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Arthrosis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. It mainly destroys articular cartilage. It leads to the appearance of changes in the structure of the bone tissue itself, resulting in the formation of osteophytes (these are bone outgrowths that cause the joints to have limited mobility).
These ailments can lead to inflammation in the joints. Unfortunately, it is a disease that cannot be effectively cured. Its development depends on aging of the body and the degree of wear and tear of cartilages – especially those found in the joints. The pace of development may also be increased by genetic conditions or numerous mechanical joint injuries that may be related to the work we do. Also, our daily lifestyle, stress or overloading the muscles of the joints can contribute to the appearance arthritis. If someone has metabolic problems (it is diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, parathyroid gland), he may also become a victim of this disease.
Are we able to inhibit the development of arthrosis with movement?
Yes. Everyone should play sports. This is a factor that can reduce the progression of the disease or stop the onset of symptoms for a long time arthritis. It is enough for us to walk, run or do yoga. Swimming or attending dance classes would also be appreciated. Due to the fact that the human body moves, synovial fluid is secreted in the joints, the main task of which is to protect against the inevitable friction of the cartilages. This fluid is supposed to strengthen the joints and nourish them. Movement makes the composition of this fluid rich in minerals needed for cartilage regeneration. If arthrosis appears, movement is able to reduce the pain that occurs during the course of the disease. It can also be anti-inflammatory.
How does obesity affect arthrosis?
A person who has a problem with obesity, unfortunately, may thus have a greater predisposition to develop the disease arthrosis. The person’s joints are stressed more, which causes the cartilage to wear off faster. Along with obesity arthrosis may be accompanied by disturbances related to metabolism, i.e., for example, with insulin resistance.
What is the course of arthrosis?
arthrosis for a long time it is imperceptible to the patient. Then there is an innocent “crunch” in the joints. The pain that accompanies it initially appears only with strenuous physical exertion, and with time it begins to appear also when the body is resting. If the disease continues to progress, problems with the stiffness you may feel in your joints when you wake up over time may arise. This feeling may last for about 30 minutes. In subsequent stages of the disease, stiffness can also occur when a person sits motionless for a long time. In such a situation, there may also be numerous swellings in the area of the joints. At the very end of the run arthritis the mobility of the articular cartilage is limited.
Can the selection of an appropriate diet affect the management of arthrosis?
Diet can make a big difference arthrosis. An excess of saturated fat and a deficiency of vitamin D3 are unfavorable for the body. Care should be taken to ensure that the foods we eat are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily sea fish. It is worth providing the body with antioxidants that are present in vegetables and fruits. Protein is important, it has a great effect on the work of the muscles, thanks to which the joints become more stable.
What is the effect of topical medications on joints that have a problem with arthrosis?
For external use, ointments, gels and patches have been created to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Wrist arthrosis or shoulder arthrosis usually it is treated with ointments for external use. Of course, their effectiveness depends on the stage of the disease and the distance between the joint and the skin (where the preparation is applied). When it comes to oral medications – they are used much less frequently due to their negative effect on the stomach and side effects resulting from prolonged use. Symptoms arthritis are also alleviated by taking medications containing glucosamine sulfate.