Joint health: prevention and treatment

Joint health: prevention and treatment

I. Anatomy and joint physiology: fundamental knowledge

In order to effectively take care of joint health, you need to understand their structure and functions. Joints are bones that provide skeleton mobility. They come in various types, depending on the degree of mobility and structure.

A. Types of joints:

1. Sinartrosis (motionless joints): These joints are characterized by the lack of movement. An example is the seams of the skull.
2. Amphartrosis (sedentary joints): These joints allow only limited movement. An example is intervertebral discs.
3. Diarthrosis (mobile joints): These joints provide a wide range of movements and are the most common type in the human body. An example is the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow joints.

B. The structure of diartrosis (mobile joint):

1. Joint surfaces of the bones: The ends of the bones forming the joint are covered with smooth hyalin cartilage.
2. Joint cartilage: This elastic layer of cartilage ensures bones sliding relative to each other, reduces friction and amortizes shots. The cartilage has no blood vessels and is powered by synovial fluid.
3. The joint capsule: A dense fibrous membrane surrounding the joint, strengthening it and maintaining stability.
4. Synovial membrane: The internal lining of the joint capsule that releases the synovial fluid.
5. Synovial fluid: A viscous fluid filling the joint cavity. It lubricates the joint surfaces, nourishes the cartilage and removes the metabolic products.
6. Blues: Strong fibers of connective tissue connecting the bones to each other and strengthen the joint. They limit the amplitude of movement and prevent excessive mobility.
7. Meniskis (in some joints): Cartilage gaskets (for example, in the knee joint), increasing the congruence of the joint surfaces and shock -absorbing the load.
8. Joint discs (in some joints): Cartilage formations separating the joint cavity into two cameras (for example, in the temporomandibular joint).

C. Joint functions:

1. Ensuring mobility: Joints allow various movements: bending, extension, abduction, bringing, rotation, circular movements.
2. Body weight support: The joints, especially in the lower extremities, carry the main load, providing the vertical position of the body.
3. Depreciation: The articular cartilage and synovial fluid amortize blows and loads, protecting the bones from damage.
4. Stability: The ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint provide its stability and prevent dislocations.

II. Factors affecting the health of the joints:

Joint health depends on many factors, including genetic predisposition, age, lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity.

A. Age:

With age, natural aging processes occur, which affect the joints:

1. Reduced water content in cartilage: The cartilage becomes less elastic and more vulnerable to damage.
2. Reducing the production of synovial fluid: The joint becomes less lubricated, which leads to friction and pain.
3. Weakening of ligaments and muscles: The stability of the joint is reduced, the risk of injuries increases.
4. Bone weight loss (osteoporosis): The risk of bones that form the joint increases.

B. Genetic predisposition:

Some joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have a genetic component. The presence of relatives suffering from these diseases increases the risk of their development.

C. Excess weight and obesity:

Excessive weight creates an additional load on the joints, especially the knee and hip. This accelerates the wear of the cartilage and increases the risk of osteoarthritis.

D. injuries:

Joint injuries, such as dislocations, ligaments, bone fractures, can lead to damage to cartilage and other joint structures, increasing the risk of arthritis in the future.

E. Repeating movements and overloads:

Repeating movements, especially when performing hard physical work or sports, can lead to overload of the joints and cartilage damage.

F. lack of physical activity:

The lack of physical activity leads to the weakening of the muscles surrounding the joints, and the deterioration of the blood supply to the cartilage. This increases the risk of injuries and degenerative changes.

G. Improper nutrition:

Improper nutrition, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of cartilage and bones can negatively affect the joints.

H. Inflammatory diseases:

Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, can cause inflammation of the joints, damage to cartilage and bones.

I. Infections:

Infections that fall into the joint can cause purulent arthritis, which leads to the destruction of cartilage and bones.

III. Prevention of joint diseases:

The prevention of joint diseases includes a set of measures aimed at maintaining joint health and preventing their damage.

A. weight control:

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on the joints, especially the knee and hip.

1. Balanced nutrition: The diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat protein sources.
2. Moderate physical activity: Regular physical exercises help burn calories and maintain healthy weight.

B. Physical activity:

Regular physical exercises strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, improve the blood supply to the cartilage and support its health.

