Arthropathy: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Traumatologist-orthopedist

Shelepov

Alexander Sergeevich

12 years of experience

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Arthropathy is a widespread disease that is associated with large joints. It does not depend on the age or gender of the patient. In the literature, the disease is referred to as reactive arthritis. It affects the elbows, knees, hips and ankles.

As a result of scientific research, it was found that arthropathy is not an independent disease, but a consequence. It appears against the background of other reasons. What do you need to know about this disease and how not to miss its initial stage?

Symptoms and signs

Joint arthropathy may not make itself felt for a long time. The patient already suffers from an illness, but is not even aware of his illness. More than a month may pass after the illness. And only then the patient begins to notice:

joint pain at rest and/or with movement;
edema;
redness;
local temperature increase;
restriction of movements after a long rest.

In each case, the disease manifests itself differently. For example, in children aged 1.5 to 6 years, an acute condition is manifested by severe fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and sometimes a skin rash. At the same time, arthritis is already actively destroying even children’s joints that are not yet fully formed. That is why it is recommended to visit a specialist at the slightest suspicion of joint problems.

What is arthropathy and how does it happen?

Arthropathy is a secondary disease. A person experiences pain, but neither the shape nor the functionality of the joint is affected. The pathology manifests itself mainly in the joints of the lower extremities, especially with knee pain due to gonarthrosis.

Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, fatigue and difficulty moving. The person experiences paroxysmal pain, and the body temperature may rise. In women, symptoms are complemented by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, discharge, and intermenstrual bleeding.

The acute period lasts up to two months. In a protracted form, arthropathy can last up to a year. If the disease is not treated, it becomes chronic: remissions are followed by relapses. With the right approach to therapy, the symptoms can be eliminated fairly quickly, but the underlying disease will not go away.

Arthropathy can be of the following types:

reactive – with endocrine disorders and leukemia, joint tissues react with pain;
dystrophic – pain in the hip joint occurs with arthrosis and conditions when the nutrition of the cartilage is insufficient;
pyrophosphoric - caused by a violation of the metabolism of salts and calcium in the body, often due to injuries to large joints;
allergic – for allergies;
psoriatic – for psoriasis;
idiopathic – when it is impossible to accurately determine the cause;
hereditary - transmitted genetically.

Joint arthropathy is an unpleasant but completely controllable condition

Reasons for development

Provocateurs of joint arthropathy are:

diabetes;
malignant tumors;
disruption of hormonal levels and thyroid function;
psoriasis;
blood diseases;
viral and infectious diseases;
allergy;
metabolic disease;
chronic inflammation;
gout;
genetic factors;
age-related changes.

Any deviation from the norm in the body can lead to the development of reactive arthropathy. The name of its types follows precisely from the source of the disease (diabetic arthropathy, arthropathy of the shoulder joint, pyrophosphate arthropathy, psoriatic arthropathy, etc.).

Arthritis of the knee joint

Features of knee arthritis | What Causes Knee Arthritis | Types of knee arthritis | Symptoms of knee arthritis | How knee arthritis is treated at Doctor Ost MC

The exact medical name for knee arthritis is gonarthritis or gonit. Inflammation of the knee joint is quite common in both the elderly and the young. The majority of patients are, of course, people of retirement age, as well as patients with large body weight. Overweight people are generally characterized by joint diseases, since worn-out joints cannot withstand excessive stress.

Arthritis of the knee can develop over a long period of time and gradually. The acute phase with quite pronounced symptoms is initially quickly replaced by a state of rest, which lulls the patient’s vigilance. Because of this, at the initial stage of the disease, people rarely turn to doctors. At the stage when inflammation leads to destructive processes in the joint (arthrosis) and terrible pain appears, the function of the joint suffers, and there is a risk of disability - it is much more difficult to cope with the disease.

WHAT CAUSES KNEE ARTHRITIS

Severe hypothermia, frostbite, repeated injuries and various injuries are the main causes of primary knee arthritis.

Secondary arthritis of the knees is characterized by more serious causes. In particular, infectious diseases. Kidney failure, which cuts off blood flow to the lower body, can also lead to knee arthritis.

It has been proven that the true cause of inflammation in the joints is a disruption of the internal systems of the body. Autoimmune processes, hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders - all this leads to pathological processes in the musculoskeletal system.

TYPES OF KNEE ARTHRITIS

Perhaps the most severe type of arthritis is rheumatoid. It is most difficult to cure due to deep damage to the joints. Against this background, other concomitant diseases may arise, and rheumatoid arthritis quite soon turns into arthrosis deformans.
Reactive arthritis of the knee is usually caused by a genitourinary or intestinal infection.
Mixed arthrosis-arthritis began to be identified as a separate type relatively recently. Blood circulation disrupted by inflammation provokes a structural change in the cartilage tissue, which subsequently causes deformation of the joint itself. Although doctors have not yet come to a consensus whether arthrosis-arthritis should be considered a mixed type or whether it should be divided into two diseases.

