What is joint disease? Pathological causes, symptoms and treatment

Arthropathy is a chronic pathology aimed at destroying the joint structures of the locomotor system. The main cause of chronic disease is metabolic imbalance, leading to a progressive process of degenerative malnutrition. The targets of the destructive reaction are articular cartilage, connective tissue, bursae, tendons, bones, and muscle bundles. In the chronic form of the pathology, periarticular muscles are involved in inflammatory processes and lose anatomical elasticity due to joint deformation and swelling. In order to eliminate the complications associated with the obstruction of the biological movement of the bones and not become disabling, you need to know information about arthropathy - what it is, what are its causes, symptoms and treatment.

Pathological causes and risk factors

The destructive process of inflammation in the joints often begins for no apparent reason. Idiopathic (primary) arthropathy has this condition. The mechanism of secondary arthropathy begins after certain conditions and factors, namely:

• Joint injuries (fractures, meniscal injuries, ligament ruptures, dislocations, compression + contusions, fractures).
• Dysplasia (abnormal intrauterine development of joint components).
• Violation of substance metabolism.
• Autoimmune pathologies (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, autoimmune toxic goiter, systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Nonspecific destructive arthritis (with purulent component).
• Infections of various causes (tuberculosis, meningitis, encephalitis, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis).
• Pathology of the endocrine glands (diabetes, toxic goiter, pathology of the adrenal and pituitary glands).
• Hormonal dysfunction (lower levels of estrogen and androgens).
• Degenerative + malnutrition reactions (multiple sclerosis, Perthes disease).
• Oncological diseases.
• Blood disorders (hemophilia, anemia, leukemia).

Risk factors that cause and lead to arthropathy:

1. Age-related changes.
2. Obesity (excess weight leads to continuous vertical loads that overload the joints, which wear out quickly and the cartilage plates fall off).
3. Specialized cost, which is the loading of one group of joints causing inflammation or premature destruction before others.
4. Postoperative consequences: Highly invasive surgery to remove affected tissue (soft tissue, cartilage tissue, bone tissue). The joint structures do not have the same consolidation after restorative procedures, so any load can lead to arthropathy.
5. A genetic factor, called joint disease, can affect one or more family members.
6. Hormonal imbalance during menopause or after ovarian removal in women and prostate removal in men.
7. Violation of water-salt balance.
8. Neurodystrophic damage to the spine is a trigger for arthritis in the glenohumeral, lumbosacral, and hip joints.
9. Pesticide and heavy metal poisoning.
10. Sudden changes in temperature coupled with hypothermia.
11. Causes permanent trauma to a group of joints.

Risk factors include recent environments saturated with high background radiation, toxic substances (smog over industrial cities and industrial areas, and frequent testing of military equipment or interstate warfare, the result of which is a hole in the ozone layer + strong ultraviolet radiation). Dirty drinking water + food rich in preservatives can lead to joint disease.

Mechanisms of joint development

The basis of the triggering mechanism of arthrosis is the disruption of the chain of repair processes of chondrocytes and the correction of affected areas of connective tissue by young cells. Plates of cartilage tightly cover the end surfaces of bones that are part of a moving joint. Normal cartilage has an anatomically solid structure, they are smooth, elastic, and they can slide thanks to synovial fluid (a biological material used to lubricate the components within the joint). It is the synovial fluid that allows the joint parts to move unimpeded relative to each other.The main function of cartilage tissue and synovial lubrication is shock absorption, reducing wear and tear on the bones covered by cartilage. The bone ends are separated by pockets of fluid, and a corset of ligaments and muscles holds them firmly in place. The specific configuration and plexus of the musculoligamentous apparatus allows the structure to perform precise biomechanical movements such as flexion, extension, rotation + rotation. This design, thanks to the interweaving of ligaments, allows you to stay firmly in a certain position and perform coordinated movements to maintain your body's balance.High stress or hormonal imbalances can cause collagen plates to break down, leaving bones exposed. Sharp osteophytes develop in these areas; any movement of the musculoskeletal joints produces pain. The bones thicken and false joints form between osteophytes, which completely changes the function of the moving organs. As the bursa is injured (ruptured), the synovial fluid decreases and the entire joint structure and the bands of ligaments and muscles begin to be affected. Joint swelling occurs, and microbial infection may also occur. Areas of ossification lead to limited joint motion and ankylosis.

Stages of clinical manifestations of joint pathology: Stages

Arthropathy is characterized by three stages of development, including:

• Phase I:There are no special morphological changes, the nutritional function is not disturbed, and the synovial fluid production is sufficient. The stability of the joint structure corresponds to the average body activity. Pain and swelling occur in the joints due to forced labor.
• second stage:Loss of the cartilage plate, development of lesions of osteophytic islands, and ossification along the joint edges were observed. Pain syndrome worsens, swelling increases, and movement discomfort occurs. As the pathology progresses to the chronic stage, pain persists and is associated with inflammation, accompanied by periods of exacerbation/remission. The biomechanics are partially compromised and the patient retains the joint.
• The third phase:The cartilage plate is completely worn away; the bone ends form osteophytes + false fixation of the interosseous joint system instead of cartilage. The anatomical shape is completely destroyed. Joint ligaments and muscles shorten and thicken. The slightest injury can result in dislocations, fractures, and cracks. The nutritional function of the locomotor organs is impaired, so the required amounts of blood and nutrients are not available. A pinched nerve can cause a severe pain response that only goes away after taking strong painkillers or drugs from the COX1/COX2 group.

