Arthrosis is a permanent joint disease that leads to the destruction of cartilage tissue.The disease develops in the bone material underneath the cartilage and in the muscles that connect joints and ligaments.The disease is caused by poor metabolism in the body, but the impetus for its development can be injuries to the joint part, inflammatory processes, excessive weight and high physical activity.
Therapy for degenerative disease consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can take from several months to several years.Treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: non-drug, medicinal, surgical.Today you will learn how to cope with pain, what is the best physiotherapy to use and what measures to take to avoid relapse.Severe joint disease can be cured if you follow your doctor's recommendations, do exercises and do not break your routine.
List of conservative methods of therapy
How to cure arthrosis?This question haunts many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several methods of therapy, because cases are completely different.But experts are confident that if you start immediate treatment of joint arthrosis at the first signs of the disease, you can not only prevent the disease from progressing, but also cure it.The first step is to counsel the patient regarding daily behavior, physical activity, and excess weight.The rules must be followed throughout the therapy process.The second step is prescribing medications.Various medications are used to treat arthrosis:
- Painkillers with anti-inflammatory effects.
- 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 in combination with physiotherapy.Heat treatment in the acute stage, cold compresses, strengthening and stretching of muscles, electrical and ultrasound therapy are usually recommended.
The benefits of physiotherapeutic procedures and their types
You can restore joints and their mobility with the help of physiotherapy.Physiotherapy for arthrosis includes a wide range of therapy methods that improve the functioning of joints and reduce pain with inflammation.These include:
- Thermal procedures - applying 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 correctly
- To get rid of arthrosis of the hands, physiotherapists advise using paraffin therapy.
- If the spine has been affected by the disease, you need to buy a hard mattress, a cervical collar or a corset for the lumbar region.
It is advisable to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend that patients with arthrosis include swimming, water aerobics, Pilates, and walking on a stationary bicycle in the treatment of arthrosis.Benefits of physiotherapy:
- reduction of pain and inflammation;
- increased flexibility and range of motion;
- increased muscle strength;
- improved coordination;
- weight loss and control;
- improving the function of the cardiovascular system.
It is important to remember that rest and immobilization are important in the acute stage.Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed during remission and after surgery.
The 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 damage.Patients suffering from severe pain only feel the pain worsen with regular exercise.Aquatic exercise is an excellent option to stop arthrosis, reduce symptoms and reduce pressure on the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that begins as a result of the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones.When cartilage thins, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.Due to the loss of shock-absorbing function, exercises such as running and aerobics will aggravate the symptoms of the disease.Water therapy, on the contrary, will get rid of them, since it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- aquatherapy;
- hydrotherapy.
A swimming instructor will tell you in detail how to combat arthrosis using hydrotherapy.The force of water counteracts gravity, thereby reducing pressure on joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, water therapy has cardiovascular benefits.After completing the course, patients experience improved blood circulation in their muscles and joints, resulting in the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Manual therapy against disease
In addition to drug treatment for arthrosis of the foot, knee, hip and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to manage their symptoms.The most common therapies are chiropractic and massage for arthrosis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.Treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system is what their activities are focused on.The chiropractor uses manual manipulation to relieve pressure on sensory 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 provide advice on how to restore mobility on your own.
Therapeutic massage for arthrosis is carried out by a qualified specialist.A physical therapist or massage therapist may use a variety of massage techniques that are appropriate for a particular case.There are several types of massage:
- point - reduces pain;
- deep - relieves pain in muscles and tendons located close to the joints;
- Swedish - increases blood circulation.
One session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.Massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, stroking and patting in one session for better effectiveness of the procedure.It is better to carry out aquatic manual treatment of arthrosis in a sanatorium.This way the patient will be protected from falls and heavy 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.This is an effective treatment for arthrosis, which results in the following:
- joints receive all the necessary nutrients;
- tissue degeneration slows down;
- collagen synthesis improves;
- hyaluronates are filtered more efficiently;
- cellular metabolism is stimulated;
- the joint capsule is straightened;
- the amplitude of movement increases;
- The elasticity of cartilage and menisci is restored.
Treatment of arthrosis without surgery or medications, but with the help of oxygenation stimulates the self-healing of cartilage tissue, which occurs due to improved blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and folk creams
Ointments for arthrosis help relieve the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that for arthrosis of the foot, hip, shoulder or knee, creams can cure the pathology.But this is far from true.Ointment for arthrosis only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
Joint mobility is restored by ointments prepared at home 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 the sore joints.
- Unripe juniper and nettle berries are mixed with crushed herbal leaves in equal quantities.Then you should add 1 tbsp.l.melted fat, mix all 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 methods of therapy
Most patients manage the disease using conservative methods.Surgery is necessary if other measures fail or the damage is too extensive that non-surgical options are not even worth considering.How to stop the disease?For arthrosis of the joints, one of the following surgical methods is possible:
- Arthrodesis.
- Arthroscopy.
- Osteomy.
Cartilage replacement is required when severe damage occurs and the disease progresses to other tissues.The damaged cartilage is replaced with artificial one.This treatment method is called endoprosthetics.After the operation is completed, recovery is required, during which it is necessary to perform physical therapy, and it is possible to take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent a relapse?
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joints (hip, shoulder) consists of lifestyle changes.Some simple changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, having a good daily routine and taking care of your joints go a long way in preventing the development of arthrosis.Certain activities should be avoided, such as running and heavy lifting.It is better to replace them with swimming, cycling, and physical therapy.Neglecting physical activity will not only have a bad effect on your joints, but will also lead to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable shoes that provide support.
It is necessary to rest periodically if you feel pain.Moderate pain means the joint needs rest.Excess weight is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis—and for good reason.Extra pounds put extra pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.Over time, additional stress destroys the cartilage.The less weight, the less stress on the joints.To do this, you should give up certain foods, follow a diet and work more with a physiotherapist.You can also use a cane or walker to make walking easier.Some patients use meditation, relaxation and hypnosis as prevention.