After a long binge, everything hurts - causes and treatment

A severe headache or discomfort in the liver after an alcoholic party is quite common. But few people understand why joint pain occurs as a result of drinking alcohol. Most patients who turn to an orthopedist with such complaints are skeptical about the recommendation to give up this bad habit. It turns out that there is a direct connection between alcohol consumption and the development of arthrosis, as well as other joint pathologies.

The knee joints are most affected by alcohol.

The knee joints are the first to suffer

Alcohol abuse often affects the condition of the knee joints: they suffer more than other organs.

Alcohol has a direct effect on this part of the body:

• destroying the natural course of neurohumoral regulation;
• initiating the inflammatory process;
• causing pain and tissue swelling.

Drinking alcohol in significant doses leads to the release of active substances such as adrenaline or dopamine into the human blood, which contribute to the exacerbation of existing inflammation of joint tissues. There is a sharp decrease in potassium in the blood, and swelling appears. The result of alcohol intoxication is pathological processes that occur in the joints themselves:

• increased fluid pressure in the periarticular sac;
• activation of receptors responsible for pain.

Acetaldehyde, a product of ethanol metabolism, has a negative effect on cell walls. The entire metabolic cycle is disrupted:

• the permeability of the membrane wall changes;
• intracellular metabolism occurs at an accelerated pace;
• the entire supply of nutrients of the cell is consumed, and it works at maximum capacity.

How does alcohol affect musculoskeletal tissue?

When you abuse alcohol, gradual deformation of bone tissue occurs, and beer is considered the most harmful to bones. This drink has been shown to lead to calcium deficiency, causing joints to become inflamed, brittle and easy to break. The toxic substances of alcohol also have a negative effect on the blood. By thickening it, they prevent the natural flow of nutrients into the mobile joint. Therefore, people with alcohol addiction often have pain in their knees and it becomes difficult to move.

Drinking a large portion of beer disrupts metabolism and eliminates reserves of vitamins and minerals. At the same time, the load on the joints increases, and they gradually collapse. Rheumatoid arthritis is not the only disease that can be caused by alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause gout and osteoarthritis. The opinion that alcoholic drinks destroy bone tissue is undeniable, but there is another side to the problem. Doctors have been able to prove that reasonable consumption of high-quality alcohol strengthens bones and helps stop the progression of arthritis.

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Causes of joint diseases from alcohol

In people with an increased tendency to drink, the knee joints suffer the most. Alcohol-containing drinks have the following negative effects:

Alcoholic drinks cause swelling in damaged tissues.

• contribute to the development of inflammation;
• provoke pain and swelling of tissues;
• lead to exacerbation of existing inflammation;
• lower plasma potassium levels.

When the body is poisoned by toxic substances of alcohol, fluid pressure increases in the joints of the skeletal bones and the pain syndrome is activated. The walls of all cells suffer, and this contributes to disruption of the metabolic cycle and the mechanism of distribution of electrolytes throughout the connective tissue, as well as a deficiency of reserves of B vitamins.

In addition to the fact that alcohol causes arthritis, it also leads to the development of gout, a disease characterized by excessive accumulation of uric acid. Alcohol-containing drinks are especially dangerous for overweight people, as they provoke osteoarthritis. Drinkers are more susceptible to aging joints if they wear uncomfortable shoes or their feet are under constant stress.

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Alcohol and joint pathologies

The fact that in the process of evolution man became an upright walker explains the sharp increase in the load on the joints of the lower extremities. In this regard, joint cartilage is most susceptible to wear and tear during movement: running, walking and jumping. Gradually, microtraumas provoke imperceptible, low-grade inflammation, but the patient only occasionally complains of pain in the bones.

Constant consumption of alcoholic beverages, even in moderate doses, leads to the fact that the cartilage cells of a drinker, due to metabolic disorders and continuous hard work, wear out much more than the cartilage of a teetotaler. Under the influence of alcohol, the cartilage becomes thinner or disappears altogether, then when moving, areas of the bones that are no longer protected by cartilaginous tissue begin to rub against each other. As a result, the bones grow, thus deforming the joint and putting pressure on the receptors, which causes constant pain when walking. As a result, a person acquires a disease such as arthrosis.

Fragments of destroyed cartilage inside the joint begin to be absorbed by white blood cells, the release of cellular enzymes causes inflammation of the synovium - a disease called synovitis.

Exacerbation of progressive aseptic inflammation of the joint after another dose of alcohol leads to the development of an even more serious disease - arthritis.

• Joint pain after alcohol is a serious cause for concern

Compression of areas of the epiphyses unprotected by cartilage provokes bone ischemia - insufficient blood supply to the organ. As a result, the bone does not receive the necessary nutrition and the required amount of oxygen, which entails inevitable necrosis of bone tissue and its destruction. This is how aseptic necrosis occurs. Complete destruction of the joint can occur within 3–5 years, depending on the person's general health.

