Joint pain is experienced by millions of people around the world.According to official data from the World Health Organization, more than 80% of the population suffers from arthritis.Ecological degradation, inactive lifestyle, the emergence of new types of infections, the development of genetic diseases - there are many reasons why problems start.
Cause of pain
Joints are movable parts of the skeleton that connect all the bones of the musculoskeletal system.Without them, it is impossible to carry out the most important body functions - flexion, straightening, rotation, support and movement.
The appearance of pain is a direct sign of a violation of normal function.It is important not to ignore alarming symptoms and start treatment on time.
There may be several reasons why joints hurt:
- Physical inactivity.Technological advances, along with undeniable benefits, encourage sedentary and sedentary work.All basic operations are performed by machines;humans only control the process.This leads to muscle tissue atrophy.The load increases and manifests itself in the form of arthralgia (from the Greek arthron - "joint", algos - "pain").
- Increased physical activity.Professions associated with constant movement (for example, builders, loaders, salesmen) do not at all contribute to healthy joints.Serious loads are fraught with injuries and over the years will manifest themselves in pain in the limbs and spine.
- Excess body weight.The necessary amount of oxygen stops flowing into the joints, muscle mass decreases, irreversible changes occur in cartilage tissue and, as a result, pain appears.
- Environmental conditions.Living in large cities or in places with a large concentration of industrial enterprises - wherever harmful emissions into the atmosphere occur - has a negative impact on health.The risk of getting seriously ill and getting complications increases several times.
- Poor nutrition.Eating foods that are low in vitamins and microelements necessary for the body has a negative effect on the general condition of the body.This immediately affects the mobility of the connecting parts.Discomfort and pain appear.
- Age.The older a person is, the more pain he experiences.The inevitable wear and tear of the musculoskeletal system leads to diseases that cause complications in the joints.Keep in mind that arthralgia is getting younger every year for the above reasons.
Types of diseases
Many people suffer from diseases, and only a small part go to the doctor.But pain in the joints, as a rule, indicates the presence of some disease.This can be a neglected injury, a hidden inflammatory process.Therefore, it is very important to contact a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Classification divides the disease into inflammatory, metabolic-dystrophic and pathological.Below are the most common joint diseases for each group, according to WHO statistics.
Inflammatory diseases
Arthritis is the most common disease, characterized by the destruction of cartilage tissue.Due to arthritis, friction appears between the bones and an inflammatory process occurs.As the disease progresses, mobility is lost, edema and swelling appear.Affects all species, both small and large.Often has an inherited genetic cause.
Joint bursitis - this disease affects the shoulder, knee and hip joints.Between the surfaces of the bones, in the cavity of the synovial bursa, excess fluid accumulates.The inflammatory process begins, occurs with great swelling and excruciating pain.
Metabolic-dystrophic diseases of the joints
Gout.Associated with increased production of uric acid, against the background of impaired kidney function.Often it begins with the appearance of pain in the area of the big toe.This disease is typical in old age and people with certain professions (for example, dancers).Wearing uncomfortable shoes continuously also contributes to the development of this disease.Lovers of high heels should think about this.You should not sacrifice your health to fashion trends.
Arthrosis.Bone deformation due to cartilage tissue disease.The dystrophic process is accompanied by severe pain.
Joint necrosis.Blood flow is affected to the bones.Lack of oxygen and nutrients causes bone death.Joints suffer first.Pain and stiffness of movement can be a sign of a very dangerous disease.
Pathology due to trauma
Mechanical damage to the joint.Therefore, complications of unsuccessful falls are most often observed in the knee joint.Less often - in the elbow.Symptoms appear immediately - sharp pain, inability to bend the leg, impaired motor function.
Dislocation.Loss of resistance between the head of the bone and the ligament causes dislocation.Displacement can be complete or partial.Pain in the joint is accompanied by increased temperature and swelling in the dislocation area.Failure to seek medical help in time can lead to the development of necrosis and disability.
Symptoms of joint pain
One or more diseased joints determine the general condition of the body.Symptoms are very broad and depend on the underlying cause.But there are still a set of standard signs that should call for immediate medical attention:
- Severe pain in one or more joints.
- The pain occurs at any time of the day and does not last long.
