weak ligaments;
• increased loads;
• concomitant diseases (tumor, arthritis, diabetes).

Treatment of the pathology consists of taking NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, and glucocorticoids.

Osteoarthritis. This disease is represented by a degenerative-deformative change in the joint of the ankle. Pathology is recorded in 70% of people. The symptoms of this disease are:

• local aching pain;
• limping;
• feeling of stiffness;
• foot deformity;
• formation of osteophytes.

Osteoarthritis develops due to genetic abnormalities, muscle dysfunction, increased stress, arthritis, infection, abnormal metabolism, surgical interventions, fractures, and injuries.

Treatment of pathology includes medication, physiotherapeutic procedures, diet, massage, and surgery.

Interphalangeal arthrosis of the joints of the legs. This pathology is classified as arthrosis of the ankle, but some classify the disease as a separate type. The disease affects fingers and small joints. The following signs indicate the development of pathology:

• change in finger position;
• loss of joint elasticity;
• improper muscle connection;
• severe pain;
• narrowing of the lumen of the joint;
• inflammation;
• difficulty moving.

The causes of pathology include injuries, improper metabolism, heredity, obesity, uneven loads, and diabetes.

Treatment consists of using chondroprotectors, NSAIDs, normalizing the load on the joint, and improving microcirculation.

Diagnostics

The study of arthrosis can be divided into 2 methods:

The main instrumental diagnostic method is radiography. This research method is simple, informative, and cheap. If the information received does not provide a clear picture, the doctor uses other instrumental diagnostic methods.

To obtain additional information about the state of the compound, laboratory tests are used, which can indicate the cause of the disease, evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy, and determine the presence of side effects. A diagnosis can be made after studying laboratory tests, clinical pictures, and instrumental diagnostics.

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostic methods include the following:

Magnetic resonance imaging. The method is based on recording photons with waves of the same length, emitted by hydrogen atoms. These waves return to their original position after being exposed to a strong magnetic field. Contraindications to MRI include the presence of metal objects in the patient’s body and weight greater than 120 kg.

Radiography in two projections. X-rays are necessary to diagnose pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The shooting is performed in two projections (lateral, posterior-anterior). Sometimes a photograph of a healthy similar connection is also necessary (for comparison with the affected one). X-rays provide the doctor with signs of arthrosis, which are divided into 2 types:

1. Direct. These signs are represented by the presence of microcysts inside the subchondral layer, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, narrowing of the distance between the epiphyses of bones such as the femur and tibia.
2. Indirect. The presence of dislocation, subluxation, local ossification of cartilaginous fibers, fragments of osteophytes, changes in the tissue of the synovial membrane.

Scintigraphy. This x-ray research method consists of introducing a contrast agent into the patient’s body that has a tropism (reaction) in relation to a certain type of tissue.

When diagnosing arthrosis, bisphosphonates and monosphonates (labeled with technetium-99) are used. These drugs are endowed with tropism for growing cartilage tissue. After their introduction, the connection is scanned. The contrast agent is concentrated at the site of a cartilaginous tumor, indicating the development of arthrosis.

Arthroscopy. This diagnostic method is classified as invasive. The study is carried out using an endoscope (LED conductor) inserted into the connection. The monitor displays a picture of what is located in front of the conductor (joint structure).

Doctors also use this diagnostic method in the treatment of a diseased joint (removal of synovial polyps, correction of the shape of the meniscus). Tissues taken during diagnostics are used for histological examination.

The disadvantage of this diagnostic method is the depressurization of the joint cavity and the penetration of microbes into it.

Ultrasound. This method is considered harmless and provides the doctor with an image of the soft tissues of the joint (cartilage, subchondral tissue, blood vessels, synovial membrane), the image shows a cyst, an X-ray-negative tumor.

Thermography. This diagnostic method is based on recording thermal radiation from the body surface. An inflammatory focus or a malignant tumor will be a source of increased temperature. This method is used for differential diagnosis.

CT scan. An innovative x-ray research method, which consists of creating several images of a specific segment of the body (along the entire circumference). Information is transmitted as a single three-dimensional image on the monitor. This diagnostic method allows you to detect an object whose size is no larger than 2 mm.

Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory tests are important during the period of remission, when the indicators are within normal limits. During this period, signs of inflammatory-intoxication syndrome appear, which are detected thanks to the methods indicated below.

General blood analysis. This diagnostic method helps to assess the severity of the inflammatory process. CBC for arthrosis shows the following changes:

• shift to the left of the leukocyte formula. There is an increase in the fraction of band neutrophils in the blood;
• increase in the number of leukocytes;
• increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate;
• increase in the number of lymphocytes;
• presence of thrombocytosis (with severe inflammation).

General urine analysis. The study is carried out to exclude damage to the kidneys and urinary tract. After all, these organs can be a source of inflammation. Kidney damage is also possible due to the autoimmune nature of the pathology.

Gonarthrosis is diagnosed with the following changes in urine analysis:

• violation of urine transparency;
• decreased urine acidity;
• presence of leukocytes;
• appearance of protein;
• the presence of deformed red blood cells and pigment cylinders.

Blood chemistry. This analysis includes several separate analyses:

1. Tumor markers.
2. Common markers of inflammation.
3. Qualitative and quantitative reactions that occur to the presence of antibodies to arthritis pathogens in the body.
4. Markers of dysfunction of internal organs.

With the development of arthrosis, which is complicated by arthritis, inflammatory markers are increased. Such markers include fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, thymol test, and sublimate test.

Damage to various internal organs is determined by an increase in inflammatory markers:

1. Kidney damage is accompanied by an increase in indicators such as urea and creatinine.
2. If the liver is affected, an increase in bilirubin, its fractions, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminase is recorded.
3. Brain damage is manifested by an increase in the creatine phosphokinase fraction.
4. Damage to the pancreas is accompanied by an increase in amylase and urine diastasis.
5. Damage to the heart muscle is accompanied by an increase in the fraction of MB-CPK and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Differential diagnosis from arthritis

Arthrosis has similar manifestations to rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, differential diagnosis with this pathology is necessary. Let's present the differences in the form of a table.