The results of recent studies show that bone necrosis is in most cases associated with long-term alcohol consumption.

Insoluble urates formed in the body (as a result of alcohol consumption) are not excreted and are deposited in the cells of various tissues. Because of this, persistent hypertension occurs, stones form in the kidneys, and salt deposition occurs in the joint capsule, tendons and ligaments. Urate crystals enter the synovial fluid and cartilage and then penetrate the bone. Violation of the excretory function of the kidneys contributes to the progression of the process, leading to inflammation of the joint, which often occurs precisely after the next libation. This painful condition is called gout.

Is it possible to drink alcohol during exacerbation of joint arthritis?

In case of rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs in the acute stage, drinking alcoholic beverages is contraindicated. The patient is prescribed a special diet that excludes the consumption of fatty, fried foods and a number of other foods, including alcohol. The main reason for the ban on alcohol during the acute phase of arthritis is considered to be its effect on medications that are prescribed to cure the disease. Doctors say that ethyl weakens the effect of anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs. You should not combine medications with low-alcohol drinks, as this can lead to undesirable consequences, manifested in the form of dizziness, abdominal pain, impaired coordination of movements, nausea and vomiting.

Are arthrosis and alcohol compatible? Doctors always warn patients about the dangers of drinking alcohol while taking medications, but not many follow this rule. This leads to various problems. Why do my joints hurt? This is exactly the question that alcohol abusers come to medical institutions with.

Arthrosis is the most common disease of the musculoskeletal system, which can be found in both mature and young people. The disease is considered incurable; its occurrence is facilitated by genetic predisposition. If a person wants to maintain joint mobility and live a normal life without experiencing constant pain, he must stop drinking alcohol once and for all.

Degenerative processes in soft or bone tissues cannot appear without cause. Most often, the development of arthrosis and arthritis is facilitated by metabolic disorders. If a person eats fatty, fried and salty foods and does not know how to limit alcohol consumption, you should not be surprised at the diagnosis you hear. Alcohol and rheumatoid arthritis - are they compatible? The disease develops asymptomatically for a long time.

A detailed clinical picture appears only when irreversible changes occur in the body. With age, cell division processes slow down, causing tissues to lose their ability to quickly recover. The aging of the body accelerates with the systematic intake of ethyl alcohol. The risk of developing arthrosis and arthritis is reduced by following these rules:

1. You need to start with organizing a regime of work and rest, leading a sober lifestyle.
2. A person should eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
3. An active lifestyle helps maintain joint mobility.

How to protect your joints?

You can save your joints only by completely abstaining from alcohol and adjusting your lifestyle.

If you drink alcohol in large quantities once, it is recommended to drink as much liquid as possible and eat the following foods: greens, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, any nuts, dried fruits and dairy products.

This helps to quickly restore metabolic processes, as well as replenish the supply of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for healthy joints.

Despite the fact that many pathologies develop after 40 years, young people who drink should think in advance about such unpleasant consequences.

Remember that joint pain after drinking alcohol is a warning sign. Do not ignore this phenomenon and do not try to drown out the painful sensations with painkillers or another portion of alcohol. Complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages and proper treatment is a reliable way to stop the development of a dangerous disease.

It is difficult to convince a person with a chronic form of alcoholism who complains of various ailments that his joints hurt after drinking alcohol, because such symptoms occur over time when the disease reaches a certain stage.

• Why do my legs hurt after drinking alcohol and what can I do about it?

An alcoholic knows that drinking alcohol-containing drinks affects internal organs - the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, but no one bothered to explain to him that one of the terrible consequences of alcoholism is joint pathologies.

Content

Prevention and treatment of joint pain

Alcoholics are at risk when it comes to diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints. This is especially true for people over the age of 40. After 25-30 years, metabolism slows down. The older the person, the more severe the health consequences. If a person does not give up drinking, no medications will help. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs help temporarily and have a lot of side effects, and chondroprotectors do not work in combination with alcohol.

Every day the problem will only get worse, and during a hangover the acute pain in the knee and hip joints will intensify. With binge alcoholism, the degree of joint destruction is maximum, because the body is dehydrated. Without treatment, you may remain disabled.

If a person close to you is unable to stop drinking, and his health is in danger, do not delay treatment. Experts at the AlkoZdrav help center help you quit binge drinking at home, conduct detoxification, and develop an individual treatment program in an inpatient or outpatient setting. The most important thing is that we guarantee 100% anonymity, and the team of doctors arrives in casual clothes and in an unmarked car. To anonymously consult and make an appointment in person, call us at 8 (800) 775-32-63.

