Arthrosis is a chronic joint disease that leads to the destruction of cartilage tissue.The disease develops in the bone material under the cartilage and in the muscles that connect the joints and ligaments.The background of the disease lies in the body's poor metabolism, but its development can be stimulated by injury to the joint part, inflammatory processes, excess weight and high physical activity.
The therapy of degenerative diseases consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can take several months to several years.Treatment methods can be divided into 3 groups: non-medicinal, medicinal, and surgical.Today you will learn how to cope with the pain, what is the best physiotherapy and what measures to take to avoid a relapse.Severe joint disease can be cured if you follow the doctor's recommendations, do exercises and do not break your routine.
List of conservative therapeutic methods
How can arthrosis be cured?This question concerns many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several therapeutic methods because cases are completely different.However, experts are sure that if you immediately start treating joint arthrosis at the first signs of the disease, you can not only prevent the progression of the disease, but also cure it.The first step is to advise the patient about daily behavior, physical activity and weight gain.The rules must be followed throughout the therapy.The second step is to prescribe medications.Various drugs are used to treat arthrosis:
- Painkillers with an anti-inflammatory effect.
- The injections help relieve pain for up to four weeks.
- Chondroitin is an important component of connective tissue and cartilage cells.It suppresses inflammation in the joints and protects them from further damage.
- "Hyaluronic acid" is necessary for arthrosis for synovial fluid and good joint function.You can inject it directly into the joint or take tablets.
Arthrosis is treated in combination with physiotherapy.Heat treatment, cold compresses, muscle strengthening, muscle stretching, electrical and ultrasound therapy are usually recommended in the acute stage.
Advantages and types of physiotherapy procedures
With the help of physiotherapy, you can restore the joints and their mobility.Physiotherapy for arthrosis includes a wide range of therapeutic methods that improve joint function and reduce inflammatory pain.These are:
- Thermal processes - application of cold and heat.
- Use of assistive devices such as rails, canes, walkers.They provide stability and mobility.Doctors teach patients how to use them correctly
- In order to get rid of arthrosis of the hands, physiotherapists recommend using paraffin therapy.
- If the spine is affected by the disease, you need to buy a firm mattress, neck collar or corset for the lumbar region.
It is advisable to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend that patients with arthrosis use swimming, water aerobics, Pilates and walking on a stationary bike to treat arthrosis.Benefits of physiotherapy:
- reduction of pain and inflammation;
- increased flexibility and range of motion;
- increased muscle strength;
- better coordination;
- weight loss and control;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
It is important to note that rest and immobilization are important in the acute stage.Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed during remission and after surgery.
Effectiveness of aquatic exercises
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis are an important part of any treatment program.Exercise therapy helps to strengthen and stabilize the joints, preventing further damage.Patients suffering from severe pain only increase the pain with regular exercise.Water exercise is an excellent way 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 cartilage that covers the ends of bones.When the cartilage thins, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.Due to the loss of shock-absorbing function, exercises such as running and aerobics aggravate the symptoms of the disease.Water therapy, on the contrary, gets rid of them, as it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- water therapy;
- hydrotherapy.
The swimming instructor explains in detail how to overcome arthrosis with hydrotherapy.The force of the water counteracts gravity, thereby reducing the pressure on the joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, water therapy also has cardiovascular benefits.After the end of the course, the blood circulation in the muscles and joints of the patients improves, as a result of which the cartilage tissue is restored.
Manual therapy against diseases
In addition to medication for arthrosis of the feet, knees, hips, and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to manage their symptoms.The most common treatments for arthrosis are chiropractic and massage.Chiropractors are licensed health professionals.The focus of their activities is the treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system.A chiropractor uses manual manipulation to relieve pressure on sensory neurons, 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 performed by a qualified specialist.A physical therapist or massage therapist can use different massage techniques that are appropriate for the specific case.There are several types of massage:
- point - reduces pain;
- deep - relieves pain in the muscles and tendons located close to the joints;
- Swedish - increases blood circulation.
A session lasts 30-60 minutes.Masseurs use rubbing, pressure, stroking and patting in one session to make the procedure more effective.It is better to carry out water manual treatment of arthrosis in a sanatorium.Thus, the patient will be protected from falls and severe stress.
Effect of intra-articular oxygen therapy
Arthritis 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 can be filtered more effectively;
- they stimulate cell metabolism;
- the joint capsule straightened;
- the amplitude of the movement increases;
- The elasticity of the cartilage and meniscus is restored.
The treatment of arthrosis without surgery or medication, but with the help of oxygenation, stimulates the self-healing of the cartilage tissue, which occurs due to the improvement of blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and popular creams
Anti-arthrosis ointments help relieve the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that in arthrosis of the legs, hips, shoulders or knees, creams can cure the pathology.But this is far from true.Arthrosis ointment only reduces the manifestation of symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
The mobility of the joints is restored by ointments made at home from natural ingredients.Recipes:
- Take a bag of mustard powder, a pinch of salt and paraffin.Mix the ingredients and place them in a water bath.The resulting mass is placed in a tightly sealed container.After 12 hours, the ointment is applied to the painful joints.
- Unripe juniper berries and nettles are mixed in equal amounts with crushed herb leaves.Then add 1 tbsp.l.melted fat, mix all the ingredients well and put the spread in the fridge.You can use the product up to 4 times a day.
The fight against arthrosis is aimed at the symptoms of the disease with the help of ointments.Great remedies include lavender oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Surgical methods of therapy
Most patients treat the disease with conservative methods.Surgery is necessary when other measures do not lead to results, or the damage is so extensive that non-surgical options are not even worth considering.How to stop the disease?In case of joint arthrosis, one of the following surgical methods is possible:
- Arthrodesis.
- Arthroscopy.
- Osteomy.
Cartilage replacement is needed when severe damage occurs and the disease spreads to other tissues.The damaged cartilage is replaced with artificial cartilage.This treatment method is called endoprosthesis.After the surgery is completed, recovery is required, during which physical therapy must be performed and it is possible to take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent a relapse?
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joints (hips, shoulders) consists of lifestyle changes.A few simple changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, maintaining a proper daily routine and taking care of the 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 the joints, but it can also lead to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable shoes that provide support.
You should rest occasionally if you feel pain.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 additional stress destroys the cartilage.The lower the weight, the less strain on the joints.To do this, you have to 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.