SYMPTOMS OF KNEE ARTHRITIS

At first, arthritis of the knee is difficult to suspect; it can only be indicated by a crunch in the knee when bending, some stiffness after a long period of rest, for example, in the morning after sleep, and unexpressed pain. Patients with such symptoms rarely go to the doctor, naively believing that everything will go away on its own.
The disease progresses to the second stage. Sharp pain appears, limiting mobility. At this stage, the inflammatory process becomes obvious: swelling and redness of the skin appears, the temperature may rise and general malaise may appear. The symptoms of the second stage of knee arthritis will not disappear, but will only get worse.
The third stage of knee arthritis is characterized by severe pain and sudden muscle spasms. This is how a destroyed deformed joint makes itself known, which is not able to cope with even minor loads. At this stage, partial or complete joint replacement surgery is often prescribed.

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HOW KNEE ARTHRITIS IS TREATED AT DOCTOR OST MC

At Doctor Ost MC we approach the treatment of arthritis systematically. To stop inflammation and prevent joint deformation, it is necessary to eliminate the cause and restore the overall health of the body.

The first step in treating knee arthritis is to relieve pain and make the patient feel better. A unique technique – high-intensity laser therapy, which can instantly relieve even acute pain – copes well with this purpose.

At the next stage of treatment for knee arthritis, when the patient’s well-being is stabilized, it is important to continue therapy to stop the destruction of the joint, improve blood supply and nutrition to the joint, and restore functional mobility to it.

At this stage, experienced neurologists at Doctor Ost MC can recommend treatment for related diseases that provoke knee arthritis: pathologies of the lumbar spine, renal failure, weakened immunity, etc.

Overweight patients who are at risk will be helped to safely and permanently lose extra pounds at Doctor Ost MC. Effective weight loss occurs under the supervision of a doctor, without diets or workouts, using hardware techniques that evacuate excess fatty tissue from the body.

how much does it cost? Treatment of knee arthritis at Doctor Ost is carried out by a rheumatologist and orthopedist. The cost of consultation with a specialist is indicated in the “Consultative appointment” section of our price list. Follow the promotions, don't miss out on the best price!

Risk factors

An autoimmune disease such as psoriasis often leads to psoriatic arthropathy. Psoriasis leads to disruption of the natural processes of nutrition of cartilage tissue, which causes dystrophic changes.
People with hemophilia may also experience arthritis. This is due to severe overflow of the vessels of the synovial bursa with blood. Vessels rupture, which leads to the development of inflammation in the joints. Blood cells disintegrate, enter the joint cavity, and trigger irreversible processes in the cartilage.
There is a concept of allergic arthropathy. It appears against the background of allergies.
Chlamydia is also often a trigger for arthritis. They lead to disruption of the urethra, joints and conjunctiva of the eye.
Pyrophosphate arthropathy is called chondrocalcinosis. It occurs due to a violation of the metabolic processes of calcium salts. This happens due to infectious, inflammatory processes, professional, household or sports injuries.
Gouty arthropathy occurs due to gout, in which uric acid crystals accumulate in the tissues of the joints. Gout usually affects the ankles and big toes.

Causes

The reliable reasons for the development of reactive inflammation of the joints are still unknown. It is believed that joints become inflamed due to an abnormal response of the immune system to pathogens entering the body.

The underlying cause of the disease is an infection of the joints. As a result of improper functioning of the immune system, joint tissues are perceived as foreign. Antibodies are released that attack cartilage and tendons. Some people are particularly susceptible to reactive arthritis due to the increased sensitivity of the immune system to pathogens. Typically, the disease develops from two weeks to 1 month after infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, intestines or respiratory system.

The most common microorganisms that cause reactive arthritis are:

coli;
mycoplasma;
chlamydia;
shigella;
salmonella;
Yersinia.

According to statistics, arthropathy most often occurs after chlamydial infection.

Complications

Timely treatment of arthropathy usually does not completely eliminate the disease. But patients get the opportunity to get rid of pain and discomfort and control the disease. As a result, they receive a fairly good quality of life and a favorable prognosis from doctors.

Lack of treatment for a diagnosis of arthropathy can lead to serious consequences:

loss of joint mobility;
joining of infection to inflammation;
operations and disabilities.

It is important to see a doctor in time, follow his recommendations and prepare for the fact that treatment will take a long time. At this time, you need to take care of yourself and protect yourself from viral and colds.

When to see a doctor

Unfortunately, in the initial stages the disease does not manifest itself in any way. Only after a while does the patient begin to feel a sharp deterioration in his condition, fever, and severe pain in the joints.

It is necessary to visit an orthopedic traumatologist if:

severe swelling or redness of the wheel, elbow, big toe;
hyperthermia;
weaknesses;
enlarged lymph nodes;
restrictions or inability to move.

You should not self-medicate, look for help and advice on thematic forums on the Internet. Many ailments have similar symptoms, but very different treatments. By neglecting your illness, you waste time and chances of recovery.

