Osteoarthritis is a permanent joint disease that causes the destruction of cartilage tissue.The disease develops in the bone material beneath the cartilage and in the muscles that connect the joints and ligaments.The disease is caused by poor metabolism in the body, but its development can be triggered by joint damage, inflammatory processes, excess weight and high physical activity.
The treatment of degenerative disease consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can last from several months to several years.Treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: non-drug, drug, surgical.Today you will learn how to deal with pain, what is the best physiotherapy to use and what measures to take to prevent relapse.Severe joint disease can be treated if you follow your doctor's recommendations, do sports and do not disturb your work routine.
List of conservative therapy methods
How to treat arthrosis?This question worries many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several methods of therapy, because the cases are completely different.However, experts are sure that if you start treating joint arthrosis immediately at the first signs of the disease, you can not only prevent the development of the disease, but also treat it.The first step is to advise the patient about daily behavior, physical activity and excess weight.Rules must be followed in the therapy process.The second step is prescribing medication.Different drugs are used to treat arthrosis:
- Painkillers with anti-inflammatory effect.
- The injections help relieve pain for up to four weeks.
- Chondroitin is an important component of connective tissue, cartilage cells.It suppresses inflammation in the joints and protects them from further damage.
- "Hyaluronic acid" for arthrosis is necessary for synovial fluid and good functioning of joints.You can inject directly into the joint itself or take pills.
Arthrosis is treated together with physiotherapy.In the acute phase, heat therapy, cold compresses, muscle strengthening and stretching, and electrical and ultrasound therapy are usually recommended.
Benefits of physiotherapeutic procedures and their types
With the help of physiotherapy, you can restore the joints and their mobility.Physiotherapy for arthrosis includes a wide range of therapy methods that improve joint function and reduce inflammation and pain.These include:
- Thermal procedures - application of cold and heat.
- Use of assistive devices such as splints, canes, walkers.They will provide stability and mobility.Doctors teach patients how to use them properly
- To get rid of arthrosis of the hands, physiotherapists recommend using paraffin therapy.
- If the spine is affected by this disease, it is necessary to buy a hard mattress, neck collar or corset for the lumbar region.
It is recommended to do individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend swimming, water aerobics, Pilates and stationary cycling to patients with osteoarthritis.Benefits of physiotherapy:
- reducing pain and inflammation;
- increased flexibility and range of motion;
- increased muscle strength;
- improved coordination;
- weight loss and control;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
It should be remembered that rest and immobilization are important in the acute phase.Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed during remission and after surgery.
Effectiveness of water exercises
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis are an important part of any treatment program.Exercise therapy helps strengthen and stabilize joints, preventing further injury.Patients suffering from severe pain find that the pain worsens only with regular exercise.Water sports are a great option for stopping osteoarthritis, reducing symptoms and reducing pressure on joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that begins as a result of the breakdown of cartilage that covers the ends of bones.When the cartilage wears down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.Due to the loss of shock absorption, exercises such as running and aerobics will aggravate the symptoms of the disease.Water therapy, on the other hand, will get rid of them because it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- aquatherapy;
- hydrotherapy.
The swimming instructor will explain to you in detail how to fight arthrosis using hydrotherapy.The force of the water counteracts the force of gravity, thereby reducing the pressure on the joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, hydrotherapy has cardiovascular benefits.After completing the course, patients improve blood circulation in their muscles and joints, as a result, cartilage tissue is restored.
Manual therapy against disease
In addition to drug therapy for osteoarthritis of the foot, knee, hip, and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to manage their symptoms.The most common treatments are chiropractic and massage for osteoarthritis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.Treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system is focused on their activity.A chiropractor uses manual manipulation to relieve pressure on sensitive nerve cells, improve overall health, restore the structural integrity of the spine, and correct biomechanical problems affecting the nervous system.Chiropractors have become an integral part of pain management.Chiropractors can also advise you on how to regain your mobility.
Therapeutic massage for arthrosis is performed by a qualified specialist.A physical therapist or massage therapist may use different massage techniques that are appropriate for a particular situation.There are several types of massage:
- point - reduces pain;
- deep - relieves pain in the muscles and tendons located near the joints;
- swedish - increases blood circulation.
One session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.Massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, caressing and caressing in one session for better effectiveness of the procedure.It is better to carry out manual treatment of arthrosis in water in a sanatorium.In this way, the patient will be protected from falling and severe stress.
Effect of intra-articular oxygen therapy
Arthrosis of the joints can be treated with intra-articular oxygen therapy.Saturation of joint tissues with oxygen accelerates metabolic processes.It is an effective treatment for arthrosis resulting in:
- the joints receive all the necessary nutrients;
- tissue degeneration slows down;
- collagen synthesis improves;
- hyaluronates are filtered more efficiently;
- cell metabolism is stimulated;
- the joint capsule is made;
- the amplitude of the movement increases;
- The elasticity of cartilage and meniscus is restored.
Treatment of arthrosis without surgery or drugs, but with the help of oxygenation, stimulates self-healing of the cartilage tissue that occurs due to the improvement of blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and folk creams
Ointments for arthrosis help to eliminate the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that creams for foot, hip, shoulder or knee arthrosis can treat the pathology.But this is far from the truth.Ointment for arthrosis only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
Joint mobility is restored at home with ointments made from natural ingredients.Recipes:
- Take a bag of mustard powder, a pinch of salt and paraffin.The ingredients are mixed and placed in a water bath.The resulting mass is placed in a tightly closed container.After 12 hours, the ointment is applied to painful joints.
- Unripe juniper and nettle berries are mixed with equal amounts of crushed plant leaves.Then you need to add 1 tbsp.l.melted butter, mix all the ingredients well and put the ointment in the refrigerator.You can use the product up to 4 times a day.
The fight against arthrosis with the help of ointments is aimed at the symptoms of the disease.Great remedies include lavender oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Surgical treatment methods
Most patients manage the disease with conservative methods.If other measures fail or the damage is too great, it is not worth considering the possibility of surgical intervention.How to stop the disease?One of the following surgical methods is possible for arthrosis of the joints:
- Arthrodesis.
- Arthroscopy.
- Osteomy.
Cartilage replacement is required when severe damage occurs and the disease spreads to other tissues.The damaged cartilage is replaced with an artificial one.This method of treatment is called endoprosthetic.After the operation, recovery is required, during this period it is necessary to carry out physiotherapy and it is possible to take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent relapse?
Prevention of arthrosis of knee joints (hip, shoulder) consists of lifestyle changes.Some simple changes like quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, maintaining a good daily routine and taking care of your joints go a long way in preventing the development of osteoarthritis.Certain activities such as jogging and weight lifting should be avoided.It is better to replace them with swimming, cycling, physical therapy.Neglecting physical activity will not only affect your joints, but it will also lead to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable shoes that provide support.
If you feel pain, you need to rest from time to time.Moderate pain means the joint needs rest.Being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis, and for good reason.Extra pounds put extra pressure on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.Over time, the added stress destroys the cartilage.The less weight, the less stress on the joints.For this, you need to give up certain foods, follow a diet and work more with a physiotherapist.You can also use a cane or walking aid to make walking easier.Some patients use meditation, relaxation and hypnosis as prevention.