Effective treatment of osteoarthritis

Joint damage caused by osteoarthritis is progressive.Pain, limited mobility and general unpleasant symptoms gradually increase.Without appropriate and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes quickly occur in the form of deformation of the bone joints and loss of ability to work.Comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis with special medications and non-medicinal agents is a prerequisite to stop the destruction of the joints and restore their functionality.

What is osteoarthritis and why does it occur?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic joint disease with multiple lesions of the surrounding tissue.It is progressive, non-inflammatory and develops gradually over several years.Women over 50 are particularly affected.

The causes of the disease lie in the breakdown of cartilage tissue, which begins to break down as the body naturally ages.

Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:

• bad heredity;
• congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
• untreated and advanced arthritis;
• heavy physical activity related to work or professional sports;
• autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
• Injuries and surgical procedures on joints;
• excess weight and bad habits;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis affects almost all movable joints that bear the greatest load throughout life - ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.There is a gradual destruction of the joints, accompanied by pain when moving, external deformations, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and general malaise.

The disease requires complex therapy, without which loss of performance and disability quickly occur.

Principles of treating osteoarthritis

In contrast to arthritis, osteoarthritis only occurs in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be cured is unequivocal: the pathology cannot be completely cured.However, thanks to timely and constant maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve long-term and stable remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, on the basis of which an effective treatment regimen will be selected.

Osteoarthritis therapy has several important goals:

• relieve painful symptoms and accompanying complaints;
• restore joint functionality;
• Maintaining mobility and ability to work well into old age;
• Prevent bone deformation and serious complications;
• stabilize general well-being.

Regardless of the form of the disease, two treatment approaches are used:

• medical (medical)– Preparations with symptomatic and therapeutic effects in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
• not pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, nutrition, surgery.

The selection of techniques is made individually depending on the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medications and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results.Self-medication of joint pathology is unacceptable.

Drug treatment of joint arthrosis

Arthrosis of the joints can be treated conservatively in almost all stages with the help of various medications.Systemic and local medications are applied directly to the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.

Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:

• anti-inflammatory and painkillers;
• chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
• corticosteroids;
• vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
• Vitamin complexes.

If osteoarthritis pathology is present, therapy is quite lengthy and supportive measures are prescribed on an ongoing basis.

Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs form the basis of anti-arthrosis therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and extent of joint damage.

1. NSAIDs are intended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective in the initial stages of the disease.
2. Analgesics help manage pain of mild to moderate intensity.

Drugs from these groups are taken in short dosages due to the side effects.

Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid

What to do with osteoarthritis when the cartilage tissue is partially destroyed?To stop the complete breakdown of the joints, a course of chondroprotective medications is recommended.The chondroitin and glucosamine it contains improve functionality and metabolism.

The knee and hip area are treated with several cycles of intra-articular injections.

Injections with hyaluronic acid can have a supportive effect, particularly in cases of gonarthrosis.

Sodium hyaluronate forms a protective layer on damaged cartilage, compensates for the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases the motor functionality of the joints.

You cannot expect a quick healing result from these medications.Used exclusively as maintenance therapy.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid hormones are indicated for severe pain and inflammation.Due to the ineffectiveness of previous groups of drugs, it is most often used in stages 3-4 of the disease.

No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.If the clinical picture is favorable, the positive result lasts for several months.

Vasodilators and muscle relaxants

Osteoarthritis often causes local deterioration in blood circulation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels, and leads to congestion.

To improve blood circulation, relieve muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:

• vasodilators;
• Muscle relaxants.

The listed drugs are not always needed, but only when the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to surrounding tissues.Treatment is carried out carefully, under strict dosage and constant medical supervision.

Vitamin complexes

To improve cell metabolism in the joints, taking vitamins is recommended.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.

Vitamin complexes are prescribed for prevention and support:

• a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
• a neurotropic drug with a set of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
• Complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
• a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content that serves as a building material for bone tissue.

Drugs in this group increase the body's resistance to various ailments, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.

Non-drug therapy

A non-drug approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint osteoarthritis.Assistive techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as on such simple and at the same time effective things as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.

In total they are:

• acceleration of rehabilitation;
• prolong the remission period;
• prevent complications;
• improve general well-being.

As a last resort, surgery to maintain mobility is used.

How to treat arthrosis – folk recipes

Traditional medicine has a variety of recipes for all forms and stages of osteoarthritis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products familiar to many, but they are absolutely simple and affordable.

Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following remedies will help:

1. Compresses from burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush them slightly to release the juice.Apply to the sore spot overnight.
2. Ginger root compress warms and stimulates blood circulation.Rub the root and wrap it around the sore spot with a clean cloth.
3. Baths with soda-saline solution for extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt and dissolve in 40 degree warm water.Place your hand or foot in the basin and wrap it in warmth for 15-20 minutes.