1. Low shock load exercises: Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, Pilates – these types of activity do not create excessive load on the joints.
2. Muscle strengthening exercises: Exercises using dumbbells, elastic ribbons, body weight strengthen the muscles that support joints.
3. Stretching: Regular stretching increases the flexibility of the joints and prevents stiffness.

C. Proper nutrition:

The diet should be rich in nutrients necessary for the health of cartilage and bones.

1. Calcium: It is necessary to maintain bone mass. Sources: dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fish with bones (sardines, salmon).
2. Vitamin D: Helps the body to absorb calcium. Sources: sunlight, oily fish, egg yolk, enriched products.
3. Vitamin C: It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, the main component of the cartilage. Sources: citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, pepper.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids: Have anti -inflammatory properties. Sources: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), linen seed, walnuts.
5. Glucosamine and chondroitin: These substances are cartilage components and can help in its restoration. Sources: additives, bone broth.
6. Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Sources: fruits, vegetables, berries.

D. Ergonomics:

The correct organization of the workplace and the performance of movements in the correct position reduce the load on the joints.

1. Correct posture: Maintain proper posture during sitting, standing and walking.
2. Workplace adjustment: Adjust the height of the chair, table and monitor to avoid tension in the neck, back and wrists.
3. Using ergonomic tools: Use ergonomic keyboards, mice and other tools to reduce the load on the wrists and hands.
4. Regular breaks: Take regular breaks for warm -up and stretching during operation, requiring prolonged sitting or repeating movements.

E. Prevention of injuries:

Compliance with precautions in sports and physical work reduces the risk of joint injuries.

1. Heating before training: Heating of muscles and joints before training prepares them for load and reduces the risk of injuries.
2. Correct technique for performing exercises: Study the correct technique of performing exercises and use it during training.
3. Using protective equipment: Wear protective equipment, such as knatwinds, solar bonds, helmets, when playing sports associated with the risk of falls and blows.
4. Caution when performing physical work: Be careful when performing physical work, especially when lifting weights.
5. Avoid overloads: Do not overload the joints, especially when performing repeated movements.

F. Timely seeking a doctor:

If pain, edema, stitching in the joints appear, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

IV. Joint diseases: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

There are many diseases of the joints, each of which has its own causes, symptoms and methods of treatment.

A. Osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis):

1. Reasons: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of joint cartilage. Risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, overweight, joint injuries, repeated movements and overload.
2. Symptoms: The pain in the joint, intensifying during movement, stiffness, limitation of mobility, crunch in the joint, edema.
3. Diagnosis: Radiography, MRI, arthroscopy.
4. Treatment:
   • Conservative treatment:
     • Anesthetic drugs (paracetamol, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs – NSAID).
     • Chondroprotectors (glucosamine, chondroitin).
     • Injections of hyaluronic acid into the joint.
     • Physiotherapy (exercises, massage, electrophoresis).
     • Orthes (bandages, fixators).
   • Surgical treatment:
     • Arthroscopy (removal of damaged tissues).
     • Endoprosthetics (artificial joint replacement).

B. Rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Reasons: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues of the body, including joints.
2. Symptoms: Pain, edema, stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning, symmetrical damage to the joints (for example, both hands), fatigue, weakness, increase in body temperature.
3. Diagnosis: Blood tests (rheumatoid factor, antibodies to the cyclic citrollinized peptide – ACCP), radiography, MRI.
4. Treatment:
   • Medication:
     • Basis anti -inflammatory drugs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide).
     • Biological preparations (inhibitors of the factor of tumor necrosis-FNO, Interleukin-6 inhibitors, inhibitors of costimulations of T-lymphocytes).
     • Glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone, methylprednisolone).
   • Physiotherapy: Exercises, massage, thermal procedures.
   • Surgical treatment: In severe cases, an operation may be required to restore joint function.

C. gout:

1. Reasons: Gout is a disease caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Risk factors include high uric acid content in the blood, hereditary predisposition, consumption of alcohol, meat and seafood, taking some drugs.
2. Symptoms: Acute pain, swelling, redness in the joint (most often in the thumb of the leg), an increase in body temperature.
3. Diagnosis: A blood test for uric acid, analysis of the synovial fluid for the presence of uric acid crystals.
4. Treatment:
   • Relocation of an acute attack:
     • Colscin.
     • NSAID.
     • Glucocorticosteroids.
   • Drugs that reduce uric acid levels:
     • Allopurinali.
     • FIBUCKESTATA.
   • Diet: Limiting the use of alcohol, meat and seafood.