By convention, one more stage can be added: the fourth stage - the final stage, with vivid clinical manifestations such as inflammation, infection, unbearable pain, immobility of diseased joints, high fever and serious illness. This stage is the most severe and can lead to sepsis and death.

joint pain syndrome

Pain is characteristic of arthropathy. They are exacerbated by exercise, physical activity, changes in weather conditions, changes in temperature, humidity and air pressure. Any body position or sudden movement can trigger pain. Walking, running, and standing upright for long periods of time can put a certain amount of load on painful joints, and acute or soreness may develop later. In the first and second stages of pathology, the pain symptoms disappear without a trace after a night's rest, but in the late stages, the pain persists and does not disappear. The affected shock-absorbing layer, compressed nerves and blood vessels lead to a stagnant process with impaired trophic action and accumulation of interstitial fluid. The swelling can cause severe throbbing pain.A characteristic symptom of arthropathy is pain accompanied by the urge to move vigorously after a long period of rest; this condition is called onset pain. These pains occur when areas of osteophytes are covered with destructive remnants of cartilage tissue, fibrin, and viscous fluid. As the joint moves, a film of these components or debris covers the exposed areas, lubricating them and thereby absorbing pain. Obstructive pain occurs when products of destruction of the intra-articular space (ie, bone remnants or large connective tissue membranes) enter the muscle. There is another type of pain: persistent pain, soreness, popping pain + pain not related to movement, which are characteristic of reactive synovitis.

attention!Blockade pain can only be treated through surgical intervention followed by repair of the affected joint. Treatment with folk remedies is not recommended, it leads to the development of septic joint disease, the infection spreads throughout the body, and after sepsis, significant morphological changes occur in all organs and systems.

symptoms of joint inflammation

Symptoms are divided according to the degree of pathological development. After 38-40 years, joint wear and tear systems begin to wear out and newer or younger cartilage pads do not appear in their place, and arthropathy develops. Due to hormonal imbalances, "chaos" occurs in all important systems, and this also applies to the motor system, so that in the affected areas, the tissue does not regenerate, but destruction + deformation occurs.Symptoms of joint disease:

Degree and stage of joint disease	Symptom description
I save	Mild, short-term pain with pinpoint localization. Sore joints tire quickly. The pain may worsen after long periods of walking, running, or lifting weights, and may disappear with rest. A faint clicking sound may be heard when bending or making other movements. There were no visual + palpable changes, the anatomical shape of the joint was preserved, and no swelling was observed.
Level 2	Affected joints are uncomfortable and stiff after rest. Some traffic restrictions. Pain at night, and pain depending on weather conditions. A characteristic loud clicking sound occurs during bending and other movements. There are visual and palpable changes: enlargement and shortening of the joint, plus the patient responds acutely to acute pain when pressure is applied.
Level three	Complete discomfort, joint instability, or ankylosing of the affected joint. Movement paralysis. Severe aches or pains that persist at night. Loss of the anatomical shape of the joint: thickening/shortening and displacement of the structural axis of the joint. Swelling + pain when pressed. Gait changes, the shape of the bones changes due to preservation of locomotor organs. Movement is performed with the help of a cane or crutch. High temperatures (37-38 degrees) occur due to morphological changes due to infectious factors or nerve compression.
Exacerbation and remission periods	In arthropathy, exacerbations alternate with remissions. Physical activity exacerbates pathological changes. Exacerbations are caused by synovitis. The pain syndrome covers all affected areas, including muscle bundles. It spasms reflexively, forming painful contractures. Arthropathy is characterized by muscle spasms. As the damage increases, the pain syndrome becomes more pronounced. In reactive synovitis, the joints become enlarged and take on a spherical shape. The presence of fluid in the joints produces a rippling effect when palpated. During a brief period of relief, the pain is reduced, but movement is difficult.

Prompt detection of pathology using diagnostic tests and consultation with necessary specialists will help to transcend the second and third stages, maintaining the function and health of all joint groups of the locomotor system into old age.

diagnostic measures

Clarification of diagnosis is based on laboratory/instrumental studies. Each case is studied differently, i. e. an individual approach is taken for each patient.Research list includes:

• General and biochemical blood tests.
• Blood tests for rheumatoid medications.
• Urine and stool analysis.
• X-ray examination: images from three locations.
• CT scan of joints to identify bone structure.
• MRI of joints: study of ligaments and muscles.
• CT examination.

important!Patients with joint disease need to consult an orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist, endocrinologist, hematologist, oncologist, and female patients are advised to consult a gynecologist.