4. Rub with honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100g of natural honey.Massage into the painful area with light massage movements.
5. Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply it to a piece of cotton cloth, apply to the joint for 2 hours and wrap it with a bandage and film.
6. Dandelion decoction.2 tsp.Boil dry dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a bathhouse for 10 minutes and cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.

Folk remedies help cope with painful symptoms and relieve arthrosis, but do not replace medications.

Methods of Tibetan medicine for joints

Tibetan healers and healers give a leading role to physiotherapy and manual techniques.

Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat osteoarthritis:

• Reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– Impact on biologically active points in the human body by introducing special thin needles that are used to relieve pain and improve metabolism in tissues;
• Acupressure (acupressure)– Massage by pressing on specific points of the body that are responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
• Vacuum massage– With the help of cups or a special device, a targeted effect is achieved on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and eliminating congestion.
• Stone therapy– Massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, which promotes the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissue and stimulates metabolic processes.

By using Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated and the overall health of the body is promoted.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with stem cells

Cell therapy is a new method of restoring joint structure using stem cells that trigger regeneration processes in the cartilage.The patient's autologous (own) material, isolated from fatty tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as a “medicine”.Sometimes donor material is taken from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus.

The procedure goes as follows:

1. The collected material is sent to the laboratory for stem cell cultivation.The process takes between 7 days and 2 months.
2. The finished substance is injected into the joint minimally invasively or surgically.The course is selected individually and can last between 10 days and several months.

Positive results are noticeable after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility is improved.Gradually, the cartilage structure is restored, metabolism is normalized, and complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.Treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the initial stages;in advanced cases it is ineffective.

Proper nutrition

The condition of the musculoskeletal system depends largely on the metabolism in the body.A balanced diet can normalize metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and preferably permanently, it is recommended to follow a special diet.

The daily diet should include:

• Rabbit, chicken and turkey meat as an important source of protein;
• Vegetables and fruits high in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, citrus fruits);

• Sea fish with omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
• buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, durum wheat noodles;
• fermented milk products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
• legumes, nuts, bran;
• linseed, olive, sesame oil;
• Aspic (jelly) based on bone broth and gelatin, which replenishes collagen reserves.

You can prepare a variety of delicious dishes from the products on offer by steaming, baking in the oven, boiling or steaming.You can't eat fried food.

To help your joints, avoid the following:

• fatty meat and sausages;
• baked goods and sweets;
• Store and store canned food at home;
• semi-finished products and fast food;
• whole milk;
• table salt;
• alcoholic drinks.

With arthrosis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to watch your weight and avoid obesity so as not to put additional strain on your sore legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water daily.Meals should be balanced and regular.

How to cure osteoarthritis with exercises

Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis help restore joint mobility, expand the range of motion and prevent severe deformities.It is used for all forms of joint pathology during the remission phase.

Depending on the location, different sets of special exercises have been developed:

1. Ankle osteoarthritis
   • Using light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving towards the foot area.
   • Sit on a chair, lift your leg slightly and slowly rotate your foot counterclockwise and clockwise.
   • From the previous position, pull your toe away from you and toward you.
2. hip joint
   • squat at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
   • From a standing position, make large swings back and forth with your legs;
   • Perform the “bicycle” and “scissors” exercises, which everyone knows from the curriculum, while lying down.
3. Knee osteoarthritis
   • kneel down, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
   • The mentioned “bicycle” exercise is also useful for the knees;
   • stand straight, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
   • move slowly through the apartment in a squatting position, the so-called “goose walk”;
4. If hands and fingers are affected
   • Make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
   • with outstretched arms, clench and open your fist vigorously, spreading your fingers like a fan;
   • Twist a round object (ball) in your hands and roll it in different directions.

5. Shoulder and elbow area
   • Rotate your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows.
   • While standing, stretch your arms upward as if you were trying to reach the ceiling.
   • Bend and straighten your arms at the elbow and extend them in front of you with your palms facing up.

Gymnastics at home should be done carefully, paying attention to the body's reaction.If severe pain occurs and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercises are only permitted with the approval of a doctor.

Operation

Surgery is the last resort for treating osteoarthritis.Direct indications for surgery are the low effectiveness of conservative therapy, the rapid deterioration of the condition of the joints and well-being.If there is significant deformation of the bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only and life-saving method.

Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:

• Arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation, during which a device is inserted into the joint cavity to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as to diagnose and treat pathological changes;
• Arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of the articular surfaces by placing a pad made of artificial material or the patient's own tissue between them;
• Cheilectomy– joint-preserving surgery, during which osteochondral growths are removed;
• Endoprosthetics– radical surgery to replace a non-functional joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility for many years;
• Arthrodesis– Surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if prosthetics is not possible.

Often, surgery is the only method that can extend a patient's active life and avoid disability.

Conclusion

The answer to the question “Is osteoarthritis curable?”is: preserved - the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The correct combination of drug and non-drug methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, eliminate unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment on time and constantly monitor your health.