- Discomfort and stiffness of movement occur only during periods of rest - on vacation or on weekends.
- The joint pain was so bad that the person had to stop working.
- Appearance of lameness.
- Unreasonable weight loss.
- Increased sweating.
- Body aches.
- Persistent high temperature.
- Skin rash.
- Morning stiffness, without significant pain.
- Changes in gait.
- Muscle pain (myalgia).
- Mild pain in ligaments and tendons.
Even if, in someone's opinion, the symptoms are not significant and do not cause much discomfort, you should see a doctor.
Preventive examinations will help identify diseases at an early stage and guarantee a complete cure.
Disposal method
- Local preparations – ointments, gels, creams, patches containing anesthetics and anti-inflammatory active ingredients.
- Steroid injections have a strong anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body.
- Hyaluronic acid injection - a thick liquid is one of the components of cartilage, it helps to overcome the inflammatory process.
- Physical therapy is a set of exercises that help maintain muscle tone and build muscle mass around painful joints.
- Wearing only comfortable shoes - high quality, soft and flexible shoes will reduce the load on the sore feet.Rejection of high heels, durable and artificial materials.
- Heat and cold - alternating heating pads with warm or cold water relieves spasms, reduces swelling and pain.Changes must be quick to avoid overheating or hypothermia.
- Anesthesia of the problem area - injection of anesthetic directly into the painful area.Quickly relieves excruciating pain.
- Nerve damage.It is used in cases where there are no positive results after other methods.The procedure is similar to the removal of a dental nerve.Relieves joint pain, but the disease remains.
- Traditional medicine - herbs, honey, eggshell, bay leaves and alcohol.There are many recipes for preparing medicinal tinctures and mixtures.They should not be used without consulting your doctor.
- Acupuncture is traditional medicine, only Chinese.Acupuncture sometimes really produces amazing results.But carrying out such a procedure requires extensive experience and professionalism.Choosing an expert can be very time-consuming.
Prevention and treatment
The disease is treated using the following therapy options:
- Medicines.Only inflammatory processes and pain syndromes are removed.Without additional techniques, the cause of the disease cannot be eliminated.
- Physiotherapy.Warming, analgesic procedures using medical equipment of various effects.Ultrasound, electrical stimulation.
- Therapeutic exercise.A set of special exercises that are easily prescribed by the doctor to stimulate physical activity.
- Manual therapy.A combination of various active and passive manual pressure techniques on knees, shoulders, hands, feet, legs, fingers, knees or elbows.This technique refers to the official treatment method.It is useful for prevention and to improve the patient's condition.
- Surgical intervention.It is prescribed only in advanced cases where there is no hope.It has many contraindications and can cause other diseases.
Only after making a diagnosis and determining the cause, the attending physician prescribes a treatment regimen using one or another technique.
Diseases in most cases are chronic.With proper treatment, the degenerative process only slows down.
Therefore, disease is easier to prevent than to cure:
- Care must be taken to treat any infection immediately.
- The diet should contain sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.Vitamins A, B5 and B6, C, E, as well as copper, selenium, and glucosamine are very beneficial for joints.
- In addition to proper nutrition, maintaining an active lifestyle, feasible sports activities and daily walks will help prevent joint disease.
- Gradual hardening of the body.
Simple steps will help prevent long treatment, severe pain and disruption of your normal lifestyle.
How to forget joint and back pain
If your joints prevent you from living and moving fully, and the most expensive drugs do not help, then you should consult a professional doctor.Treatment on the advice of acquaintances and friends, at best, will not give any results.Worst case - exacerbation of the disease, transition to a chronic form, complete or partial loss of mobility.Before using the "proven" recipe, you should remember that the symptoms may be the same, but the diagnosis may be different.
The following suggestions will help you forget the pain forever:
- The treatment regimen for joints is only prescribed by a doctor;Self-medication can have the worst consequences.
- Treatment should include several methods - medication, physiotherapy, homeopathy, physical therapy.
- Self-diagnosis is not acceptable.
- Do not steam or rub sore joints.Although temporary relief, this can accelerate the process of cartilage tissue destruction.
- Do not perform recommended physical therapy exercises through "pain."Feeling comfortable is the key to a quick recovery.
- Even after the onset of sustained improvement, do not stop physical therapy.