How the joint works (knee and others)The musculoskeletal system needs a person for active movements in space. The bones are a rigid setting, muscles - their driving force and the joints - the place of the mobile connection of the bones.In the structure of the joint, there are always two ends of neighboring bones which can move compared to each other using the muscles, and a small gap between them. This joint space is filled with a special lubricant - synovial fluid. It is necessary for the nutrition of cartilage: there are no vessels inside, so it takes all the nutrients from Synovia.The joint end of each bone is covered with cartilage to protect the bone tissues against friction. Cartilage also helps to "turn off" the vibration and a clear mechanical load: for example, the knee and the joints of the foot during walking take most of the energy from the stroke to the ground.The restoration of these cartilage is a long and complex process that does not always end successfully.All joints are limited by a capsule - a film that contains the joint fluid, does not allow it to spread. Almost all the joints are supported by ligaments that do not allow neighboring bones to move too much and in the wrong direction. Why and how osteoarthritis developsThere are many reasons for the appearance of osteoarthritis, in some cases, it is a combination of factors, and sometimes it is impossible to establish the cause.There are three main causes and more than an additional dozen. The most popular:joint injury;Congenital congenital anomalies (dysplasia);The consequence of inflammation (arthritis) of any reason;age (generally over 50);Metabolism violation (trace elements), obesity;Excessive load on the seal.The development of osteoarthritis is divided into three stages:Initial. There are no obvious signs, it is difficult to find it. The composition of the synovial fluid changes, its function worsens.Pain. Complaints and structural changes appear in the form of bone growth - osteophytes.Severe osteoarthritis. A significant decrease in the function of the joint is added: the movements are reduced or completely missing; The joint is distorted and the appearance of the limb changes.First, the structure of the cartilage is disturbed: it is thickened due to a change in the composition of the Synovia or for another reason. The swelling of the cartilage fabric aggravates its nutrition, so over time, cartilage begins to become thinner.Then, in the most loaded parts of the seal, the cartilage disappears almost or becomes too tight. In return, the growth of the bone begins - the appearance of osteophytes (spike bone).At the end of the disease, the growth of the bone is so pronounced that it limits movement to ankylosis - the complete immobility of the joint.OsteoarthritisInitial manifestations: periodic pain after significant physical activity. Then morning rigidity joins - after waking up for several minutes (up to 30), the joint seems to be connected by an elastic bandage: the movements are possible, but difficult. Subsequent symptoms:Pain on the palpation of the joint;thickening of the bone in the joint;movement restriction;Increased pain during less significant physical activity;Distortion of the limb.Most often, osteoarthritis is a disease of the large joints of the legs (knee, hip) and hands (shoulder). The foot joints are less common.Degenerative processes in the joint can always manifest itself in the form of unusual sounds during movement: crunch, cracking, shock.DiagnosisAs in the case of any other disease, it begins with the collection of an anamnesis - the history of the disease.It is particularly important for the doctor to know if there was the presence of risk factors (injuries, arthritis, congenital anomalies, chronic diseases).After having spoken and inspected the joint, additional methods will be necessary: tests and instrumental examination.
The main study of the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is radiography. The image will clearly see the main changes in the joint: reduction of joint gap, bone growth, deformation. In the early stages, small osteophytes can be seen along the edge of the joint, and in the late growth of the bone along the entire joint space will be significantly.The ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an additional method which will help determine the thickness of the cartilage in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy is less common: a surgeon puts a small camera directly in the joint space and obtains the image of the cartilage.OsteoarthritisIt is impossible to completely cure osteoarthritis and return the joint to the original state. The correct combination of several methods will only slow down the development of osteoarthritis, but "turning old young people" will not work.The main tasks of the treatment of the knee or hip joint:Moderate physical activity (running, walking, sitting position); special exercises, treatment of exercise (physiotherapy exercises);diet;drug treatment;Surgical treatment.With osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint or another location, the principles do not change, with the exception of the load correction on the specific joint.Physical activity and exercises are selected in each case with an orthopedic doctor by a doctor. The diet generally includes the enrichment of the diet with unsaturated fatty acids, a variety of proteins, moderately limits carbohydrates (especially simple, they are "fast").The rejection of bad habits (smoking, taking alcohol in all quantities) considerably slows down the development of osteoarthritis. The diet also depends on the cause of the disease, chronic diseases. You don't need to take food supplements.Drug therapy - Analgesics. NSAIDs - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are more often used. The choice of adaptation depends on the presence of chronic diseases and the planned duration of the administration. Corticosseroids (glucocorticoids, steroid drugs) are less commonly used (glucocorticoids. Very often, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors - drugs that contain some of the important molecules for cartilage. In the vast majority of cases, these drugs have no effect on the joint, in particular forms of tablets and ointments.It is extremely rare that such drugs can really be necessary and give a real effect: when examining the intra-articular liquid, you can check their quantity, and with a lack of injection directly into the joint (intra-articular injection).ConclusionsOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease associated with mechanical damage to cartilage and growth of bone tissue. It generally develops in people over 50, after joint injuries or long -term excessive load.It manifests itself by pain after the load, the stiffness in the morning and the crunch.
