What is Arthropathy: Its Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Arthropathy is a dystrophic degenerative disease characterized by damage to cartilage tissue and joints.About one-third of older adults are diagnosed with the disease.Therefore, it is worth knowing which specialist to contact and how to treat this disease.

Types of Arthropathy

The parameter for joint classification is position.Accordingly, experts classified the disease as follows:

• Spondyloarthropathy.Spinal osteoarthritis affects one or more vertebrae in the spine.Spondyloarthrosis is caused by too much pressure on one part of the spine.Scoliosis is a common cause of this disorder, as are other postural disorders.
• Unvertebral osteoarthropathy.Cervical joint disease is directly related to the body's natural aging process, so it is most common in the elderly.

• Arthropathy of the shoulder joint.Shoulder joints are quite common among people, especially men.Two-thirds of people diagnosed with shoulder joint disease develop arm joint deformity.
• Osteoarthritis of the hands.Arthropathy of the distal interphalangeal joints is another type of arthropathy.This disease is also known as Hebden's nodule.More common in menopausal women.
• Hip arthritis.Hip osteoarthritis usually affects middle-aged and older adults.However, the disease can also occur in younger people if joint dysplasia (a congenital disorder of the bone structure) is present.
• knee joint disease.Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common types.People over the age of 45 are most susceptible to the disease.This disease is more common in women than men.
• ankle joint.Foot injuries, subluxations, leg bruises, and similar problems are precursors to this disease.It occurs in all ages and categories of the population.
• Primary polyostosis.Kellgren's disease is characterized by generalized weakness of the ligaments and muscular dystrophy.It occurs against the background of general arthropathy of the limbs in menopausal women.

Mechanisms of joint development

Under normal conditions, cartilage has a smooth surface and is quite flexible.Therefore, the articular surfaces can move relative to each other without difficulty.In other words, healthy cartilage provides necessary shock absorption and reduces the load on bones, muscles, and ligaments.

Due to arthropathy, the cartilage surface becomes increasingly rough over time, causing friction when the joint moves.Small particles begin to separate from the cartilage and eventually enter the joint cavity and fluid.

Additionally, the cartilage becomes increasingly stiff until it ossifies.Cysts form in central and deep areas, in direct contact with the joint.

This causes constant injury to the joint capsule and synovium, causing them to thicken.Over time, the structure of the bones themselves is also damaged - they become deformed and special protrusions appear at the edges.

Increased load on ligaments and muscles can lead to the development of fibropathies.Increased likelihood of damage to the ligamentous musculature (sprains, tears, ruptures).As the cartilage is severely damaged, movement is severely limited and ankylosis is common.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of arthropathy are diverse and multifactorial.However, there are several groups of factors that increase the chance of developing this disease:

• Aged over 60 years old;
• Obesity and excess weight increase stress on joints;
• Failure to comply with safety precautions and work regulations;
• disrupts the endocrine system;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body;
• Poisoning by certain toxic substances;
• The environmental conditions of the place of residence and work are poor;
• The body is often hypothermic.

primary arthropathy

Primary arthropathy occurs as a result of disruption of the regenerative process and increased degradation of articular cartilage tissue, but is not accompanied by overall functional abnormalities of the body.

Generally, primary arthropathy is caused by genetic factors:

• Composition of cartilage tissue.Hereditary diseases in the tissue components that make up cartilage accelerate the destruction and are a direct prerequisite for joint disease.The faster the cartilage is affected, the higher the likelihood of disease developing.
• Congenital defects of the musculoskeletal system.Over time, it can cause trauma to specific areas of the cartilage joint tissue, ultimately leading to disease.
• genetics.There is a high likelihood that joint disease is hereditary.If at least one parent suffers from this disease, then it is worth paying more attention to the joints of the child.

secondary arthropathy

As already mentioned, secondary arthropathy does not occur alone;It is always preceded by some factors:

• Mechanical damage to joints.Many factors such as trauma, intra-articular fractures, and sustained overload are very likely to cause subsequent diseases.Aggravating factors are inadequate or lack of treatment.
• Surgical intervention.It's not the surgery itself that causes damage to joints or cartilage, but rather medical errors.
• Joint disease.Arthropathy is often the result of inflammatory processes: arthritis, synovitis.Also, understand how arthrosis is different from arthritis.
• Vascular disease.Many diseases of the vascular system disrupt the blood supply to the joints, leading to arthropathy.Their list includes varicose veins, atherosclerosis, obliterative endarteritis, and more.
• Autoimmune diseases.Diseases such as hemochromatosis, psoriasis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis are also prerequisites for the disease.