Treatment programs

Treatment strategy consists of a series of measures aimed at eliminating the main causes, correcting a nutritious diet, restoring lost functions + a moderate lifestyle, that is, no special physical activities (long walks, running, carrying heavy objects). Treatment options include medications, topical treatments, physical therapy, and exercise therapy. Along with these methods are used folk remedies.

Medication Treatment for Arthritis

Comprehensive therapies include:

1. Drugs from the NSAID group;
2. Painkillers (tablets + injections);
3. Medications to relieve muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
4. Cartilage tissue restorer (chondroprotectant);
5. antibiotic;
6. antihistamines;
7. Medications to improve blood circulation;
8. Vitamins: B2, B12, PP and A;
9. Antioxidants: Vitamin C;
10. Medications based on hormonal substances.

It is recommended that rheumatoid arthritis treatment include:

• Gold-based medicines;
• immunosuppressants;
• antimalarial drugs;
• Drugs that inhibit malignant cells.

attention!During the period of pathological remission, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not recommended; they affect the gastrointestinal tract, cause massive ulcers, and also inhibit the nutritional processes of cartilage tissue.

Topical ointment for arthritis

Topical treatments have immediate effects. Gels and ointments come into direct contact with the affected tissue, reaching the site quickly and eliminating pain and inflammation. Preparations in gel form are widely used to repair cartilage layers. Apply warm + anti-inflammatory ointment topically.

physiotherapy

With the help of physical therapy, spasmodic pain can be relieved by reducing inflammation + improving nutrition and innervation. Periods of deterioration can be eliminated or shortened by laser treatment, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet irradiation. In the remission phase of arthropathy, that is, in the quiet phase, electrophoresis procedures using dimethyl sulfoxide and anesthetics are useful. Destructive and inflammatory processes are affected by glucocorticoid phonophoresis, induction thermotherapy, thermal application of ozokerite or paraffin, as well as sulfide, radon and seawater baths. Strengthening of muscle bundles through electrical stimulation.

Surgery

The problem of deformed/ankylosed joints is ultimately resolved by surgical procedures such as endoprostheses, as well as palliative approaches to unload the articular frame (elimination of the hip joint by trochanteric osteotomy + femoral fascial fenestration; by arthrotomyand cleaning to correct knee joints) destruction of debris plus intra-articular space augmented by artificial cartilage). If the bone is completely incapacitated, it is replaced with an artificial graft and the axis of the tibia is corrected.

folk remedies

Traditional medicine helps eliminate pain and inflammation, temporarily eliminating pain and restoring lost function. There have been isolated cases of complete cure by traditional methods using the following tinctures, ointments and compresses:

1. Garlic tincture + onion honey: 100 grams of garlic paste + 100 grams of chopped onions + 2 tablespoons of honey + 200 ml of vodka. Infusion for 3-5 days. Apply as a dab and rub in.
2. Sabelnik tincture form: 200 g of dry powder or fresh gruel + 200 ml of diluted medicinal alcohol, left for 24 hours. Drink one spoonful 3 times a day before meals.
3. Ointment based on badger fat and propolis: rub on joints twice daily.
4. Edible horseradish + honey: 100g horseradish + 100g honey + 100ml vodka. Infuse for 24 hours and drink 20 drops. This tincture can be applied to sore joints 3-5 times a day.
5. Chili oil + lard: 1 teaspoon powder + 200 grams of lard. Infuse for 2-3 days. Used as a warming and tonic local medicine. Apply 1-2 times daily.
6. Compression: oak bark + spruce needles: 200 grams of oak bark + 200 grams of crushed spruce needles + 100 ml of alcohol.

All recipes listed by traditional healers are recommended for use after consulting a doctor. If the patient is allergic to certain drugs, their use is strictly prohibited, as they can cause anaphylactic shock.

Prevention features

Prevention is an effective means of preventing joint disease, destruction and deformation. For prevention purposes, you need to do the following:

• Adjust the menu to exclude fried, fat, pepper, salty, alcohol + nicotine.
• Add jellies and jellies to your daily menu.
• Avoid tiring loads.
• Take safety precautions to avoid injury.
• Continuously perform a special set of exercises on the motor system.
• Try taking vitamins B and C.
• For prevention purposes, take chondroprotectants, calcium, potassium supplements, and other minerals every six months.
• After a joint sprain or mechanical injury, get checked by a doctor.

In addition to this, continuous physical exercise can be performed to improve blood supply, innervation and recovery of the cartilage layer of the joints. These exercises are prescribed by a doctor.

generalize

Deformative destruction of joints begins after 38-40 years, so there is no need to delay the fight against this pathology. Neglected conditions can result in a wheelchair, and prompt response to the condition and effective treatment is clearly a success in recovery. It is not possible to treat arthropathy alone; this type of pathology refers to metabolic disorders directly related to chronic pathological changes in hormone levels or other systems. As soon as symptoms develop, contact a traumatologist or surgeon without delay or you will end up in the surgical theater with long-term recovery.