Arthritis is the most common joint damage in medical practice, associated with degenerative-dystrophic processes occurring there.The main cause is due to the aging of the body and the destruction of joint tissues, so this disease cannot be completely cured.However, according to experts, a person can completely slow down the destruction process, delay arthritis and preserve long-term joint health.
Arthritis and its symptoms
Joint destruction begins with the gradual wear and tear of cartilage - the main component of this movable bone connection, which protects them from friction at the point of contact and serves as a shock absorber under mechanical loads.In most cases, this process is due to a decrease in metabolism in the human body and age-related joint malnutrition.Therefore, symptoms of the disease often appear after 40-50 years of age.However, the development of negative changes in cartilage tissue occurs at an earlier age and includes a gradual loss of cartilage elasticity, thinning and destruction.
The inability of cartilage to fully perform its functions causes negative changes in bone tissue, which can develop, forming bone spurs (growths in the form of tubercles, spurs, hooks), which are a source of pain when moving.Gradually, the pathological process covers the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.Joints may become deformed.
The following symptoms indicate the development of arthritis:
- pain increases with movement and physical activity;
- reduced joint mobility;
- swelling and inflammation (in some cases);
- deformation and immobility of the joints (in severe forms of the disease).
Arthritis mainly affects the knees, hip joints, lumbar spine, neck and hands.
Causes of the disease and risk factors
The main causes of articular cartilage destruction and development of joint disease include:
- genetic predisposition;
- joint injuries, which can be mild, but multiple and repetitive, or one-time, but severe (eg, meniscus injury);
- Age-related changes in cartilage and bone tissue.
There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing joint disease.The main causes are overweight, which increases the load on the joints, and a sedentary lifestyle, which interferes with the normal supply of blood and nutrition to the joints, worsening the metabolic process there.Excessive physical activity, local inflammatory processes, hormonal changes (for example, menopause) can also cause arthritis.
Treatment or prevention?
Complete cure of this disease is impossible - this is the general opinion of rheumatologists, whose task is to fight joint diseases.Modern therapy can slow down the process of cartilage destruction, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve the patient's condition.For this purpose, the following are used in the treatment of joint diseases:
- chondroprotector based on chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid or hormonal drugs;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, mud applications);
- physical therapy.
In severe cases, they have to have surgery and replace the joint with a prosthesis.
Modern medicine considers the main task of fighting this disease to be to prevent joint diseases and promote a lifestyle that helps maintain healthy joints.First of all, this applies to adolescents and young adults actively involved in sports, who need to develop special skills to protect joints during training (warming up and warming up joints, using special protective devices: knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).For people who do not exercise, the main measures to prevent joint disease are maintaining a normal weight and physical activity.
Weight loss and nutrition
According to the results of many studies, it has been proven that obese people are three times more likely to develop joint diseases.This is explained not only by the fact that being overweight increases the load on the joints, but also by the fact that excess fat stimulates the development of many pathological processes in the body, leading to serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which also negatively affect the condition of the joints.
Nutrition as a preventive measure for joint diseases is aimed at saturating the body with nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of articular cartilage and slowing down the degenerative processes in it.Following these basic principles will not only help keep your joints healthy, but will also keep you from gaining too much weight:
- reduce the calorie content of foods by eliminating or limiting fatty meats and poultry;
- consume enough low-fat dairy products to provide calcium for bones;
- Increase the proportion of cereals, vegetables, and fruits to supplement the body with vitamins and trace elements necessary for joints.
During nutrition, special attention should be paid to foods and dishes containing natural substances that protect and strengthen cartilage tissue.These substances mainly include collagen, a protein that is part of the cartilage, ligaments and skin of animals and fish.For this purpose, it is necessary to include in the diet jelly meats, aspic (especially from fish), fruit jelly and other dishes containing gelatin-modified collagen.
Physical activity to prevent joint disease
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main enemies of human health, including the musculoskeletal system.Although physical activity allows you to simultaneously achieve many goals necessary to maintain joints and general health:
- improves blood supply and tissue nutrition;
- normalizes metabolism and prevents excessive weight gain;
- develops muscles, thereby strengthening the skeletal system;
- Exercise all body systems and improve immunity;
- helps improve mood.
To keep the joints in good shape, they should not be overloaded.But this does not mean that you should give up physical activity.Movement is absolutely necessary for joints but must be at a moderate level and appropriate to each person's physical condition, age and other personal characteristics.
Experts say walking is the best prevention for knee arthritis at any age and recommend taking at least 6,000 steps a day.Swimming is beneficial as the exercise occurs without the negative impact of body weight on the bones.Participating in any favorite sport or activity that involves movement (dancing, gardening, outdoor games with children), as long as it is regular, will help prevent joint disease and keep joints in good condition for a long time.