Secondary arthropathy is the result of pathological processes or the result of partial destruction of the joint surface due to external influences.

The difference between primary and secondary arthropathy is reflected in the dynamics and prerequisites of the disease: with primary arthropathy, the disease develops slowly and naturally, while with secondary arthropathy, triggers for development are necessary.

symptom

Arthropathy is accompanied by characteristic and identifiable symptoms:

• Painful feeling.Joint pain is characteristic of the disease.With arthropathy, pain occurs when moving or when a large load is placed on the inflamed joint.The pain is noticeable but bearable.However, over time, symptoms become more severe and eventually the pain remains with the patient even at rest.
• Austerity.Arthropathy is often accompanied by a crunching sound in the inflamed joints.The symptom occurs due to the progressive destruction of the cartilage layer and subsequent friction between the bones.If a person has a cracked joint, that's not a reason to panic.With arthrosis, the tightness is very specific - rough and dry.Therefore, you should not force an appointment with a specialist in the event of a ruptured joint.Especially if there are no other symptoms.
• Movements are stiff.As arthrosis progresses, it increasingly restricts movement due to the ossification and destruction of cartilage.
• Changes in the appearance of joints.One of the accompanying symptoms is deformation of the inflamed joints.People with joint disease may notice changes in the appearance of one or more joints: For example, a knee that has been sharp throughout their life becomes more rounded.
• Soft tissue inflammation.However, arthrosis not only causes joint deformation but also inflammation of the soft tissues, with a build-up of fluid (effusion) around the cartilage.

Stages of Arthropathy

The process of joint development consists of three stages:

• The first stage of arthropathy is characterized by mild pain during movement and light load on the affected joints.However, from the first stage, the structure and composition of cartilage tissue begins to change.
• From the second stage onwards, the joint itself is deformed and destroyed.The pain becomes more pronounced with a loud and distinct crunching sound.
• The most severe third stage of arthrosis results in pathological deformation of the affected joints.Visually, the joints also begin to change.In the third stage, the patient fully feels all the symptoms of the disease: pain bothers the joints even at rest, the patient can no longer perform usual movements, and visually the joints become increasingly unattractive.

The third stage of arthropathy leads to complete destruction of the joints, with new joints (some unnatural movements), or even complete loss of mobility.Often, at the end of the third stage of arthrosis, specialists decide on a radical intervention - endoprosthesis of the damaged joint.

Possible complications and consequences

Untimely and incorrect (or lack thereof) treatment of arthrosis can lead to many unpleasant consequences.Not only is this a complete disruption of the affected joints, but it is an alteration in the biomechanics of the spine that can lead to herniation of the discs and spread of the disease to healthy joints.

The main complications of the disease include the following pathologies:

• joint deformities;
• joint destruction;
• Violation of the biomechanics of the spine and other joints;
• Herniated disc;
• Unable to perform actions;
• The patient’s living standard decreases;
• The patient becomes disabled.

Experts and diagnostics

If you notice symptoms inherent to joint disease, the first specialist you need to see is an orthopedic surgeon.Going forward, doctors will collect medical records, conduct a general examination, and refer patients for tests, including:

• X-rays (usually with two projections) are necessary to detect specific signs of arthropathy.
• Computed tomography (CT) is used to study the bony structure of the affected joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary to determine the condition of the soft tissue.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedic surgeon can prescribe treatment himself or, if an exacerbation of the condition is detected, refer the patient to other specialists: rheumatologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

treat

Treatment of arthropathy rarely consists of just one treatment modality.Typically, patients undergo a range of measures, from proper nutrition to medications and physical therapy.Cases requiring surgical intervention are also not uncommon.

general advice

In addition to specific measures, the treatment of arthropathy includes several basic recommendations:

