Osteoarthritis is a permanent joint disease that leads to the destruction of cartilaginous tissue.The disease develops in the bone material beneath 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 joint injuries, inflammatory processes, excess weight and high physical activity.
Therapy for degenerative diseases consists of several stages.The entire treatment process can take from several months to several years.Treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: non-drug, medicinal, surgical.Today you will learn how to deal with pain, the best physiotherapy to use and what measures to take to avoid relapses.Serious joint diseases can be cured if you follow your doctor's recommendations, exercise and don't break your routine.
List of conservative therapy methods
How to cure osteoarthritis?This question haunts many patients with this diagnosis.Doctors recommend several methods of therapy, because the 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 guide the patient about daily behavior, physical activity and excess weight.The rules must be followed throughout the therapeutic process.The second step is to prescribe medication.Several medications are used to treat osteoarthritis:
- Analgesics with anti-inflammatory effects.
- 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” for osteoarthritis is necessary for synovial fluid and the proper functioning of the joints.You can inject directly into the joint itself or take pills.
Osteoarthritis is treated in combination with physiotherapy.Heat treatment in the acute phase, cold compresses, muscle strengthening and stretching, electrical and ultrasound therapy are generally recommended.
The benefits of physiotherapeutic procedures and their types
You can restore your joints and their mobility with the help of physical therapy.Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis includes a wide range of therapeutic methods that improve joint function and reduce pain with 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 correctly
- To get rid of arthrosis of the hands, physiotherapists advise using paraffin.
- If the spine has been affected by the disease, it is necessary to purchase a hard mattress, a cervical collar or a corset for the lower back.
It is advisable to perform individual exercises that mobilize the joints.Physiotherapists also recommend that patients with osteoarthritis include swimming, water aerobics, Pilates and cycling on an exercise bike in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Benefits of physiotherapy:
- reduction of pain and inflammation;
- greater flexibility and range of movement;
- 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.
The effectiveness of aquatic exercises
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis are an important part of any treatment program.Exercise therapy helps to strengthen and stabilize joints, preventing further damage.Patients suffering from severe pain only feel the pain worsen with regular exercise.Aquatic exercise is an excellent option for stopping osteoarthritis, reducing symptoms and reducing pressure on joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that begins as a result of the breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of bones.When the cartilage becomes thinner, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.Due to the loss of shock absorption function, exercises such as running and aerobics will worsen the symptoms of the disease.Hydrotherapy, on the contrary, will eliminate them, as it does not have a strong effect on the joints.Your doctor may recommend:
- aquatherapy;
- hydrotherapy.
A swimming instructor will explain in detail how to combat osteoarthritis through hydrotherapy.The force of the water counteracts gravity, thus reducing pressure on joints.In addition to reducing symptoms, hydrotherapy brings cardiovascular benefits.After completing the course, patients experience an improvement in blood circulation in muscles and joints, resulting in the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.
Manual therapy against diseases
In addition to drug treatment for osteoarthritis of the foot, knee, hip and other joints, some patients may benefit from manual therapy to control symptoms.The most common therapies are chiropractic and massage for osteoarthritis.Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals.The treatment and prevention of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system is the focus of its activities.The 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 that affect 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 osteoarthritis is performed by a qualified specialist.A physical therapist or massage therapist may use a variety of massage techniques appropriate for a specific case.There are several types of massage:
- point - reduces pain;
- deep - relieves pain in muscles and tendons located near the joints;
- Swedish - increases blood circulation.
A session lasts 30 to 60 minutes.Massage therapists use rubbing, pressing, stroking and patting in one session for better effectiveness of the procedure.It is best to carry out aquatic manual treatment of arthrosis in a sanatorium.This way, the patient will be protected against falls and intense stress.
Effect of intra-articular oxygen therapy
Joint osteoarthritis can be treated with intra-articular oxygen therapy.Saturation of joint tissues with oxygen accelerates metabolic processes.This is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, which results in the following:
- joints receive all the necessary nutrients;
- tissue degeneration slows down;
- improves collagen synthesis;
- hyaluronates are filtered more efficiently;
- cellular metabolism is stimulated;
- the joint capsule is straightened;
- the range of movement increases;
- The elasticity of the cartilage and menisci is restored.
Treating osteoarthritis without surgery or medication, but with the help of oxygenation, stimulates the self-healing of cartilaginous tissue, which occurs due to improved blood circulation in the joints.
Traditional and folk creams
Osteoarthritis ointments help alleviate the main symptoms of the disease.Pharmaceutical companies claim that for osteoarthritis of the foot, hip, shoulder or knee, creams can cure the pathology.But this is far from true.Osteoarthritis ointment only reduces the manifestations of its symptoms: pain, redness, inflammation.
Joint mobility is restored by ointments prepared at home from natural ingredients.Revenues:
- 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 sore joints.
- Green berries of juniper and nettle are mixed with crushed herb leaves in equal quantities.Then you must add 1 tbsp.I.melted fat, mix all the ingredients well and place the ointment in the refrigerator.You can use the product up to 4 times a day.
Combating osteoarthritis with the help of ointments targets the symptoms of the disease.Great remedies include lavender oil, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Surgical methods of therapy
Most patients treat the disease using conservative methods.Surgery is necessary if other measures fail or if the damage is so extensive that it is not worth considering non-surgical options.How to stop the disease?For 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 treatment method is called endoprosthesis.After the end of the operation, recovery is required, during which it is necessary to undergo physiotherapy, and it is possible to take antibiotics to prevent suppuration.
How to prevent a relapse?
Prevention of arthrosis of the knee joints (hip, shoulder) consists of lifestyle changes.Some simple changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight, increasing mobility, having a good daily routine and taking care of your joints help a lot in preventing the development of osteoarthritis.Certain activities should be avoided, such as running and lifting weights.It is best to replace them with swimming, cycling and physiotherapy.Neglecting physical activity will not only have a negative 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 shoes that provide support.
It is necessary to rest periodically if you feel pain.Moderate pain means the joint needs rest.Excess weight 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, additional stress destroys the cartilage.The less weight, the less stress on your joints.To do this, you must 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.