Joints diseases and their treatment

Joints are the parts of the body that join bones of the skeleton but, at the same time, allow them to move. Joints include hips, shoulders, knees, elbows, hands, etc.

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain. Its two primary forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

According to some studies, osteoarthritis is most common in people over 40. It has a slow progression and affects the most commonly used joints such as knees, wrists, shoulders, and hips. Cartilage is located in these joints, thanks to which the joints are cushioned. Osteoarthritis destroys this cartilage, causing pain.

Another form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. According to statistics, it is more common in women than in men. It also has the property of slowly deforming and weakening the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and fluid accumulation in the joint tissues.

Other types of joint diseases:

• infectious diseases: mumps, influenza, hepatitis, etc.,
• bursitis or inflammation of the tissues around the joints,
• chondromalacia of the patella (patellofemoral pain syndrome) or destruction of the cartilage of the patella,
• tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon with subsequent degeneration),
• osteoporosis,
• damage,
• lupus,
• bone or joint infection,
• joint overload,
• fibromyalgia (symmetrical musculoskeletal pain),
• sarcoidosis (an autoimmune disease with granulomas in affected tissues),
• gout,
• rickets,
• cancer.

We will not describe all these diseases, but we will point out the most common symptoms (inherent in them to one degree or another), with which, if this occurs, you should consult a doctor.

❏ swelling, redness, and tenderness around the joint,

❏ if the joint is warm or hot to the touch,

❏ pain persists for three or more days,

❏ fever in the absence of other symptoms of acute respiratory infections or flu,

❏ being seriously injured,

❏ visible deformity of the joint,

❏ sudden swelling of the joint,

❏ complete immobility of the joint

❏ severe and sharp pain in the joint.

Treatment of joint pain.

Treatment at home

Doctors believe that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic, and there is simply no cure for these diseases that will completely relieve joint pain. However, there are ways to help cope with pain and alleviate the condition:

1. Pain medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation may help (check with your doctor which ones are right for you).
2. Joint problems do not mean you need to exclude physical activity. Describe trainer your joint pains, and he will write an individual fitness program with appropriate moderate exercise.
3. Be sure to stretch before (or even instead of) exercising. It can provide the necessary load on the joints.
4. Control weight according to the standards, as being overweight puts too much stress on the joints.
5. Protect the joint with a brace or elastic bandage.
6. Let the joint rest periodically, avoiding activities that cause pain.
7. Immobilize the joint several times daily for 15 minutes with an elastic band (bandage).
8. Raise the joint above the level of the heart.
9. Applying ice or something cold to a painful joint will help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
10. For muscle cramps around joints, try using a heating pad or wrap several times a day (as recommended by your doctor).
11. Don't leave the joint immobile for long because it can become stiff and fail to perform its functions.
12. If your joint pain isn't due to arthritis, you might want to try taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, light massages, warm baths, exercise, and getting plenty of rest.

Medical treatment

This type of treatment, of course, is prescribed by the doctor and which option he chooses depends on the cause of the pain. The doctor may suggest removing the fluid accumulated in the joint's area. He can check if there is an infection, gout, or other diseases in the joint. Also, the doctor may insist on joint replacement surgery. But this, of course, after a complex examination, diagnosis, and drug treatment.

Other non-surgical joint treatments include lifestyle changes or medications that can cause RA to go into remission. During rheumatoid arthritis remission, the treatment will focus on keeping the condition to avoid flare-ups.

And remember, self-medication can seriously harm your health. Don't be afraid to seek professional help from your doctor.

Elastic and immobilizing bandages  TM MedTextile help treat joint diseases. They can be purchased at pharmacies in your city.