• Reduce load on sore joints to the lowest possible level;
• Strictly adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by the orthopedic surgeon;
• A sensible and properly prepared diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

drug

Medications for joint disease are often used.Generally, these medications are of the following types:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.In the initial stages of treatment, the first tasks that need to be addressed are the elimination of pain and inflammation.Solutions to the second problem include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both intravenously and intramuscularly.
• Hormones corticosteroids.The use of hormonal corticosteroids is required in the progressive stages of arthropathy.Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed in the form of injections, but sometimes patches, ointments, and tinctures are also available.
• Chondroprotectant.The main purpose of this group of drugs is to restore cartilage tissue and normalize the composition of synovial fluid.Patients need to take long-term medication because the recovery process takes a long time.In advanced cases of arthrosis, medications may not have the desired effect.
• Painkillers.In particularly severe cases, analgesics, including narcotics, may be prescribed.

therapeutic exercise

Physical therapy is often given to joint patients, especially in combination with medication.The orthopedic surgeon selects a set of exercises to be performed based on the following principles:

• No rush.Training load and volume should be increased gradually; no matter how much you want to speed up the process of achieving positive results, there is no need to rush.
• No pain.Physical therapy exercises should not cause pain.Exercise may cause feelings of discomfort, tension, and fatigue, but it is never pain.If the pain persists, you are not doing the exercise correctly.
• No overvoltage.Exercise should be vigorous but should not force the patient to overexertion.It’s worth remembering that everything is good in moderation.
• No rest.Only regular exercise can truly benefit the joints and help overcome diseases.A once-a-month freewheeling session isn’t going to get anywhere.
• No aggravation.Exercise should only be performed during periods of remission of arthrosis.
• No concessions.Both problem joints and healthy joints should bear equal loads.

physical therapy

Early stages of joint disease are often treated with medications.However, physical therapy is often used in conjunction with medications to enhance their effects.In addition, using this prescription can also reduce the dosage and side effects of drugs.

For arthropathy, the following procedures are required:

• Electrophoresis.This is an absolutely painless procedure that allows prescribed medications to work locally in high concentrations while minimizing any side effects.Gives you quick relief from pain, inflammation, improved joint nutrition and promotes many other beneficial effects of medications.
• Exposure to ultrasound.Produces a range of beneficial effects (warming, micro-massage, improved capillary blood flow in tissues and metabolism).In other words, the goal of the physical therapy process is to improve the overall condition of the joints and cartilage tissue.
• Exposure to magnetic fields.Physical therapy can reduce inflammation and improve metabolic processes in damaged joints.An orthopedic surgeon may prescribe general and/or topical magnet therapy depending on the type of joint disease and the patient's overall health.
• Radiation exposure.Physical therapy is used not only in situations where other physical therapy methods are contraindicated, but also as a means of accelerating recovery.

massage

Massage can improve blood circulation in the peripheral joints and is an effective method for treating joint diseases.The better the blood circulation, the better the nutrition of the joints and cartilage.

For arthropathy, the following massage techniques are usually used:

• Japanese.In the Japanese technique, point loading is performed on certain areas of the joint - hard and painful.Loads must be strictly controlled, so you'll need to contact a massage therapist who specializes in Japanese techniques.
• Finland.This technique is characterized by the fact that most of the movements are performed with the thumb, and also has a targeted but gentle effect.
• Sweden.The Swedish technique involves stroking and rubbing movements, as well as direct kneading of sore joints.

The purpose of massage is to achieve the following goals:

• Stretching muscles and ligaments around painful joints;
• detach muscles from venous blood;
• Remove deposits from joints;
• Stimulates lymphatic drainage and blood flow;
• relieve tension;
• Improve joint movement function.

food

If you have joint disease, a signature dish in your diet is aspic - consuming it leads to the intake of gelatin in the body, which is essential for the normal function of cartilage.However, other animal dishes containing cartilage are also recommended.

In addition, there are a series of dietary rules that patients with joint diseases should follow:

• Do not overeat in the evening, as this not only leads to weight gain, but also to the onset of illness;
• Try to split your meals – split your protein, split your fat, split your carbs;
• If you're heavier, lose weight so you don't put stress on already sore joints;
• The daily diet should be balanced and rich in vitamins and trace elements.

spa treatments

Depending on the stage of the arthrosis, patients may need health resort surgery using special mud:

• Local mud application.It involves applying hot therapeutic mud (approximately 40 degrees) to the affected joint for 15-20 minutes.The course takes place every other day and consists of 10-15 procedures.
• General mud applications.Hot mud is generally applied to the human body.Approximately 10 procedures are required, performed every other day.
• Take a mud bath with mineral water.The person is immersed in a specific bath of high temperature (36-37 degrees) therapeutic mud mixed with mineral water.This course proceeds by applying analogies.
• compression.Apply a mud compress of various compositions to the affected joints (no more than two) for a long time (from half an hour).Courses range from 10 to 20 programs.

