Arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a non-inflammatory pathology
joints, characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, borderline hypertrophy of bone tissue and changes in the synovial membrane. Most often, this pathology occurs in the elderly.
Arthropathy and arthritis
Do not confuse arthropathy and arthritis. In some sources, you can see that arthropathy is supposed to be different from arthritis in that the former is non-inflammatory and the latter is caused by inflammation. In fact, arthritis is a collective (umbrella term) that includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Causes of arthritis
Arthropathy is a fairly common disease. According to some reports, more than 75% of people over the age of 70 have some signs of joint pain. While the incidence of joint disease increases with age, the disease is not caused solely by aging of the joints. Joint injuries and other factors can accelerate the development of pathology. These include:
- osteoporosis?
- overweight
- postmenopausal women
- various metabolic disorders;
- endocrine diseases
- micronutrient deficiency
- hereditary predisposition?
- congenital pathologies of joint formation (dysplasia).
- joint injury
- normal microtrauma.
- exposure to certain toxins
- underwent joint surgeries etc.
The pathology can be primary and secondary. If the cause is not proven, the arthropathy is called primary (or idiopathic). If the disease occurs as a result of trauma, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, etc. , is considered secondary.
Stages of arthropathy
There are 3 stages of this disease:
- There are no severe morphological pathologies of the joint tissues. Changes in the synovial membrane and the composition of the synovial fluid are observed.
- Cartilage and menisci begin to deteriorate. Osteocytes (marginal abnormal growths) may appear in the bone.
- It is characterized by significant joint deformity, abnormal mobility or stiffness, as well as chronic pain (however, the latter symptom is usually characteristic of the previous stage as well).
Identification and symptomatology of the pathology
Arthropathy often affects the joints of the hands, including the distal interphalangeal joints, the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb. Other joints that are often affected by the disease include the cervical spine, back pain, hip, knee and first metatarsophalangeal joint. Osteoarthritis is less common in the ankle, wrist, elbow and shoulder (in such cases, it usually has a secondary etiology). The clinical picture of the pathology usually includes the following symptoms:
- history of joint pain
- deterioration of joint function
- swelling.
The pain usually develops gradually, usually over many years. Painful outbreaks may be accompanied by partial or complete remission. The pain usually occurs when the joint moves and subsides during rest, at least until the disease progresses to a more severe stage. Joint stiffness is often felt for a short time after periods of rest. It usually decreases within a few seconds or minutes of movement. Most often, the symptoms appear in the elderly, while in people under 40 years of age, arthritis often progresses asymptomatically.
Joint treatment
Conservative treatment of arthropathy
- rest, avoiding excessive physical exercise.
- weight loss (to reduce joint pressure)
- physiotherapy, such as exercise
- aids such as sticks, elastic knee braces.
- prudent use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, patients often receive spa treatment.
Surgical treatment of arthropathy
Knee replacement
Arthroplasty replacement
Prophylaxis
To minimize the risk of joints, it is necessary to maintain adequate physical activity to treat injuries, congenital and acquired abnormalities in the joint industry in a timely manner (for example, flat foot correction). Prevention methods also include reducing excess weight (which increases joint stress).