In what cases should you seek help?

People who put excessive stress on their joints are at risk for developing arthropathy. Also, pathology occurs more often in those who are prone to allergies, abuse alcohol, have problems with metabolism, or are infected with chlamydia. If you are at risk and have discovered alarming symptoms, go for a consultation with an orthopedist, since it is impossible to identify many joint diseases in the early stages.

Some alarming symptoms include:

swelling of tissues, tingling in joints;
unreasonable increase in body temperature;
weakness and unmotivated fatigue;
enlarged lymph nodes;
limited movement.

At the initial consultation, the doctor will examine you and prescribe tests. The patient will have to undergo laboratory tests, undergo a series of functional tests for the performance of the liver and kidneys, have an ECG and X-ray in several projections. If the diagnosis is confirmed, complex treatment is prescribed.

Is the joint swollen and painful? See an orthopedist

Preparing to visit the doctor

To identify inflammatory arthropathy, it is necessary to undergo tests, undergo diagnostics and visit an orthopedic traumatologist. This is a specialized specialist who will help determine the root cause, select appropriate therapy and overcome the disease.

No special preparation is required before visiting a doctor. You just need to call and make an appointment at JSC “Medicine” (clinic of Academician Roitberg). Our clinic is located at 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskaya lane, 10 (TsAO, not far from the Mayakovskaya, Belorusskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya, Novoslobodskaya metro stations).

You must have extracts and certificates of previous and chronic diseases with you.

Treatment

Treatment of arthropathy is carried out under the strict supervision of a physician. Coping with illness requires a comprehensive approach. Part of the therapy is aimed at eliminating the underlying ailment that caused the development of a secondary disease. At the same time, joint syndrome is eliminated.

Use:

immune stimulants;
anti-inflammatory non-steroidal and hormonal drugs (to eliminate symptoms);
antibacterial and antiviral agents, as well as antihistamines to combat allergens.

Additionally, physiotherapy, physical therapy and special dietary nutrition are included. Magnets and laser demonstrate high efficiency.

You can undergo physiotherapy and therapeutic massage (except for the acute form) at JSC “Medicine” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) at 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskaya lane, 10.

How is arthropathy treated?

By analogy with the treatment of osteoarthritis, the therapy of arthropathy is complex. It combines physiotherapeutic and medicinal methods, and physical therapy is included at the rehabilitation stage. It is important for the patient to follow simple rules:

to refuse from bad habits;
balance your diet;
monitor body weight;
take prescribed medications.

For arthropathy, radon baths, electric shock and climatotherapy are most often prescribed. Among the pharmaceutical drugs that are relevant are antibiotics that eliminate the provoking agent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that fight visual manifestations and chondroprotectors. The latter promote tissue regeneration, as they enrich the joint with building material.

In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary

Prevention

Prevention of inflammatory arthropathy of the knee or other joints is the prevention of other diseases. The patient must get rid of the root cause, because only then can one count on a positive outcome of the disease.

In addition, it is recommended:

adhere to proper and healthy nutrition;
give up fatty, spicy foods;
protect yourself during sexual intercourse to prevent contracting sexually transmitted infections;
maintain personal hygiene;
undergo regular medical examinations and basic tests;
monitor your weight and prevent obesity.

For the rest, you need to talk with your doctor. All rules of life are selected individually, depending on the type of your illness and the source of its occurrence. Be sure to play sports to strengthen your muscle frame. Take care of your health, don’t let diseases get worse, listen carefully to your own body. The clinic's specialists will help with this. They use a personalized approach to combat arthropathy rather than temporarily block its action.

What are the prognosis and can it be prevented?

If arthropathy is left untreated, the pathology progresses over time. The joint may become infected, and mobility will become increasingly limited, leading to immobility and disability. All this can be avoided if you strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and do not experiment with self-medication.

Since arthropathy is secondary, in order to prevent it, it is necessary to take preventive measures to prevent the development of other diseases. And if they already exist, then treat them in a timely manner. It never hurts to maintain an adequate level of physical activity, eat right, monitor your body weight and give up bad habits.

To minimize the risks of any joint diseases, be it arthropathy, coxarthrosis or salt deposition due to gout, it is necessary to undergo regular preventive examinations, and not to ignore alarming symptoms. Your health is in your hands!

How to make an appointment with an orthopedist-traumatologist

Reactive arthropathy requires immediate treatment. The disease is treated by qualified traumatologists-orthopedists of JSC “Medicine” (clinic of academician Roitberg). The clinic is located in the center of Moscow near the Mayakovskaya metro station, not far from Belorusskaya metro station, Novoslobodskaya metro station, Tverskaya metro station and Chekhovskaya metro station. You can find it at the address: 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy Lane, 10.

To make an appointment, call the contact number. Calls are accepted 24 hours a day. You can also request a call back. To do this, fill out a short electronic form on the website. Don't forget to include your name and contact phone number.