Effective treatment of osteoarthritis

Joint damage due to osteoarthritis is progressive.Pain, poor mobility and general unpleasant symptoms gradually increase.Without proper and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes quickly occur in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of working capacity.Comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis using special medications and non-drug agents is a prerequisite for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.

What is osteoarthritis and why does it appear?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the joints with multiple lesions of neighboring tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over 50 years old.

The causes of the disease lie in the breakdown of cartilage tissue, which, due to the natural aging of the body, begins to deteriorate.

Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:

• bad heredity;
• congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
• untreated and advanced arthritis;
• strenuous physical activity associated with work or professional sport;
• autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
• injuries and surgical operations on joints;
• overweight and bad habits;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis affects almost all movable joints that bear the greatest load throughout life: ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.There is a progressive destruction of the articular joints, accompanied by pain during movements, external deformations, muscle and vascular spasms and general malaise.

The disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of performance and disability.

Principles of osteoarthritis treatment

Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, presents exclusively in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether osteoarthritis can be cured is unequivocal: the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and constant maintenance treatment, it is possible to achieve stable and long-term remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, on the basis of which an effective treatment regimen is selected.

The treatment of osteoarthritis has several important goals:

• relieve painful symptoms and accompanying discomfort;
• restore joint functionality;
• maintain mobility and the ability to work into old age;
• prevent bone deformity and serious complications;
• stabilize general well-being.

Whatever the form of the disease, two therapeutic approaches are used:

• medicinal (medical)– preparations with symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intra-articular injections;
• non-pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, diet, surgery.

The set of techniques is selected individually depending on the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results.Self-medication of joint pathology is unacceptable.

Drug treatment of joint osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the joints at almost any stage can be treated conservatively using various medications.Systemic and local medications are used directly on the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.

Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:

• anti-inflammatories and analgesics;
• chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
• corticosteroids;
• vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
• vitamin complexes.

In the presence of arthrotic pathology, treatment is quite long and support measures are prescribed on an ongoing basis.

Anti-inflammatories and analgesics

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications form the basis of anti-osteoarthritis treatment.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.

1. NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective at the initial stage of the disease.
2. Pain relievers help deal with mild to moderate pain.

Medicines of these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.

Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid

What to do with osteoarthritis in case of partial destruction of cartilage tissue?A course of chondroprotective medications is recommended to stop the complete deterioration of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine they contain improve functionality and metabolism.

The knee and hip area is treated with several series of intra-articular injections.

Hyaluronic acid injections can provide auxiliary help, particularly in cases of knee osteoarthritis.

Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer over damaged cartilage, fills the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases motor functionality of the joints.

You cannot expect a quick healing result with these medications.Used exclusively as maintenance therapy.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid hormones are indicated for severe pain and inflammation.Most often used at stages 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of previous groups of drugs.

No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts for several months.

Vasodilators and muscle relaxants

Osteoarthritis often causes local deterioration of blood circulation, spasm of muscles and blood vessels and leads to congestion.

To improve blood circulation, relieve muscular hypertonia and facilitate mobility, we use:

• vasodilators;
• muscle relaxants.

The listed drugs are not always necessary, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to neighboring tissues.The treatment is carried out carefully, with strict dosage and constant medical supervision.

Vitamin complexes

To improve cellular metabolism in the joints, it is recommended to take vitamins.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.

Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and supportive purposes:

• a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
• a neurotropic drug with a set of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
• complex of 8 B vitamins with added calcium, magnesium and zinc;
• a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content, which acts as a building material for bone tissue.

Medicines of this group increase the body's resistance to various diseases, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.

Non-drug therapy

A non-drug approach is an equally important element in the treatment of joint osteoarthritis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as such simple and at the same time effective things as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.

In total, these are:

• accelerate rehabilitation;
• extend the remission period;
• prevent complications;
• improve general well-being.

As a last resort, surgery is used to maintain mobility.

How to treat osteoarthritis - folk recipes

Traditional medicine offers a large number of recipes for all forms and stages of osteoarthritis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products familiar to many, but they are absolutely simple and affordable.

Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following remedies will be useful:

1. Compresses of burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush them a little to release the juice.Apply to the sore spot overnight.
2. Ginger root compress to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the painful joint with a clean cloth.
3. Baths with soda salt solution for the extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt, dissolve in water at 40 degrees.Hold your hand or foot in the basin for 15-20 minutes, envelop it in warmth.

4. Rub some honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Rub the painful area with light massaging movements.
5. Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply to a piece of cotton wool, apply to the joint for 2 hours, wrapping it with a bandage and a film.
6. Dandelion decoction.2 tbsp.Boil dry leaves and roots of dandelion in a glass of water in a bathhouse for 10 minutes, cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.