Why and how osteoarthritis developsThere are many reasons for the appearance of osteoarthritis, in some cases, it is a combination of factors, and sometimes it is impossible to establish the cause.There are three main causes and more than an additional dozen. The most popular:joint injury;Congenital congenital anomalies (dysplasia);The consequence of inflammation (arthritis) of any reason;age (generally over 50);Metabolism violation (trace elements), obesity;Excessive load on the seal.The development of osteoarthritis is divided into three stages:Initial. There are no obvious signs, it is difficult to find it. The composition of the synovial fluid changes, its function worsens.Pain. Complaints and structural changes appear in the form of bone growth - osteophytes.Severe osteoarthritis. A significant decrease in the function of the joint is added: the movements are reduced or completely missing; The joint is distorted and the appearance of the limb changes.First, the structure of the cartilage is disturbed: it is thickened due to a change in the composition of the Synovia or for another reason. The swelling of the cartilage fabric aggravates its nutrition, so over time, cartilage begins to become thinner.Then, in the most loaded parts of the seal, the cartilage disappears almost or becomes too tight. In return, the growth of the bone begins - the appearance of osteophytes (spike bone).At the end of the disease, the growth of the bone is so pronounced that it limits movement to ankylosis - the complete immobility of the joint.OsteoarthritisInitial manifestations: periodic pain after significant physical activity. Then morning rigidity joins - after waking up for several minutes (up to 30), the joint seems to be connected by an elastic bandage: the movements are possible, but difficult. Subsequent symptoms:Pain on the palpation of the joint;thickening of the bone in the joint;movement restriction;Increased pain during less significant physical activity;Distortion of the limb.Most often, osteoarthritis is a disease of the large joints of the legs (knee, hip) and hands (shoulder). The foot joints are less common.Degenerative processes in the joint can always manifest itself in the form of unusual sounds during movement: crunch, cracking, shock.DiagnosisAs in the case of any other disease, it begins with the collection of an anamnesis - the history of the disease.It is particularly important for the doctor to know if there was the presence of risk factors (injuries, arthritis, congenital anomalies, chronic diseases).After having spoken and inspected the joint, additional methods will be necessary: tests and instrumental examination.The main study of the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is radiography. The image will clearly see the main changes in the joint: reduction of joint gap, bone growth, deformation. In the early stages, small osteophytes can be seen along the edge of the joint, and in the late growth of the bone along the entire joint space will be significantly.The ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an additional method which will help determine the thickness of the cartilage in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy is less common: a surgeon puts a small camera directly in the joint space and obtains the image of the cartilage.OsteoarthritisIt is impossible to completely cure osteoarthritis and return the joint to the original state. The correct combination of several methods will only slow down the development of osteoarthritis, but "turning old young people" will not work.The main tasks of the treatment of the knee or hip joint:Moderate physical activity (running, walking, sitting position); special exercises, treatment of exercise (physiotherapy exercises);diet;drug treatment;Surgical treatment.With osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint or another location, the principles do not change, with the exception of the load correction on the specific joint.Physical activity and exercises are selected in each case with an orthopedic doctor by a doctor. The diet generally includes the enrichment of the diet with unsaturated fatty acids, a variety of proteins, moderately limits carbohydrates (especially simple, they are "fast").The rejection of bad habits (smoking, taking alcohol in all quantities) considerably slows down the development of osteoarthritis. The diet also depends on the cause of the disease, chronic diseases. You don't need to take food supplements.Drug therapy - Analgesics. NSAIDs - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are more often used. The choice of adaptation depends on the presence of chronic diseases and the planned duration of the administration. Corticosseroids (glucocorticoids, steroid drugs) are less commonly used (glucocorticoids. Very often, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors - drugs that contain some of the important molecules for cartilage. In the vast majority of cases, these drugs have no effect on the joint, in particular forms of tablets and ointments.It is extremely rare that such drugs can really be necessary and give a real effect: when examining the intra-articular liquid, you can check their quantity, and with a lack of injection directly into the joint (intra-articular injection).ConclusionsOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease associated with mechanical damage to cartilage and growth of bone tissue. It generally develops in people over 50, after joint injuries or long -term excessive load.It manifests itself by pain after the load, the stiffness in the morning and the crunch.
