Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes deformation of the cartilage of the joints. As a result, the cartilage gradually thins and loses its integrity, which can cause the tissue to separate into fibers. For a progressive disease, the exposure of the bone body and the appearance of small cracks are more characteristic.
Also, acute and slow inflammatory processes are observed. When asking the question of how to treat arthrosis, it is necessary to take into account all the features of the course of the disease, the reason for which is often the aging of the body as a whole or the presence of various joint injuries. past
What determines the effectiveness of arthrosis treatment?
If all the necessary measures are taken in time, the treatment of arthrosis can be very effective. Initially, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic measures to determine the presence of lesions and their severity. This can take a lot of time and also requires patience and endurance from the patient. A detailed treatment plan is drawn up depending on the degree (stage) of the disease.
Treatment of arthrosis requires an integrated approach. Sometimes the highest effectiveness can be achieved by the simultaneous and competent use of traditional medicine, drugs and a special diet necessary when a certain disease is detected.
The most appropriate drug is anti-inflammatory drugs: steroidal and non-steroidal drugs that can reduce inflammation and stop tissue damage. However, sometimes traditional medicine also shows good results, it allows to save the body from a disease without resorting to chemicals and physiotherapy.
The effectiveness of treatment of arthrosis mainly depends on the degree of tissue damage - neglect of the disease, as well as a well-designed treatment program and an integrated approach.
Therefore, it is very important not to miss the initial moment of the development of the disease in order to prevent problems in the future.
Arthrosis: treatment methods
Today, there are many different methods for treating osteoarthritis.
These include:
- reduce the load on painful joints;
- orthopedic regimen;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- physiotherapy: laser and shock wave therapy, electromagnetic pulse therapy, magnetotherapy, etc. ;
- intra-articular oxygen therapy or saturation of the tissues of the joints with oxygen;
- decompression of metaepiphysis and construction of intraosseous blocks;
- pharmacotherapy, including non-steroidal and steroid hormonal drugs, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs;
- special diet;
- Spa treatment.
Admittedly, the classic scheme for the treatment of arthrosis is long-term.
Pharmacotherapy can include non-steroidal and non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as steroids and other drugs that the patient will have to take for a long time.
Many experts agree that the best treatment for osteoarthritis is measured by physical activity and following a special diet that contains nutrients that are good for the body.
Diet for arthritis
Diet is the most important step in the treatment of osteoarthritis. After all, one of the factors that often complicates the course of the disease is excess weight. The main goal of the diet, in this case, is to provide the body with all the necessary substances, including vitamins and trace elements, and at the same time prevent weight gain. It can complement non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and help to increase the effectiveness of more treatments.
It is important to include protein-rich foods in your diet. It promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue. It is good to eat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, as well as oats and oatmeal. Drinking milk and kefir with arthrosis is also useful, because it contains calcium, which is very necessary for the maintenance of healthy bones and joints.
A separate place is occupied by products rich in gelatin and collagen: aspics, jelly, bone broths, etc. In folk medicine, the treatment of arthrosis with gelatin is extremely popular, for the simple reason that the tissues of the joint and ligament apparatus, which cause the development of the disease, do not have such an important substance as natural gelatin. Reviews about the treatment of arthrosis with gelatin are generally very positive.
Folk methods for the treatment of arthrosis
There are several folk ways to treat the disease. Among the most popular and effective:
- gelatin treatment. All depending on the degree of the disease, gelatin is able to slightly improve the condition, alleviating the suffering of the patient. In addition, non-steroid drugs used in traditional medicine cannot cause any harm to the body. So, folk healers recommend drinking swollen gelatin prepared according to a very simple recipe: a teaspoon of dry gelatin should be diluted in a glass of hot water, mixed well, let it brew. This medicine should be taken once a day, in the morning, on an empty stomach. Gelatin cannot completely replace anti-inflammatory drugs, but it can be an excellent addition to the established course of treatment. In addition, in this way, it is possible to prevent the development of the disease at an early stage.
- Fir oil helps to get rid of more or less unpleasant symptoms. It is especially useful in the early stages of the disease. First, it is necessary to warm it together with a warm compress with sea salt. In addition, the skin in the place of the affected area is rubbed with fir oil, massaging movements. In order to improve the absorption rate of useful microelements and achieve their goals, a waterproof insulating bandage is applied on top. Such rubbing should not be more than 1-2 times a day.
- Ointment based on nettle and juniper received numerous positive reviews from grateful patients. You can buy it at a pharmacy or make it yourself. For this you will need: green juniper berries, freshly picked nettle leaves, sheep fat. By weight, all ingredients should be presented in equal amounts. Leaves and berries should be thoroughly chopped, mixed with oil, transferred to a glass container and placed in the refrigerator. Depending on the degree of damage and the patient's well-being, this ointment should be applied to the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The treatment period is symptomatic.