Arthrosis 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 stimulus for its development can be joint injuries, inflammatory processes, excess weight and high physical activity.
The therapy of degenerative diseases consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can last from several months to several years.Treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: non-medicinal, medical, surgical.Today you will learn how to deal with pain, which physiotherapy is best to use and what measures to take to avoid recurrence.Serious joint diseases can be cured if you follow the doctor's recommendations, do exercises and do not violate the routine.
List of conservative methods of therapy
How to cure arthrosis?This question bothers many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several methods of therapy, because cases are completely different.But experts are convinced that if you immediately start treating arthrosis of the joints 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 counseling the patient about daily behavior, physical activity and excess weight.The rules must be followed during the entire therapeutic process.The second step is to prescribe medication.Different drugs are used to treat arthrosis:
- Painkillers with anti-inflammatory action.
- 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.
- "Hyaluron" for arthrosis is necessary for synovial fluid and good joint functioning.You can inject directly into the joint itself or take tablets.
Arthrosis is treated in combination with physiotherapy.Heat treatments in the acute phase, cold compresses, muscle strengthening and stretching, electro and ultrasound therapy are usually recommended.
Advantages of physiotherapeutic procedures and their types
With the help of physiotherapy, you can restore the joints and their mobility.Physiotherapy of arthrosis includes a wide range of therapeutic methods that improve joint function and reduce pain during inflammation.This includes:
- 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, it is necessary to buy a hard mattress, a cervical collar or a corset for the lumbar part.
It is recommended to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend swimming, water aerobics, pilates, walking on a stationary bike to patients with arthrosis in the treatment of arthrosis.Benefits of physiotherapy:
- 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 phase.Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed during remission and after surgery.
Effectiveness of exercises in water
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis are an important part of any treatment program.Exercise therapy helps strengthen and stabilize joints, preventing further damage.Patients suffering from severe pain feel that the pain only worsens with regular exercise.Exercising in water is an excellent option for stopping arthrosis, reducing symptoms and reducing pressure on the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that begins as a result of the deterioration of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones.When the cartilage thins, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.Due to the loss of cushioning function, exercises such as running and aerobics will worsen the symptoms of the disease.Water therapy, on the contrary, will get rid of them, because it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- aquatherapy;
- hydrotherapy.
The swimming instructor will tell you in detail how to fight arthrosis with hydrotherapy.The force of the water counteracts gravity, reducing the pressure on the joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, water therapy also has cardiovascular benefits.After completing the course, patients experience improved blood circulation in the muscles and joints, which results in the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Manual therapy against diseases
Along with medications to treat osteoarthritis of the feet, knees, hips, and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to relieve symptoms.The most common therapies are chiropractic and massage for arthrosis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.The treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system is what their activities are aimed at.A chiropractor uses manual manipulation to reduce 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 regain mobility on your own.
Therapeutic massage for arthrosis is performed by a qualified specialist.A physiotherapist 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 - increases blood circulation.
One session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.Massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, caressing and patting in one session for better efficiency of the procedure.It is better to carry out water manual treatment of arthrosis in a sanatorium.In this way, the patient will be protected from falls 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.This is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, resulting in the following:
- the 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 meniscus is restored.
Treatment of arthrosis without surgery and drugs, but with the help of oxygenation, stimulates the self-healing of cartilage tissue, which occurs due to improved blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and folk creams
Ointments for arthrosis help alleviate the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that with arthrosis of the feet, hips, shoulders or knees, creams can cure the pathology.But this is far from the truth.Ointment for arthrosis only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
Joint mobility 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 well-closed container.After 12 hours, the ointment is applied to the painful joints.
- Unripe berries of juniper and nettle are mixed with crushed plant leaves in equal quantities.Then add 1 tbsp.l.melted fat, mix all the ingredients well and put the fat in the refrigerator.You can use the product up to 4 times a day.
The fight against arthrosis with the help of ointment is aimed at the symptoms of the disease.Great remedies include lavender oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Surgical methods of therapy
Most patients treat the disease with conservative methods.Surgery is necessary if other measures fail or the damage is so great that non-surgical options are not worth considering.How to stop the disease?One of the following surgical methods is possible for joint arthrosis:
- Arthrodesis.
- Arthroscopy.
- Osteomy.
Cartilage replacement is needed when there is serious damage and the disease progresses to other tissues.Damaged cartilage is replaced with artificial cartilage.This method of treatment is called endoprosthetics.After the operation, recovery is required, during which physical therapy must be carried out, and it is possible to take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent relapse?
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joints (hips, shoulders) consists of lifestyle changes.Some simple changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, a good daily routine and taking care of the joints greatly contribute to the prevention of the development of arthrosis.Certain activities should be avoided, such as running and heavy lifting.It is better to replace them with swimming, cycling and physical therapy.Neglecting physical activity will not only have a bad effect on your joints, but will also lead to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
It is necessary to rest occasionally 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.Excess weight puts extra pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees.Over time, the added stress destroys the cartilage.The less weight, the less stress on the joints.To do this, you should give up certain foods, follow a diet and work more with a physiotherapist.You can also use a cane or walker to make walking easier.Some patients use meditation, relaxation and hypnosis as prevention.