Pain in the joints, restriction of their mobility may mean arthrosis, i.e. a degenerative disease. We cannot heal it or undo the changes in the tissues that make up the joint. However, we can prevent arthrosis and slow its development.
Inarthrosis , which is osteoarthritis, the destruction of articular cartilage and changes in the structure of bone tissue, which sometimes result in the formation of osteophytes - bone growths limiting the mobility of the joint. Joint inflammation may also be a consequence of these processes. Arthrosis progresses slower in some, faster in others. It depends on many factors such as age (aging and wear of articular cartilage), genetic predisposition, lifestyle, injuries, hard physical work, metabolic diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes), and even stress that causes tension. and overloading the muscles that stabilize the joints and worsens their blood supply.
Does exercise delay disease progression?
We should all do sports for recreational purposes. We were made to walk, run, constantly move, and not be stuck in a forced position for many hours. The joints need exercise because it stimulates the secretion of synovial fluid, which protects and nourishes the articular cartilage from friction. Physical activity also has a positive effect on the composition of the fluid. Besides, it strengthens the muscles. You should, if possible, take care of the daily dose of exercise, even if you already have symptoms of arthrosis, because it has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and improves the functions of the joints.
Obesity increases the risk of arthrosis
Obesity causes joint overload, which results in abrasion of joint cartilages. It is also accompanied by metabolic disorders (e.g. insulin resistance), which accelerate the onset of degenerations. It has been shown that reducing body weight by only 5 kg over 10 years can reduce the risk of arthrosis by up to 50%.
Pain does not have to be the first symptom of arthrosis
The disease is often asymptomatic for a long time or its only sign is "crackling" in the joints. Pain initially appears after exercise, then also at rest. In addition, there is stiffness in the joints after waking up for about 30 minutes (in rheumatoid arthritis -longer than an hour) or after sitting still, and sometimes swelling. With time, the mobility of the joints is limited.
How diet affects joints
May accelerate or slow down the development of arthrosis. Saturated fats (butter, fatty meat and cheese) and vitamin D deficiency have a negative effect on the joints. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory omega-3 acids (fatty sea fish) and antioxidants contained in vegetables and fruits have a beneficial effect. The right amount of protein is also important, because the strength of the muscles stabilizing the joints depends on it.
Women get sick more often
The avalanche increase in the incidence of women occurs after the age of 50, which is related to hormonal changes in the perimenopausal period.
How do topical medications work?
Gels, ointments and patches with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties reduce the symptoms of arthrosis. Their effectiveness depends on the severity of the disease, as well as the distance of the skin from the joint (the smaller it is, the better the effect). Oral pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are only used intermittently due to their undesirable effects. The progress of the disease and its symptoms are also alleviated by preparations with glucosamine or chondroitin sulphate, which have anti-inflammatory properties and protect the articular cartilage from damage.
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