Folk remedies help to cope with painful symptoms and relieve osteoarthritis, but they do not replace medications.

Tibetan medicine methods for joints

Tibetan healers and healers give pride of place to physiotherapy and manual techniques.

Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat osteoarthritis:

• reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– impact on biologically active points of the human body through the introduction of special thin needles, used to relieve pain and improve tissue metabolism;
• acupressure (acupressure)– massage by pressing on certain points of the body responsible for the health of each organ or area;
• vacuum massage– using cups or a special device, a targeted effect is achieved on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, eliminating congestion;
• stone therapy– massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, promoting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.

Through the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated and overall health of the body occurs.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with stem cells

Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that trigger cartilage regeneration processes.The patient's autologous (clean) material, isolated from adipose tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as a “medicine”.Sometimes donor material from a parent or cells from an aborted fetus are collected.

The procedure goes as follows:

1. The collected material is sent to the laboratory for stem cell cultivation.The process takes from 7 days to 2 months.
2. The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical manner.The course is chosen individually and can last from 10 days to several months.

Positive results are visible after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility improves.Gradually, the cartilage structure is restored, metabolism is normalized and complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.The treatment avoids surgery in the early stages;in advanced cases it is ineffective.

Good nutrition

The state of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the body's metabolism.A balanced diet can normalize metabolism and improve joint condition.During the treatment of osteoarthritis, and preferably forever, it is recommended to follow a special diet.

The daily diet should include:

• rabbit, chicken and turkey meat as an important source of protein;
• vegetables and fruits rich in fiber and vitamins (zucchini, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);

• marine fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
• buckwheat, rice, oat, durum wheat pasta;
• fermented milk products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
• legumes, nuts, bran;
• linseed, olive, sesame oil;
• aspic (jelly) made from bone broth and gelatin, replenishing collagen reserves.

Among the products offered, you can prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking, boiling or stewing.You can't eat fried food.

To benefit your joints, you must avoid:

• fatty meat and sausages;
• baked goods and sweets;
• canned foods for home and store;
• semi-finished products and fast food;
• whole milk;
• table salt;
• alcoholic drinks.

In case of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to create additional stress on your aching legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Meals should be balanced and regular.

How to cure osteoarthritis with exercises

Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis help restore joint mobility, expand range of motion and prevent serious deformities.It is used for all forms of joint pathologies during periods of remission.

Depending on the location, different series of specific exercises have been developed:

1. Osteoarthritis of the ankle
   • With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving towards the foot area;
   • sit on a chair, raise your leg slightly and slowly rotate your foot counterclockwise and clockwise;
   • From the previous position, move the toe away from you and towards you.
2. Hip joint
   • squat at a right angle without lifting your heels off the ground;
   • while standing, make wide leg movements back and forth;
   • perform the “Bicycle” and “Scissors” exercises known to everyone from the school program in a lying position.
3. Osteoarthritis of the knee
   • kneel, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
   • the mentioned “Bicycle” exercise is also useful for the knees;
   • standing, close your legs, make circular movements with your knees in both directions;
   • move slowly around the apartment in a squat, the so-called “goose gait”;
4. When hands and fingers are affected
   • make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
   • with outstretched arms, strongly clench and unclench your fist, spreading your fingers like a fan;
   • spin a round object (ball) in your hands, rolling it in different directions.

5. Shoulder and elbow area
   • rotate your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
   • while standing, stretch your arms upward, as if trying to reach the ceiling;
   • bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, stretching them in front of you with your palms facing up.

Gymnastics at home should be done carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If severe pain is present and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercise is only permitted with the authorization of a doctor.

Functioning

Surgery is the last resort to treat osteoarthritis.Direct indications for surgery are low effectiveness of conservative treatment, rapid deterioration in the condition of the joints and well-being.In cases of significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only life-saving method.

Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:

• arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation involving the introduction of a device into the joint cavity in order to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as to diagnose and treat pathological changes;
• arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of the joint surfaces with application of a pad of artificial material or the patient’s own tissues between them;
• cheilectomy– surgical intervention with preservation of the joint, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
• endoprostheses– radical surgery aimed at replacing a non-functional joint with an artificial implant, thus restoring mobility for many years;
• arthrodesis– surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if the installation of prostheses is not possible.

Often, surgery is the only method to prolong a patient's working life and avoid disability.

Conclusion

The answer to the question “Is osteoarthritis curable?”received – the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The right combination of medicinal and non-medicinal methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, get rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment on time and constantly monitor your health.