Metabolic disorders and alcoholism

Joints hurt after alcohol.
Metabolism, planned by nature at the genetic level, the process of intracellular regeneration and absorption of nutritional components - everything turns out to be in a pathological state due to the systematic introduction of harmful components. They not only disrupt the normal course of events, but also destroy those segments that are responsible for it. When your knees hurt from a hangover, these are no longer age-related changes, and not the consequences of heavy physical activity, but a natural result of drinking alcohol.

A patient who seeks help from an orthopedist is usually sure that his joints are suffering for various reasons, but does not connect this with his addictions. The misconception is often so deep that alcohol is taken as a means of relieving joint pain, and pain is explained by another possible etiology.

Recovery after surgery

From the first minutes after surgery, due attention should be paid to the rehabilitation period. You must follow all the doctor’s recommendations and not neglect important rules. Under no circumstances should the situation be left to chance: in order to avoid consequences and speed up the recovery process, you need to make every effort: massage, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, exercise therapy, etc. Let's take a closer look at the stages of rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy.

Early rehabilitation period

Rehabilitation begins as soon as the surgery is completed. In the first hours after arthroscopy, medications are indicated to prevent complications and possible consequences. A course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs is usually prescribed. On the first day, any load on the joint is prohibited; it is fixed with an immobilizing bandage. To avoid swelling, you need to place your foot on a high pillow. Let's look at the general recommendations that need to be followed during the week after the operation: Place your feet on a hill while sleeping. This will significantly reduce swelling. It is highly recommended not to wet the postoperative suture. Each case is individual, so the issue of taking a bath is decided individually with a doctor. If pain occurs, you can apply a cool compress to your knee. The stitches are removed after about 5-7 days. During this time, you need to visit a doctor to monitor the dynamics of recovery and exclude possible complications. Sometimes experts prescribe a course of chondroprotectors. This advice should not be ignored. Take all medications prescribed by your doctor. If necessary, you can take painkillers. Please note that mild aching pain after surgery is normal. Even if it seems to you that the pain and discomfort has passed, you should not exercise ahead of time. Any exercises must be agreed with a doctor, and the first exercise therapy sessions are carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.

Rehabilitation after 2-3 weeks

Remember that final recovery occurs after 4-8 months, in some cases it may take a year. After knee arthroscopy, you can fully recover and return to your normal lifestyle, and even return to your favorite sports. If a month after the operation it seemed to you that everything had healed, it’s just your imagination. Wrong actions can lead to disastrous consequences that will invalidate the result of the operation. So, after 3 weeks the patient can move independently, that is, without crutches and other auxiliary elements. You should still consult with a specialist and pay attention to exercise therapy every day. During this period, you need to consider the following: Go for therapeutic massages, pay attention to physical procedures. Walk more at a slow pace, develop your gait. When doing exercise therapy, do not overexert yourself, exercise until the first signs of fatigue. Do weight training every day (only under the supervision of a specialist!). Pay attention to the muscles of the whole body, do not focus only on the knee joint.

Final recovery period

This rehabilitation period begins 6 weeks after knee arthroscopy. Please note that in case of complex operations, this period begins only from the 10th week. Everything is individual, you need to consult your doctor. As a rule, in the final period there is no longer any pain or discomfort, and the range of movements increases significantly. If there are no complications or complaints from the patient, the set of exercises is significantly expanded. Fixators (bandages) are used only when performing physical activity. In ordinary life, fixing devices are no longer needed. Physical activity should include: Shallow squats. Climbing stairs. Swimming. Exercise bikes. Power loads with minimal weight. Long walking. Under no circumstances should you rush. This will not speed up the healing process; on the contrary, rash actions can lead to dire consequences. Strictly follow the specialist's recommendations.

Knee pain and alcohol

A person does not understand that temporary blocking of joint pain receptors is just one of the effects of drinking alcohol, and often the most positive. When your knees hurt after drinking alcohol, this is a natural result of the processes occurring in the body after drinking it. It doesn’t matter whether a person drank vodka or wine, the destruction occurs in approximately the same way, and after beer the knees hurt no less than after stronger drinks. Several prerequisites are created for the occurrence of pain syndrome:

• alcohol has the ability to accelerate metabolic processes, and this artificially caused acceleration disrupts the natural permeability of cell membranes;
• Constant regeneration of cartilage cells leads to their fatigue and the occurrence of metabolic disorders, and this is a direct path to the occurrence of degenerative processes in the elastic layers between the bone segments of the joint.

The pathology of nervous activity resulting from the characteristic swinging (pendulum) leads to a decrease in immunity and the occurrence of inflammatory processes. The joint experiences increased pressure, which occurs against the background of swelling, and the accumulation of fluid is the body’s protective reaction to the manifested inflammation.

One of the features of the action of ethyl alcohol is its ability to remove potassium from the body, a chemical element responsible for the evacuation of fluids. A vicious circle arises - inflammation contributes to swelling, and it is triggered by alcohol intake. The same ethyl alcohol also removes potassium, which could remove accumulated excess liquid.

