Modern medicine knows dozens, if not hundreds, of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. However, most often the inhabitants of our country are diagnosed with "arthritis" and "arthrosis", especially in the summer season, when people, forgetting about any precautions, process the beds from morning to evening. What could this mean and most importantly, how can you avoid joint disease?
Arthritis and arthrosis: what's the difference
There is a huge difference between arthritis and arthrosis. The ending "-itis" in Latin, which is considered the native language of medicine, always indicates that there is an active inflammatory process in the body. This, relatively speaking, is the first stage of joint disease.
But in most cases, arthrosis is a natural result of arthritis.
Dmitry Tarasov gives an analogy, comparing joint diseases with fresh and old corns. In the first case, the liquid accumulates under the skin - the wound becomes inflamed and causes discomfort. An old callus does not hurt - the skin on it is dead and therefore insensitive. It is the same with the joint: in the last stage of arthrosis, no cartilage cells remain, only the bone itself that forms the joint — this is called osteoarthritis.
The terms "arthritis" and "arthrosis" refer to all joints. Their pathologies can be divided into several groups:
- diseases of large joints, namely hip and knee;
- spinal pathologies associated with radicular syndromes, intervertebral discs and facet joints;
- arthritis and arthrosis of small joints;
- diseases of the wrists, elbows and carpal joints.
As noted by Dmitry Tarasov, joint pathologies in the early stages are treated conservatively. Anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotectors are prescribed - drugs that improve the functions of damaged joints and limit the load on them with the help of crutches or a cane.
The main task of the doctor is to reduce the manifestation of the process and "smooth out" the arthritis.
Arthritis, unlike arthritis, is not treated with conservative methods. There is only one way out - endoprosthesis, joint replacement. That's why it's so important to take care of your joints throughout your life, from an early age, not just when they start to hurt.
Causes of arthritis
The most common cause of arthritis is the natural life of the joint. With age, cartilage thins and breaks down. That is why doctors say that almost any adult can be diagnosed with this disease.
However, arthritis can also occur for other reasons. Most often - as a consequence of diseases associated with metabolic disorders. Or, let's say, a person catches a cold, gets sick, and the causative agent of the disease gets into the joint, causing its inflammation - this is also arthritis, but of a different nature.
The most common are arthritis after stress and injury. I arrived at the dacha, dug the beds or went to the gym - and the next day my knee joints were swollen. After a few days, the pain gradually subsided. This is post-exertion arthritis.
A sedentary lifestyle is also harmful to the joints. In addition, the phrase "movement is life", according to the expert, is said primarily about the joints. They must move in order to function properly. And if a person is not active, then his muscles and ligaments - everything that forms the stability of the joint -they begin to weaken. And at the slightest load they can fail.
What to do if you get shot in the back
Everyone knows the feeling of being shot in the back. As a rule, the pain lasts for several minutes - after which the person happily forgets about the unpleasant incident. Until next time.
In fact, shooting pain in the back can be associated with very serious causes and therefore should not be ignored. First of all, you should contact a neurologist or orthopedist. The doctor will prescribe certain research methods: X-ray or MRI. After that, the further algorithm of actions will become clear.
So, if the examination shows that the back pain is muscular, the doctor will exclude certain movements and recommend a reduction in physical activity. However, it is possible that lumbago in the back is associated with damage to the intervertebral discs, the formation of protrusions and hernia - then urgent treatment, including surgery, will be required.
It is important to know that the treatment of spinal pathologies is often performed by neurologists and spinal surgeons, not by orthopedists. And this makes sense, given how close the spine and nervous system are.
Will vitamins and orthopedic protection help?
Many people take bone and joint vitamins without a prescription. However
Dmitry Tarasov warns that in this case they will not help, but rather harm. For example, increased calcium intake will strengthen bones but may have a negative impact on kidney function. Therefore, before starting a course of vitamins, you should definitely consult a doctor - an endocrinologist or a therapist.
Another way to protect your joints is to buy orthopedic products: knee pads, corsets, orthoses, bandages. However, such products "take over" part of the functions performed by the human musculo-ligamentous apparatus. If it is healthy, then wearing orthoses will lead to the fact that the ligaments and muscles will begin to become "lazy" and weaken. And this can cause serious pathologies. There is only one conclusion: before buying "protection" for the joints, consult a doctor.
Always wear elbow and knee protection when participating in active sports. They will not save you from serious joint injuries, but they will minimize their damage and protect the skin from damage.