Osteoarthritis is a permanent joint disease that leads to the destruction of cartilage tissue.The disease arises 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 trigger for its development can be injuries to the joint part, inflammatory processes, excess weight and high physical activity.
The treatment of a degenerative disease consists of several phases.The entire treatment process can last from several months to several years.Treatment methods are divided into three groups: non-medicinal, medicinal, surgical.Today you'll learn how to deal with pain, what physical therapy is best, and what steps you can take to avoid a relapse.Serious joint diseases can be cured if you follow your doctor's recommendations, do exercises and do not interrupt your routine.
List of conservative therapy methods
How to cure osteoarthritis?This question concerns many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several methods of therapy, as cases are completely different.However, experts are confident that you can not only prevent the progression of the disease, but also cure it if you start treating joint osteoarthritis immediately at the first signs of the disease.The first step is to advise the patient about his daily behavior, physical activity and obesity.The rules must be adhered to throughout the entire therapy process.The second step is prescribing medication.Various medications are used to treat osteoarthritis:
- Painkillers with anti-inflammatory effects.
- The injections relieve pain for up to four weeks.
- “Chondroitin” is an important component of connective tissue and cartilage cells.It suppresses inflammation in the joints and protects them from further damage.
- “Hyaluronic acid” for osteoarthritis is necessary for synovial fluid and good joint function.You can inject directly into the joint or take tablets.
Osteoarthritis is treated in combination with physiotherapy.As a rule, heat treatments in the acute stage, cold compresses, strengthening and stretching of the muscles, as well as electrical and ultrasound therapy are recommended.
The benefits of physiotherapeutic procedures and their types
With the help of physiotherapy you can restore joints and their mobility.Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis includes a wide range of therapy methods that improve the function of the joints and relieve pain caused by inflammation.This includes:
- Thermal processes – application of cold and heat.
- Use of aids such as splints, canes, walking aids.They ensure stability and mobility.Doctors teach patients how to handle things properly
- To get rid of arthrosis of the hands, physiotherapists recommend using paraffin therapy.
- If the spine is affected by the disease, you need to purchase a hard mattress, cervical collar or corset for the lumbar region.
It is advisable to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend that patients with osteoarthritis include swimming, water aerobics, Pilates and walking on an exercise bike in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Benefits of Physiotherapy:
- Relieving pain and inflammation;
- increased flexibility and range of motion;
- increased muscle strength;
- improved coordination;
- weight loss and control;
- Improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
It is important to remember that rest and immobilization are important in the acute stage.Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed during remission and after surgery.
The effectiveness of water exercises
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis are an important part of every treatment.Exercise therapy helps to strengthen and stabilize the joints, preventing further damage.Patients who suffer from severe pain only notice that the pain worsens with regular physical activity.Water aerobics is an excellent way to stop osteoarthritis, relieve symptoms and reduce pressure on joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones.As cartilage thins, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.By losing shock-absorbing function, exercises such as running and aerobics worsen the symptoms of the disease.On the contrary, water therapy eliminates them because it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend the following:
- aquatherapy;
- Hydrotherapy.
A swimming instructor will explain in detail how you can use hydrotherapy to combat osteoarthritis.The force of water counteracts gravity, reducing pressure on the joints.In addition to relieving symptoms, water therapy also has benefits for the cardiovascular system.After completing the course, patients feel improved blood circulation in their muscles and joints, which leads to the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Manual therapy against diseases
In addition to medication to treat osteoarthritis of the foot, knee, hip, and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to relieve their symptoms.The most common therapies are chiropractic and massage for osteoarthritis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.The focus of her work is on the treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system.The chiropractor uses manual manipulation to relieve pressure on sensory nerve cells, improve overall health, restore structural integrity to the spine, and correct biomechanical problems of the nervous system.Chiropractors have become an integral part of pain management.Chiropractors can also advise you on how to restore mobility yourself.
Therapeutic massage for arthrosis is carried out by a qualified specialist.A physical therapist or massage therapist can use different massage techniques that are appropriate for a particular case.There are different types of massages:
- Point – relieves pain;
- deep – relieves pain in muscles and tendons near the joints;
- Swedish – increases blood circulation.
A session lasts 30 to 60 minutes.For greater effectiveness of the procedure, massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, stroking and tapping in one session.It is better to carry out manual treatment of arthrosis in water in a sanatorium.This protects the patient from falls and heavy strain.
Effect of intra-articular oxygen therapy
Osteoarthritis of the joints can be treated with intra-articular oxygen therapy.Saturation of joint tissue with oxygen accelerates metabolic processes.This is an effective osteoarthritis treatment that results in:
- Joints receive all the necessary nutrients;
- tissue degeneration slows down;
- collagen synthesis improves;
- Hyaluronates are filtered more efficiently;
- cell metabolism is stimulated;
- the joint capsule is erected;
- the amplitude of movements increases;
- The elasticity of cartilage and menisci is restored.
Treating osteoarthritis without surgery or medication, but with the help of oxygen enrichment stimulates the self-healing of the cartilage tissue, which occurs through improved blood flow to the joints.
Traditional and folk creams
Ointments for arthrosis help relieve the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that creams for arthrosis of the foot, hip, shoulder or knee can cure the pathology.But that is anything but true.Ointment for arthrosis only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
Joint mobility is restored using self-prepared ointments made 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 applied to the painful joints.
- Unripe juniper and nettle berries are mixed in equal parts with crushed herb leaves.Then you should 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.
Combating arthrosis with the help of ointments is aimed at the symptoms of the disease.Some great remedies include lavender oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Surgical therapy methods
Most patients treat the disease using conservative methods.Surgery is necessary when other measures fail or the damage is too extensive to make non-surgical options an option.How to stop the disease?If you have osteoarthritis of the joints, one of the following surgical methods can be considered:
- Arthrodesis.
- Arthroscopy.
- Osteomy.
Cartilage replacement is necessary when severe damage occurs and the disease spreads to other tissues.The damaged cartilage is replaced with artificial one.This treatment method is called endoprosthetics.After the operation is completed, recovery is required, during which it is necessary to undergo physical therapy and possibly take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How do you prevent a relapse?
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joints (hip, shoulder) consists of lifestyle changes.A few simple changes like quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, maintaining a good daily routine, and taking care of your joints will go a long way toward preventing osteoarthritis from developing.Certain activities such as running and heavy lifting should be avoided.It is better to replace them with swimming, cycling and physiotherapy.Neglected physical activity not only harms the joints but also leads to other health problems.Your doctor may suggest alternative exercises.People with ankle arthritis should wear comfortable shoes that provide support.
If you feel pain, it is necessary to rest regularly.Moderate pain means the joint needs rest.Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis - and for good reason.Excess pounds put extra pressure on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees.Over time, additional stress destroys the cartilage.The less weight, the less strain on the joints.To do this, you should avoid certain foods, stick to a diet and work more closely with a physiotherapist.To make walking easier, you can also use a cane or walker.Some patients use meditation, relaxation and hypnosis for prevention.