Arthritis is a permanent 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 disease is caused by poor metabolism in the body, but the impetus for its development can be injuries to the joint part, inflammatory processes, excess weight and high physical activity.
The therapy of the degenerative disease consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.Treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: non-drug, drug and surgical.Today you will learn how to deal with pain, what is the best physical therapy and what measures to take to avoid relapse.Severe joint diseases can be cured if you follow your doctor's recommendations, do exercises and do not disturb your routine.
List of conservative treatment methods
How to treat arthrosis?This question haunts many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several methods of treatment, as cases are completely different.But experts are confident that if you start immediate treatment of 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 consult the patient about daily behavior, physical activity and excess weight.The rules must be followed throughout the therapeutic process.The second step is prescribing medication.Different drugs are used to treat arthrosis:
- Painkillers with anti-inflammatory effect.
- The injections help relieve pain for up to four weeks.
- Chondroitin is an important component of connective tissue, cartilage cells.It suppresses inflammation in the joints and protects them from further damage.
- Hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis is necessary for the synovial fluid and the good functioning of the joints.You can inject directly into the joint itself or take pills.
Arthritis is treated in combination with physiotherapy.Heat therapy, cold compresses, muscle strengthening and stretching, electro- and ultrasound therapy are usually recommended in the acute stage.
The benefits of physiotherapy procedures and their types
You can restore the joints and their mobility with the help of physical therapy.Physiotherapy for arthrosis includes a wide range of therapeutic methods that improve the functioning of the joints and reduce the pain of inflammation.These include:
- Thermal procedures - application of cold and heat.
- Use of assistive devices such as splints, canes, walkers.They will provide stability and mobility.Doctors teach patients how to use them properly
- To get rid of hand arthrosis, physiotherapists advise using paraffin therapy.
- If the spine is affected by the disease, you should purchase a firm mattress, cervical collar or lumbar corset.
It is recommended to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend that osteoarthritis patients include swimming, water aerobics, Pilates and stationary cycling in their osteoarthritis treatment.Benefits of physical therapy:
- reduction of pain and inflammation;
- increased flexibility and range of motion;
- increased muscle strength;
- improved coordination;
- weight loss and control;
- improving the function of the cardiovascular system.
It is important to remember that rest and immobilization are important in the acute stage.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.Exercise therapy helps strengthen and stabilize the joints, preventing further damage.Patients suffering from severe pain only experience worsening pain with regular exercise.Water exercises are an excellent option for stopping osteoarthritis, reducing symptoms and reducing pressure on the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that begins as a result of the destruction of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones.As the cartilage thins, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.Due to the loss of cushioning function, exercise such as running and aerobics will worsen the symptoms of the disease.Water therapy, on the contrary, will get rid of them, since it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- aqua therapy;
- hydrotherapy.
A swimming instructor will tell you in detail how to fight arthrosis with the help of hydrotherapy.The force of the water counteracts gravity, thus reducing pressure on the joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, water therapy has benefits for the cardiovascular system.After completing the course, patients experience improved blood circulation in the muscles and joints, which leads to the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Manual therapy against the disease
In addition to medical 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 arthrosis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.The treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and locomotor system are aimed at their activity.A 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 different massage techniques that are appropriate for a particular case.There are several types of massage:
- point - reduces pain;
- deep - relieves pain in the muscles and tendons located near the joints;
- Swedish - enhances blood circulation.
A session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.Massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, stroking and tapping in one session for greater effectiveness of the procedure.It is better to carry out water manual treatment of arthrosis in a sanatorium.Thus, the patient will be protected from falling 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 following:
- the joints receive all the necessary nutrients;
- tissue degeneration slows down;
- collagen synthesis improves;
- hyaluronates are filtered more effectively;
- cellular metabolism is stimulated;
- the joint capsule stands up;
- the range of motion increases;
- The elasticity of cartilage and menisci is restored.
Treatment of arthrosis without surgery or medication, but with the help of oxygenation stimulates the self-repair of cartilage tissue, which occurs due to improved blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and folk creams
Ointments for arthrosis help relieve the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that for arthrosis of the foot, hip, shoulder or knee, creams can cure the pathology.But this is far from true.Ointment for arthrosis only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
The mobility of the joints is restored with 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 tightly closed container.After 12 hours, the ointment is smeared on the diseased joints.
- Unripe fruits of juniper and nettle are mixed with crushed leaves of the herb in equal quantities.Then you need to add 1 tbsp.l 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 treatment
Most patients cope with the disease through conservative methods.Surgery is necessary if other measures have failed or the damage is so great that non-surgical options are not even worth considering.How to stop the disease?In case of 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 an artificial one.This method of treatment is called endoprosthetics.After the operation, recovery is necessary, during which it is necessary to carry out physiotherapy and it is possible to take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent relapse?
The prevention of arthrosis of the knee joints (hip, shoulder) consists in changing the way of life.Some simple changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, a good daily routine and taking care of your joints go a long way in preventing the development of osteoarthritis.Certain activities should be avoided, such as running and lifting weights.It is better to replace them with swimming, cycling and physiotherapy.Neglecting physical activity will not only affect your joints badly, but also lead to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable shoes that provide support.
Periodic rest is necessary 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 added stress breaks down the cartilage.The less weight, the less stress on the joints.To do this, you need to give up certain foods, follow a diet and work more with a physical therapist.You can also use a cane or walker to make walking easier.Some patients use meditation, relaxation and hypnosis as prevention.