Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory disease
joints, characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage, marginal hypertrophy of bone tissue and changes in the synovial membrane. Most often, this pathology occurs in the elderly.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis
Don't confuse arthritis with arthritis. In some sources, you can see that osteoarthritis is said to be different from arthritis in that the former is non-inflammatory and the latter is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (umbrella term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, over 75% of people over 70 have some signs of osteoarthritis. While the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the disease is not only caused by aging joint tissue. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of the pathology. These include:
- osteoporosis;
- excess body weight;
- 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;
- had surgery on the joints, etc.
The pathology can be primary and secondary. If the cause is not established, 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 in the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to deteriorate. Osteophytes (marginal pathological growths) can appear on the bone.
- It is characterized by significant deformation of the joint, pathological mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually also characteristic of the previous stage).
Location and symptomatology of the pathology
Osteoarthritis often affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints commonly affected by the disease include the cervical spine, lumbosacral, hip, knee, and first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow and shoulder (in such cases it usually has a secondary etiology). The clinical picture of the pathology usually includes the following symptoms:
- a history of joint pain;
- deterioration of joint function;
- swelling.
The pain usually progresses gradually, usually over several years. Painful flare-ups may be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually starts when the joint is in motion and goes away with 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 subsides within seconds or minutes of movement. Most often, symptoms appear in older people, while in people under the age of 40, osteoarthritis often proceeds asymptomatically.
Osteoarthritis Treatment
Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis
- rest, avoiding excessive physical exertion;
- weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joints);
- physiotherapy, such as exercise therapy;
- aids such as canes, elastic knee pads;
- judicious use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
In addition, patients often receive spa treatments.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis
Knee replacement
Replacement arthroplasty
Prophylaxis
To minimize the risk of developing osteoarthritis, it is necessary to maintain sufficient physical activity, treat injuries, congenital and acquired anomalies of the biomechanics of the joint over time (for example, correction of flat feet). Also, prevention methods include reducing excess weight (which puts increased pressure on the joints).