The causes of osteoarthritis

In the development of osteoarthritis are important static (fixed) load (prolonged standing on his feet, weight lifting, weight) on the joints and minor injuries to joints. With age come changes in the blood vessels of the synovial membrane (bags surrounding the joint), the joint starts to get less nutrients and oxygen, and gradually atrophy (shrink). The same phenomena occur in violation of the functions of some glands, such as the lack of the thyroid and gonads. Play a role and inherited features of the structure of the joints.

As a result of all these factors, the conditions for supply of cartilage of joints, gradually eroded its cells in the surface layer of cartilage loses its elasticity, on the surface of small cracks formed, then this layer becomes ragged structure. In the later stages of cartilage cells begin to die, forming large foci of necrosis (tissue breakdown), instead of growing cartilage and connective bone formed limited mobility of the joints.

How is

Any arthritis develops and proceeds very slowly and never leads to severe abnormalities in the joints. The exception is the hip joint, which has its anatomical features, because of which it is formed very early in the restriction of mobility, which may further cause disability.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis is joint pain, tightness, rapid fatigue, stiffness, change in shape of the joint, a crunch in joints, etc. The pain is usually dull, irregular, worse in cold and wet weather in the evening (after a long load) and initial motion after standstill ('starting pain "). The hip pain is given in the groin or in the sciatic region. Very often (especially in old age) instead of pain is noted only aches and a feeling of heaviness in the bones and joints.

True disturbance of mobility is rare, rather it is about the stiffness of the joints and fatigue. Deformation joints is best visible in the joints of the fingers, which become gnarled character in the knee joints. These deformations caused by bone growths rather than edema Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   soft tissue as in the joint inflammation. The reason for coarse crunch in the joints are the irregularities of the articular surfaces of bones.

To restore joint cartilage appoint biological stimulants formation of cartilage (eg rumalon). Reflex spasm of muscles located around the joint concerned, is removed muscle relaxants - drugs, relieves muscle spasms (eg Mydocalm). Vasodilators (nicotinic acid) can increase food joints, with the same purpose (as well as to pain relief) shall be appointed by heat treatments (paraffin, hot compress, etc.) and massage.

To eliminate the pain used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, Voltaren).

It is important to several times a day to provide rest the affected joint, can not long remain in the same posture, stand up long, long walk, lift weights. In advanced stages of the disease, it is desirable to use a cane or walking on crutches.

Osteoarthritis may gradually creep to each person, but if you do not overload your joints, these processes may occur unnoticed.

  Galina Romanenko

Treatment of cervical sciatica

Typically, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the cervical radiculitis doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Typically patients take medications is enough for 10-14 days, followed by a significant relief.

Sometimes doctors prescribe oral steroids in patients that reduce inflammation more effectively, but often cause serious side effects. Although there have been no more or less qualitative study to assess the effectiveness of the use of steroids in cervical radiculitis, in practice, these drugs produce very good results. Usually they take for only 5-7 days; for longer use increases the risk of various side effects. For fast pain relief can be administered an injection of steroids. In some cases, for control of symptoms of cervical sciatica, in addition to other drugs, tricyclic antidepressants may be used.

Opioid analgesics are used only in cases when other painkillers are not effective enough. It is important that the patient was taking them so as recommended by a doctor, do not exceed the designated doses, and without increasing the duration of treatment on their own - even if the pain is not yet over. The fact that this type of analgesics can be addictive, and keep it off is very difficult.

When the pain and inflammation are effectively controlled drugs, it is necessary to start taking measures to restore full range of motion and flexibility of the neck, which in varying degrees, always suffer from sciatica. Typically, patients referred to a physical therapist who shows them how to do special stretching exercises Stretching exercises - Be careful . They need to make one or two times a day, for a couple of weeks. Then, stretching can be done several times a week and included in the schedule of training exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, neck and hands. Regular performance of the exercises recommended by the physiotherapist allows to avoid further occurrence associated with sciatica Sciatica - ask for help in a timely manner   pain. These exercises may be done, for example, in the morning - as charging (first necessary to warm up for at least five minutes) or during their exercise routine.

As a rule, doctors are advised to be sure to warm up before stretching; for this example, you can ride a bike or walk briskly. Perform the exercises should be long enough, but avoid severe pain (at the same time, strong pressure during exercise is normal and even desirable).

If cervical sciatica led to the weakness of certain muscle groups to exercise the power you need to start very cautiously; it is strongly recommended that before you perform these exercises, consult a physical therapist or an experienced coach. Usually, experts recommend starting with a small weight and a large number of repetitions (15-20), and to increase the weight very slowly. The need to observe such precautions did not mean that in the treatment of cervical sciatica would be better to do without power exercises. Rather, they are required to prevent or at least reduce the risk of back problems in the future.

Patients who take analgesics and follow the recommendations of a physiotherapist, improvement usually occurs no more than six to eight weeks after the start of treatment. If during this time there is a noticeable improvement can be assigned to surgery.

Prevention

Some injuries that lead to the development of cervical sciatica, can be avoided by using the right technique when carrying heavy loads and to perform a variety of exercises. Avoid stress, which people obviously are not ready - to exercise does not harm, their intensity should be increased gradually.

Correct posture is one of the important factors in the prevention of various types of sciatica. If you have problems with posture Posture - a few helpful tips for those who want to walk straight It is strongly recommended to talk to an expert about how you can fix it.

Being overweight is one of the factors that increase the likelihood of developing sciatica. Those who have the extra weight is worth the effort to get rid of them - this will help prevent not only the sciatica, but also many other more dangerous diseases.

Finally, addictions and chronic stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis   also increase the risk of developing any type of sciatica. Get rid of them, and learn to control stress, you can protect yourself from many health problems.