Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, marginal hypertrophy of bone tissue and changes in the synovial membrane. This pathology is most common in the elderly.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis
Do not confuse osteoarthritis and arthritis. In some sources, you may see that osteoarthritis is thought to differ from arthritis in that the former is not inflammatory and the latter is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (general term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have certain signs of osteoarthritis. While the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not solely due to the aging of the joint tissues. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. They include:
- osteoporosis;
- overweight;
- postmenopausal women;
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases;
- micronutrient deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia);
- joint injury;
- regular microtrauma;
- exposure to certain toxins;
- underwent surgical interventions on the joints, etc.
The pathology can be primary or secondary. If the cause is not identified, osteoarthritis is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. , it is considered secondary.
Stages of osteoarthritis
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no pronounced morphological pathologies of the joint tissues. Changes in the synovial membrane and the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) may appear on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant deformity of the joint, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous stage).
Localization and symptoms of the pathology
Osteoarthritis often affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints that are often affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow and shoulder (in such cases there is usually a secondary etiology). The clinical picture of the pathology usually includes the following symptoms:
- history of joint pain;
- deterioration of joint function;
- swelling.
The pain usually progresses gradually, usually over many years. Painful outbreaks may be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually occurs when the joint is in motion and subsides during rest, at least until the disease progresses to a more severe stage. Joint stiffness is often felt for a short time after periods of rest. It usually decreases within a few seconds or minutes of movement. The most common symptoms are in the elderly, while in people under the age of 40, osteoarthritis is often asymptomatic.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis
- rest, avoidance of excessive physical activity;
- weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- physiotherapy, such as exercise therapy;
- aids such as canes, elastic knee supports;
- reasonable use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, patients are often shown balneotherapy.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prevention
To minimize the risk of developing osteoarthritis, it is necessary to maintain sufficient physical activity, to treat injuries, congenital and acquired anomalies in the biomechanics of the joint in time (eg, correction of flat feet). Also, prevention methods include reducing overweight (which puts increased stress on the joints).