If your joints hurt, the doctor explained what you do wrong every day.
Millions of people suffer from joint pain and don't even realize the reasons. "Tochka" learned from an orthopedic doctor what will happen if you ignore the problem, and whether there are ways to avoid the sad consequences.
Joint diseases affect quality of life and mobility, causing pain and limited movement. They are among the top 10 causes of disability worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common is osteoarthritis. By some estimates, more than 300 million people suffer from it.
The risk of developing joint diseases increases with age. However, this does not mean that everyone will necessarily face such problems. A healthy lifestyle and timely treatment of symptoms are important.
Sergei Pavlovich, a traumatologist-orthopedist at the NEO Medical Center for Pain Management and Rehabilitation, told the Tochka.by portal about the causes, consequences, and prevention.
Why do joint diseases occur?
The interlocutor noted that there are so many reasons for joint diseases that they can be divided into separate groups.
For example, age-related changes directly provoke degenerative processes in cartilage tissue and, as a result, wear and tear on the joints.
Injuries play a significant role. They disrupt the structure of the joint and accelerate its wear and tear. Fractures, sprains, and bruises can trigger the development of arthritis or osteoarthritis.
An important factor in modern conditions is an unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet and sleep. Insufficient physical activity leads to weakness of the muscles that are designed to stabilize the joints, and excessive loads or incorrect sports techniques lead to damage.
Another aspect is inflammatory processes. Infections (such as venereal or viral diseases) or autoimmune reactions can cause inflammation inside the joint.
Also, one cannot ignore chronic stress and the presence of concomitant diseases, such as diabetes or obesity.
Heredity is important in many aspects related to health. If there are cases of joint diseases in the family, the risk of their manifestation in subsequent generations increases.
However, genes are not a death sentence. It is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing problems through early diagnosis and proper prevention.
Symptoms of joint diseases
According to Sergei Pavlovich, the first signs of joint problems manifest themselves in different ways and at an early stage can be unnoticeable or perceived as temporary ailments.
"The most obvious symptom is pain, which may occur during movement, exertion, or even at rest. This sensation is often explained by inflammatory processes, changes in cartilage tissue, and the capsular-ligamentous apparatus of a particular joint. The pain may vary in nature: from dull, aching to acute paroxysmal, depending on the specific pathology and stage of the disease," explains the expert.
Another important sign is limited mobility. When the joints begin to become inflamed, a feeling of stiffness occurs, especially after a long rest or in the morning (the so-called morning stiffness).
In the future, this sensation can lead to a decrease in the range of motion, which can significantly reduce the ability to perform ordinary daily tasks.
An indicator of the inflammatory process in the joints is swelling. It usually occurs due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid and becomes a consequence of pathology in the joint.
Changes in the skin also indicate inflammation and the need to urgently consult a specialist: redness and increased temperature in the area of the problem area.
Some patients note a change in the shape or deformation of the joint, the appearance of nodules or asymmetry. This is evidence of a long-term progression of the pathological process. For example, in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Additional symptoms may include general weakness, rapid fatigue, and even an increase in body temperature, which is characteristic of systemic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or vascular pathologies.
"It is important to remember that even the first signs - temporary pain, stiffness or mild inflammation - require careful attention and consultation with a doctor. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chances of preventing significant joint damage and preserving their function for many years," emphasizes the interlocutor.
How relevant is the problem for Belarus?
According to the Ministry of Health, in recent years the incidence of osteoarthritis and polyarthritis in our country has been at the level of 7-10 cases per 1000 people.
Annually, the republic registers from 100 to 200 thousand patients with diagnosed joint diseases. In the age group 60+, the proportion of patients is about 30-40%.
Overall statistics show an increase in the number of people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other pathological conditions.
Answering a journalist's question about the possible impact of the Chernobyl disaster on the condition of the joints, the specialist noted that it is difficult to establish a direct connection.
"It is known that radiation and environmental causes can negatively affect the body, including the immune system and metabolism, which potentially affects the health of the joints as well," the doctor clarifies.
Which joints wear out faster?
The knee, hip, shoulder, and hand and foot joints are most often affected.
As the orthopedic surgeon explained, the knee and hip joints are prone to wear and tear due to the axial load during walking. Body weight, the presence of injuries, and the nature of work play a huge role here. Professional athletes often become patients.
Problems in the hands and feet develop mainly with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
If pain has occurred in one place, this does not mean that it will necessarily manifest itself in another. However, in some cases, for example, with rheumatoid arthritis, the lesion can spread to several joints. This is one of the reasons why it is important to identify and treat diseases in a timely manner.
Is it always necessary to do an MRI of the joints during the examination?
Some patients delay a visit to the doctor due to unwillingness and fear of undergoing a number of procedures. We asked the interlocutor how often it is necessary to resort to magnetic resonance imaging.
The doctor noted that MRI is a very informative diagnostic method, especially for changes in the early stages, inflammation, or soft tissue damage.
However, you don't always have to rush to do it. Often an X-ray is enough to identify the problem. Modern medical centers are equipped with new equipment with minimal radiation load. For the patient, this type of study is cheaper and faster, and for an experienced doctor, it is quite informative.
Both X-rays and MRIs are usually prescribed according to indications: in the presence of symptoms, deterioration of the condition, or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
The frequency of the study depends on the situation: as a rule, one or two times a year is enough, if there are indications, or as recommended by a doctor.
When is joint replacement surgery inevitable?
The decision on endoprosthetics (as patients say, "joint replacement") depends on a number of factors: the degree of cartilage destruction, pain syndrome, limitation of mobility and general condition.
If conservative treatment does not give results, pain interferes with living and working, and joint destruction has reached a critical point, then the balance tips in favor of surgical intervention. This is usually the last stages of osteoarthritis, when other methods are no longer effective.
Most patients return to active life, work and travel after joint replacement.
Of course, there are restrictions. For example, excessive physical exertion is contraindicated. But in general, endoprosthetics and the doctor's recommendations regarding rehabilitation allow you to achieve a high level of functionality.
How to prevent problems and protect yourself from joint diseases?
According to the interlocutor, today, with proper early diagnosis and compliance with treatment protocols, the disease can be kept under control and maintain quality of life for many years.
But the problem must be approached responsibly and comprehensively.
For example, it is important to monitor weight. Excess body weight creates additional stress on the knee and hip joints.
It is necessary to observe a work and rest regime, to avoid overwork. And eat right: timely saturate the body (and tissues) with food rich in calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids.
Regular, but moderate physical activity minimizes the damage. This can be walking or swimming.
It is also important not to forget about check-ups - periodic examinations by a doctor. A timely visit at the first symptoms, the right approaches to treatment at an early stage, coupled with other measures, will help to avoid serious consequences and even operations.
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