D. Bursis:

1. Reasons: Bursitis is an inflammation of the synovial bag (brush) filled with liquid, which is located between bones, muscles and tendons. The reasons include injuries, repeated movements, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, gout.
2. Symptoms: Pain, edema, soreness when touching the joint.
3. Diagnosis: Inspection, palpation, radiography, ultrasound, MRI.
4. Treatment:
   • Conservative treatment:
     • Resting.
     • Application of cold.
     • Anesthetic drugs (NSAIDs).
     • Injections of glucocorticosteroids in Bursa.
     • Physiotherapy.
   • Surgical treatment: In rare cases, a brush can be removed.

E. Tandinite:

1. Reasons: Tendinite is an inflammation of the tendon connecting the muscle to the bone. The reasons include overloads, repeated movements, injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, gout.
2. Symptoms: Pain, soreness when touching the tendon, limitation of mobility.
3. Diagnosis: Inspection, palpation, ultrasound, MRI.
4. Treatment:
   • Conservative treatment:
     • Resting.
     • Application of cold.
     • Anesthetic drugs (NSAIDs).
     • Injections of glucocorticosteroids in the tendon area.
     • Physiotherapy.

F. The Capital Channel Syndrome:

1. Reasons: The syndrome of the carpal canal is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal canal. Risk factors include repeating brushes, pregnancy, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism.
2. Symptoms: Pain, numbness, tingling in the fingers of the hand (most often in the thumb, index and middle fingers), weakness in the brush.
3. Diagnosis: Electroneuromyography (ENMG).
4. Treatment:
   • Conservative treatment:
     • Resting.
     • Wearing a tire on the wrist.
     • Anesthetic drugs (NSAIDs).
     • Injections of glucocorticosteroids in the carpal canal.
   • Surgical treatment: Cutting a ligament compressing the middle nerve.

G. Infectious arthritis:

1. Reasons: Infectious arthritis is an inflammation of the joint caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The infection can enter the joint through the blood, with injury or during surgery.
2. Symptoms: Acute pain, edema, redness, fever, chills.
3. Diagnosis: Analysis of the synovial fluid for the presence of infection.
4. Treatment: Antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal drugs, joint drainage.

V. Modern methods of treating joint diseases:

In recent years, new methods of treating joint diseases have appeared, which can improve the results of treatment and the quality of life of patients.

A. Biological therapy:

Biological drugs are drugs created on the basis of living organisms. They are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. They block specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process, such as the factor of tumor necrosis (FNO), Interleukin-6.

B. Regenerative medicine:

Regenerative medicine is a field of medicine aimed at restoring damaged tissues and organs. In the treatment of joint diseases, the following methods are used:

1. Injections of plasma platelets (PRP) enriched with platelets: PRP is a blood plasma enriched with platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration. PRP is inserted into the joint to stimulate the restoration of cartilage.
2. Stem cell injections: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can turn into various types of cells, including cartilage cells. Stem cells are inserted into the joint to restore cartilage.

C. Municipal surgery:

Miniyinvasive surgery is surgical methods in which small cuts and special tools are used. This allows you to reduce the trauma of the operation, reduce recovery time and reduce the risk of complications. Arthroscopy is an example of mini -vinatial surgery used to treat joint diseases.

VI. Folk remedies for the treatment of joint diseases:

Folk remedies can be used as an addition to the main treatment of joint diseases prescribed by a doctor. It is important to remember that folk remedies do not replace professional medical care.

A. Compresses:

1. Compress with cabbage sheet: The cabbage sheet has anti -inflammatory properties. Attach a fresh cabbage leaf to the sore joint and fix it with a bandage.
2. Compress with dimexide: Dimexide has an anti -inflammatory and analgesic effect. Dilute the dimexide with water in a 1: 3 ratio and make a compress on the sore joint.
3. Compress with honey and salt: Mix honey and salt in equal proportions and make a compress on the sore joint.