OsteoarthritisInitial manifestations: periodic pain after significant physical activity. Then morning rigidity joins - after waking up for several minutes (up to 30), the joint seems to be connected by an elastic bandage: the movements are possible, but difficult. Subsequent symptoms:Pain on the palpation of the joint;thickening of the bone in the joint;movement restriction;Increased pain during less significant physical activity;Distortion of the limb.Most often, osteoarthritis is a disease of the large joints of the legs (knee, hip) and hands (shoulder). The foot joints are less common.Degenerative processes in the joint can always manifest itself in the form of unusual sounds during movement: crunch, cracking, shock.DiagnosisAs in the case of any other disease, it begins with the collection of an anamnesis - the history of the disease.It is particularly important for the doctor to know if there was the presence of risk factors (injuries, arthritis, congenital anomalies, chronic diseases).After having spoken and inspected the joint, additional methods will be necessary: tests and instrumental examination.The main study of the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is radiography. The image will clearly see the main changes in the joint: reduction of joint gap, bone growth, deformation. In the early stages, small osteophytes can be seen along the edge of the joint, and in the late growth of the bone along the entire joint space will be significantly.The ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an additional method which will help determine the thickness of the cartilage in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy is less common: a surgeon puts a small camera directly in the joint space and obtains the image of the cartilage.OsteoarthritisIt is impossible to completely cure osteoarthritis and return the joint to the original state. The correct combination of several methods will only slow down the development of osteoarthritis, but "turning old young people" will not work.The main tasks of the treatment of the knee or hip joint:Moderate physical activity (running, walking, sitting position); special exercises, treatment of exercise (physiotherapy exercises);diet;drug treatment;Surgical treatment.With osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint or another location, the principles do not change, with the exception of the load correction on the specific joint.Physical activity and exercises are selected in each case with an orthopedic doctor by a doctor. The diet generally includes the enrichment of the diet with unsaturated fatty acids, a variety of proteins, moderately limits carbohydrates (especially simple, they are "fast").The rejection of bad habits (smoking, taking alcohol in all quantities) considerably slows down the development of osteoarthritis. The diet also depends on the cause of the disease, chronic diseases. You don't need to take food supplements.Drug therapy - Analgesics. NSAIDs - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are more often used. The choice of adaptation depends on the presence of chronic diseases and the planned duration of the administration. Corticosseroids (glucocorticoids, steroid drugs) are less commonly used (glucocorticoids. Very often, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors - drugs that contain some of the important molecules for cartilage. In the vast majority of cases, these drugs have no effect on the joint, in particular forms of tablets and ointments.It is extremely rare that such drugs can really be necessary and give a real effect: when examining the intra-articular liquid, you can check their quantity, and with a lack of injection directly into the joint (intra-articular injection).ConclusionsOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease associated with mechanical damage to cartilage and growth of bone tissue. It generally develops in people over 50, after joint injuries or long -term excessive load.It manifests itself by pain after the load, the stiffness in the morning and the crunch.
DiagnosisAs in the case of any other disease, it begins with the collection of an anamnesis - the history of the disease.It is particularly important for the doctor to know if there was the presence of risk factors (injuries, arthritis, congenital anomalies, chronic diseases).After having spoken and inspected the joint, additional methods will be necessary: tests and instrumental examination.The main study of the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is radiography. The image will clearly see the main changes in the joint: reduction of joint gap, bone growth, deformation. In the early stages, small osteophytes can be seen along the edge of the joint, and in the late growth of the bone along the entire joint space will be significantly.The ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an additional method which will help determine the thickness of the cartilage in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy is less common: a surgeon puts a small camera directly in the joint space and obtains the image of the cartilage.OsteoarthritisIt is impossible to completely cure osteoarthritis and return the joint to the original state. The correct combination of several methods will only slow down the development of osteoarthritis, but "turning old young people" will not work.The main tasks of the treatment of the knee or hip joint:Moderate physical activity (running, walking, sitting position); special exercises, treatment of exercise (physiotherapy exercises);diet;drug treatment;Surgical treatment.With osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint or another location, the principles do not change, with the exception of the load correction on the specific joint.Physical activity and exercises are selected in each case with an orthopedic doctor by a doctor. The diet generally includes the enrichment of the diet with unsaturated fatty acids, a variety of proteins, moderately limits carbohydrates (especially simple, they are "fast").The rejection of bad habits (smoking, taking alcohol in all quantities) considerably slows down the development of osteoarthritis. The diet also depends on the cause of the disease, chronic diseases. You don't need to take food supplements.Drug therapy - Analgesics. NSAIDs - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are more often used. The choice of adaptation depends on the presence of chronic diseases and the planned duration of the administration. Corticosseroids (glucocorticoids, steroid drugs) are less commonly used (glucocorticoids. Very often, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors - drugs that contain some of the important molecules for cartilage. In the vast majority of cases, these drugs have no effect on the joint, in particular forms of tablets and ointments.It is extremely rare that such drugs can really be necessary and give a real effect: when examining the intra-articular liquid, you can check their quantity, and with a lack of injection directly into the joint (intra-articular injection).ConclusionsOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease associated with mechanical damage to cartilage and growth of bone tissue. It generally develops in people over 50, after joint injuries or long -term excessive load.It manifests itself by pain after the load, the stiffness in the morning and the crunch.