You should not decide on your own spa treatments.Always consult with your treating professional before visiting this facility.

Additionally, other processes are shown:

• hydrodynamic therapy;
• underwater limb pulling with suspended weights;
• vibration massage;
• Reflexology;
• Medicinal bath.

Operation

Surgery is performed to improve joint mobility and to remove part of the cartilage or damaged meniscus.

Joint surgery is a last resort and should only be performed when conservative treatments are ineffective and the patient is in pain or has partial or complete immobility of the joint.

During the surgery, fragments of cartilage affected by the joint are removed, polished to provide a smooth surface, cartilage growth removed, and part of the damaged ligament removed.

The most common surgeries are:

• Hip joint – partial removal of cartilage and bone tissue from the femur and pelvis;
• Knee – Replacement of the joint’s articular surface with a metal or composite prosthesis.

folk remedies

Folk remedies alone cannot defeat joint disease, but they can be an excellent adjuvant.The main thing is to consult your orthopedic surgeon before use.

The most effective methods of combating this disease in folk medicine are ointments, compresses and baths.

ointment

In order for it to be effective, the ointment must be applied with a massaging motion and left on the skin for a long time, such as overnight.

Ointment No. 1:

• 1 egg yolk;
• 1 tsp.turpentine;
• 1 tsp.Apple cider vinegar.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Application method.Sore joints should be lubricated and bandaged at night.Use three times a week.

Ointment No. 2:

• 100g honey;
• 3 grams of mummy.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Application method.Apply every night for a week.

compression

For joints, they should be warm and moist.The dressing applied to the joint is covered with a film and warm cloth.

Compression No. 1:

• water;
• 1 tsp.vegetable oil;
• 6 burdock leaves.

The stacked leaves need to be steamed briefly over a pot of hot water.

Application method.Lubricate the affected joints with vegetable oil, wrap them in leaves, and cover them with plastic wrap and a warm scarf.You need to keep it for a few hours.

Compression No. 2:

• 2 eggshells;
• 1 tbsp.Lake fat kefir.

Mix the powdered shells with kefir until a thick paste forms.

Application method.Distribute the product over the painful joints, cover them with linen and plastic wrap, and then the joints will need to be warm (for example, under a blanket).After two hours, the composition must be washed off.

bathing place

If the large joints suffer from arthrosis, they will need to be kept warm, and bathing is a good remedy.

Bath with salt and pine:

• 1kg sea salt;
• a few pine branches;
• 3 chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers;
• 2 tbsp.lake honey;
• 1 tsp.turpentine.

All ingredients are mixed in a hot water bath.This bath lasts up to half an hour.

You should not take therapeutic baths every day - the interval between treatments should be 1 day.

Herbal bath:

• 4 tbsp.Lake Nettle;
• 3 tbsp.Lake St. John's Wort;
• 2 tbsp.lake marigolds;
• 3 tbsp.lake oregano;
• 1 tbsp.Lake Hemlock;
• 1 tbsp.Lake burdock root;
• 500 g clay.

Pour the boiling water over the mixed herbs and cook for an hour.After some time, clay is added, the solution is thoroughly mixed and poured into a hot water bath.It takes about 20 minutes to lie in the bathroom.

Precautions

Although there are many causes of this disease, there are also some effective measures to prevent people from developing joint disease:

• Physical activity.Healthy, moderate physical activity, especially with the right technique, not only helps combat excess weight but also increases blood microcirculation around joint cartilage, thereby providing the cartilage with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
• Warm.Joint hypothermia should be avoided.
• Nutrition.A properly balanced diet containing the daily required nutrients as well as vitamins and trace elements will help your joints live a long and healthy life.
• Normal weight.Maintaining a normal weight throughout life can minimize the likelihood of joint disease.

Arthropathy is a disease that many people can suffer from: from athletes (among them it is the most common disease) to lovers of a decidedly unhealthy lifestyle.But taking precautions, contacting your orthopedic surgeon promptly, and following all instructions can at least minimize the damage, if not completely eliminate the chance of getting sick.