Osteoarthritis is a permanent joint disease that leads to the destruction of cartilage tissue.The disease develops in the bone material beneath the cartilage and in the muscles that connect joints and ligaments.The disease is caused by poor metabolism in the body, but the impetus for its development can be injuries to the joint part, inflammatory processes, excessive weight and high physical activity.
Therapy for degenerative disease consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can take from several months to several years.Treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: non-pharmacological, medicinal, surgical.Today you will learn how to deal with pain, what is the best physiotherapy to use and what measures to take to avoid relapses.Serious joint disease can be cured if you follow your doctor's recommendations, do exercises and do not interrupt your routine.
List of conservative methods of therapy
How to cure osteoarthritis?This question torments many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend different methods of therapy, because the cases are completely different.But experts are confident that if you start immediate treatment of joint arthrosis at the first signs of the disease, it will not only be possible to prevent the disease from progressing, but also to cure it.The first step is to counsel the patient regarding daily behavior, physical activity and excess weight.The rules must be followed throughout the therapeutic process.The second step is prescribing medications.Various drugs are used to treat osteoarthritis:
- Painkillers with anti-inflammatory effects.
- The injections help relieve pain for up to four weeks.
- "Chondroitin" is an important component of connective tissue, cartilage cells.Suppresses inflammation of the joints and protects them from further damage.
- “Hyaluronic acid” for osteoarthritis is necessary for synovial fluid and the proper functioning of the joints.You can inject directly into the joint itself or take pills.
Osteoarthritis is treated in combination with physiotherapy.Heat treatments in the acute phase, cold compresses, strengthening and stretching of muscles, electrical therapy and ultrasound are usually recommended.
The benefits of physiotherapeutic procedures and their types
It is possible to restore joints and their mobility with the help of physiotherapy.Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis includes a wide range of therapeutic methods that improve the functioning of the joints and reduce pain associated with inflammation.These include:
- Thermal procedures: application of cold and heat.
- Use of aids such as splints, canes, walkers.They will provide stability and mobility.Doctors teach patients how to use them correctly
- To get rid of arthrosis of the hands, physiotherapists recommend using paraffin therapy.
- If the spine has been affected by the disease, it is necessary to purchase a firm mattress, a cervical collar or a corset for the lumbar region.
It is recommended to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend that patients with osteoarthritis include swimming, water aerobics, pilates and walking on a stationary bicycle in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Benefits of Physiotherapy:
- reduction of pain and inflammation;
- increased flexibility and range of motion;
- increased muscle strength;
- better coordination;
- weight loss and control;
- improve the function of the cardiovascular system.
It is important to remember that rest and immobilization are important in the acute phase.Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed during remission and after surgery.
The effectiveness of water exercises
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis are an important part of any treatment program.Physical therapy helps strengthen and stabilize joints, preventing further damage.Patients suffering from severe pain only feel that the pain worsens with regular exercise.Aquatic exercise is a great option for stopping osteoarthritis, reducing symptoms and reducing pressure on joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that begins due to the breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones.As cartilage thins, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.Due to the loss of shock absorbing function, exercises such as running and aerobics will aggravate the symptoms of the disease.Hydrotherapy, on the contrary, will eliminate them, since it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- aquatherapy;
- hydrotherapy.
A swimming instructor will explain to you in detail how to combat osteoarthritis using hydrotherapy.The force of the water counteracts gravity, thus reducing pressure on the joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, hydrotherapy has cardiovascular benefits.After completing the course, patients note improved blood circulation in the muscles and joints, resulting in the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Manual therapy against diseases
In addition to drug treatment for osteoarthritis of the foot, knee, hip and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to manage symptoms.The most common therapies are chiropractic and massage for osteoarthritis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.The care and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system is what their activities focus on.The chiropractor uses manual manipulation to relieve pressure on sensory nerve cells, 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 a variety of massage techniques appropriate for a particular case.There are different types of massage:
- point: reduces pain;
- deep: relieves pain in the muscles and tendons located near the joints;
- Swedish: Increases blood circulation.
A session lasts 30 to 60 minutes.Massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, stroking and patting in a single session for better effectiveness of the procedure.It is better to carry out aquatic manual treatment of arthrosis in a sanatorium.In this way the patient will be protected from falls and strong stress.
Effect of intra-articular oxygen therapy
Osteoarthritis of the joints can be treated with intra-articular oxygen therapy.Saturation of joint tissues with oxygen accelerates metabolic processes.This is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, which causes the following:
- joints receive all the necessary nutrients;
- tissue degeneration slows down;
- collagen synthesis improves;
- hyaluronates are filtered more efficiently;
- cellular metabolism is stimulated;
- the joint capsule is straightened;
- the amplitude of movement increases;
- The elasticity of the cartilage and menisci is restored.
The treatment of arthrosis without surgery or drugs, but with the help of oxygenation stimulates the self-healing of the cartilaginous tissue, which occurs thanks to the improvement of blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and popular creams
Ointments for arthrosis help relieve the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that for osteoarthritis of the foot, hip, shoulder or knee, creams can cure the disease.But this is far from true.Ointment for arthrosis only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
Joint mobility is restored by ointments prepared at home from natural ingredients.Recipes:
- Take a bag of mustard powder, a pinch of salt and paraffin.The ingredients are mixed and placed in a water bath.The resulting mass is placed in a hermetically sealed container.After 12 hours, the ointment is applied to the sore joints.
- Unripe berries of juniper and nettle are mixed with chopped herb leaves in equal quantities.Then you should add 1 tbsp.the.melted fat, mix all the ingredients well and put the ointment in the refrigerator.You can use the product up to 4 times a day.
The fight against arthrosis with the help of ointments is aimed at the symptoms of the disease.Great remedies include lavender oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Surgical methods of therapy
Most patients manage the disease using conservative methods.Surgery is necessary if other measures fail or if the damage is too extensive that non-surgical options are not even worth considering.How to stop the disease?For arthrosis of the joints, one of the following surgical methods is possible:
- Arthrodesis.
- Arthroscopy.
- Osteomy.
Cartilage replacement is necessary when severe damage occurs and the disease progresses to other tissues.The damaged cartilage is replaced with artificial cartilage.This treatment method is called endoprosthesis.Once the operation is completed, recovery is required, during which physical therapy must be performed, and antibiotics can be taken to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent a relapse?
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joints (hip, shoulder) consists in changing your lifestyle.Some simple changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, having a good daily routine and taking care of your joints go a long way in preventing the development of osteoarthritis.Some activities should be avoided, such as running and heavy lifting.It is better to replace them with swimming, cycling and physiotherapy.Neglecting physical activity will not only have negative effects on your joints, but will also lead to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable shoes that provide support.
You need to rest periodically if you feel pain.Moderate pain means the joint needs rest.Excess weight 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, additional stress destroys cartilage.The less weight, the less stress on the joints.To do this, you should give up some foods, follow a diet and work more closely with a physiotherapist.You can also use a cane or walker to make walking easier.Some patients use meditation, relaxation and hypnosis as prevention.