Treatment of arthrosis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative change in the cartilage tissue in a joint. Normally, a healthy joint is covered with cartilage tissue, making it mobile and elastic, which allows the load to be distributed evenly over the entire surface of the joint.

Damage and thinning of the cartilage leads to the appearance of symptoms: patients complain of pain, crunching and impaired mobility of the joints. The disease does not go away on its own, and its treatment is effective only if you contact an orthopedic traumatologist.

Osteoarthritis can occur in people who are obese, have metabolic disorders, hemophilia, and thyroid disease. Its development is also facilitated by hypothermia, an unbalanced diet, intoxication, and frequent colds. Various types of injuries (from fractures and dislocations to sprains and blows) also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is considered primary if it develops due to the gradual loss of elasticity of the cartilage tissue as a result of wear and tear and age-related changes. It is considered secondary if it is caused by the factors listed above.

Depending on which joint is affected, osteoarthritis can be hip (coxarthrosis), knee (gonarthrosis), elbow, shoulder, ankle, or cervical. The most common are coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis.

Initially, symptoms of osteoarthritis appear only after physical exertion and quickly disappear, but as the inflammatory process develops, the symptoms become stronger and more pronounced. In the later stages of the disease, the modified cartilage tissue begins to be rejected and an autoimmune process is triggered - the body attacks the modified tissues.

The examination of the patient begins during the initial consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist—the doctor examines the patient, palpates the affected joint, and prescribes the necessary diagnostics. This may include an ultrasound of the joint or a CT scan, and laboratory tests may be prescribed to identify factors contributing to osteoarthritis.

After an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment is prescribed, which consists of relieving pain and inflammation, as well as restoring cartilage tissue.

The earlier a patient with symptoms of osteoarthritis sees a doctor, the higher the likelihood that the disease can be stopped. If a patient (especially an elderly one) visits a doctor with late-stage osteoarthritis, the main goal of treatment is to preserve the elasticity of the cartilage and, accordingly, the mobility of the joint for as long as possible.

Oxford Medical employs experienced doctors of various specialties and has expert-class equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint diseases.

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People who lead an active and healthy lifestyle with adequate physical activity are less prone to the disease. A balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and controlling your weight can help prevent the development of the disease.

Although it is necessary to pay due attention to physical education and physical activity, it is important to avoid heavy loads — it is because of them that professional athletes are one of the groups at risk of developing osteoarthritis.

If the disease is already developing, doctors recommend swimming, walking, cycling, Pilates, etc. Running, soccer, basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, and powerlifting should be avoided.