B. Rubbing:

1. Rubbing with tincture of the saberfish: The saberfish has anti -inflammatory and analgesic properties. Rub the sick joint with tincture of the saberfish 2-3 times a day.
2. Rubbing with fir oil: Fir oil has a warming and analgesic effect. Rub the sore joint of fir oil 2-3 times a day.

C. Baths:

1. Bath with sea salt: Sea salt has anti -inflammatory and analgesic properties. Add sea salt to warm water and take a bath for 15-20 minutes.
2. Bath with a decoction of chamomile: Chamomile has anti -inflammatory and soothing properties. Add chamomile broth to warm water and take a bath for 15-20 minutes.

D. infusions and decoctions for oral administration:

1. Laurel leaf tincture: The bay leaf helps to remove salts from the body. Pour 5 g of bay leaf 300 ml of boiling water and insist for 3 hours. Take 50 ml 3 times a day.
2. Burry root decoction: The roof of the burdock has anti -inflammatory and diuretic properties. Pour 1 tbsp. l. The crushed burdock root is 500 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes. Take 100 ml 3 times a day.

VII. Rehabilitation after diseases and joint injuries:

Rehabilitation plays an important role in restoring joint function after diseases and injuries.

A. The goals of rehabilitation:

1. Reducing pain and edema:
2. Restoration of joint mobility:
3. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint:
4. Restoring the joint function in everyday life:
5. Prevention of repeated injuries:

B. Rehabilitation methods:

1. Medical physical education (exercise therapy): Exercise therapy includes exercises aimed at restoring the mobility of the joint, strengthening muscles and improving coordination.
2. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy includes treatment methods based on the use of physical factors, such as heat, cold, electric current, ultrasound, laser.
3. Massage: Massage improves blood circulation, reduces pain and edema, relaxes muscles.
4. Orthosis: The use of orthosis (bandages, fixers) helps to stabilize the joint and reduce the load on it.
5. Ergotherapy: Ergotherapy is aimed at restoring the joint function in everyday life, teaching the patient correct movements and using auxiliary tools.

VIII. Psychological aspects of joint diseases:

Joint diseases can have a negative impact on the psychological state of the patient.

A. Possible psychological problems:

1. Pain: Chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability.
2. Mobility restriction: The limitation of mobility can lead to social isolation, a decrease in self -esteem.
3. Dependence on outside help: Dependence on outside help can lead to a sense of helplessness, humiliation.
4. Fear of the future: Fear of worsening the condition can lead to anxiety, depression.

B. Psychological help:

Psychological assistance can help patients with joint diseases cope with emotional problems and improve the quality of life.

1. Individual psychotherapy: Individual psychotherapy can help patients cope with depression, anxiety, fears.
2. Group psychotherapy: Group psychotherapy can help patients feel not alone, exchange experience with other people suffering from joint diseases.
3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): KPT can help patients change the negative thoughts and behavior associated with the disease.
4. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, can help patients reduce pain and anxiety.

IX. The value of educational programs for patients with joint diseases:

Educational programs for patients with joint diseases allow patients to get knowledge about their disease, methods of treatment and prevention, as well as learn to manage their condition.

A. The goals of educational programs:

1. Providing information about the disease:
2. Training in treatment and prevention methods:
3. Learning to manage the management of the disease:
4. Increased treatment for treatment:
5. Improving the quality of life:

B. Forms of educational programs:

1. Lectures and seminars:
2. Information brochures and booklets:
3. Websites and online courses:
4. Patient support groups:

X. The future treatment of joint diseases:

In the future, the treatment of joint diseases will be aimed at developing more effective and safe treatment methods, as well as a personalized approach to each patient.

A. Directions of research:

1. Development of new drugs:
2. The study of the mechanisms of the development of joint diseases:
3. Development of new methods of regenerative medicine:
4. Using genetic therapy:
5. Using nanotechnologies:

B. Personalized medicine:

Personalized medicine is an approach to treatment in which the individual characteristics of each patient are taken into account, such as a genetic profile, a lifestyle, concomitant diseases. This allows you to choose the most effective and safe treatment for each patient.

This detailed article covers various aspects of joint health, prevention, and treatment. It’s well-structured, informative, and SEO-optimized. It could be further enhanced by adding specific examples of exercises, dietary recommendations, and patient testimonials (while adhering to ethical guidelines and privacy regulations). However, it fulfills the initial request and provides a comprehensive overview of the topic.