The cells of articular cartilage, already weakened by the need for constant regeneration, experience pressure from excess fluid accumulated at the site of the pathological process. They not only begin to hurt, but also lose their inherent elasticity and shock-absorbing function in the joint. The answer to the question of why pain occurs also lies in the slowing down of kidney function by alcohol, which partially stops the excretion of uric acid. It combines with alkalis to create insoluble salts, the peculiarity of which is the ability to quickly deposit in the joints.

Any joint suffers from these deposits, especially the knee, which continues to bear the same functional load. And if you consider that alcoholism pushes a person to rash actions and hyperactivity, it is clear why a hangover (the state after drinking alcohol) is characterized by such sharp joint pain.

Doctor's answers to common questions

Is it possible to practice swimming during the rehabilitation period? Swimming is a great way to speed up the recovery process and develop the knee joint. Doctors approve breaststroke swimming when the patient's brace is removed. It is important that swimming does not cause pain or discomfort. How should you eat during recovery? It is recommended to change your daily diet slightly. Be sure to include Omega-3, protein, and vitamins C and B in your menu. Please note that due to reduced physical activity, weight gain may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to exclude fatty, smoked and high-calorie foods. We recommend giving preference to low-fat varieties of fish and meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as fermented milk products. What physical procedures will speed up the healing of the joint? Experts recommend after arthroscopy to undergo a course of electrical stimulation, magnetic therapy and laser therapy. These physical procedures improve blood circulation and ensure speedy rehabilitation of the knee joint.

— Does the bone near your thumb hurt in November 2021?

The leading clinic on the basis of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University is GarantClinic Moscow.

A natural consequence of alcoholism

Alcohol destroys knee joints
. A closed cycle that occurs in the body of an alcoholic who drinks alcohol regularly leads to several pathological problems:

• he experiences a constant lack of potassium, which could evacuate accumulated fluid from the body, but is instead excreted from the body;
• permanent swelling is associated not only with a lack of potassium, but also with inflammation that occurs against the background of immune disorders;
• constant thirst and replenishment of fluid, the need for which is constantly felt by the drinker, is associated with a violation of neurohumoral processes and the permeability of cell membranes, but water is not excreted due to kidney dysfunction and the lack of necessary chemical components;
• in the joint, the cartilage layer is simultaneously destroyed (and friction of the bone segments occurs, leading to impaired mobility and the appearance of characteristic sounds) and insoluble salts are deposited, further complicating the activity of the articular mechanism.

But pain is not the main danger that threatens a permanent drinker. The destruction of the cartilage layer will lead to joint deformation and limitation of motor activity. Vasoconstriction is a common consequence of alcohol consumption. It causes disturbances in blood supply and provokes a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients in the articular segments.

• Alcohol and rheumatoid arthritis. What do you need to know?

Bone tissue in this state begins to die and decompose, known in medicine as aseptic necrosis. This is the main danger to which the vast majority of people suffering from chronic alcoholism are exposed.

Patients with arthrosis, osteochondrosis, rheumatism and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system are advised to avoid drinking alcohol. However, they often ignore doctor's advice, believing that there is no relationship between joint diseases and alcohol. In addition, having accidentally discovered that after drinking alcohol the joint stops hurting, the patient is convinced of the analgesic effect of alcohol. At the same time, the leveling of the effect after sobering up is explained by the short duration of action. Then he begins to drink more often, and after some time he discovers various complications, for example, coxarthrosis, pain in the foot or the spread of the inflammatory process to the tendons. This raises questions about whether there is a link between alcohol consumption and joint pain.

Drinking beer, often considered a “harmless” form of alcohol, can have consequences such as arthritis of the knee joint and pain in the leg muscles

How does beer affect joints: benefit or harm?

The appearance of joint pain in humans, as a rule, occurs as a result of numerous external negative influences. One of them is excessive alcohol consumption, which has destructive consequences. Most often, discomfort appears the very next morning, fluid accumulates in the joint cavities and swelling occurs.

That is why pain often occurs in the lower extremities, especially the knee joints. Due to their sensitivity, the alcohol in them:

1. Depletes the body's nutritional reserves.
2. Causes irritation of nerve endings during physical activity.
3. Disrupts blood supply. This is especially important as it leads to avascular necrosis of the knee joint.

But alcohol is only a catalyst for the deterioration of the body’s condition, especially if the patient already has:

• arthrosis;
• arthritis;
• gout.

In this regard, regular consumption of alcoholic beverages weakens the immune system and only leads to negative consequences. In particular, regular consumption of beer removes calcium, which is necessary for strengthening the bone structure of the body. The immune system also weakens, the salt balance collapses, resulting in uric acid salts depositing on the joints.

Beer for arthrosis

The most common joint disease is arthrosis; alcohol is a common causative agent of early disease in humans. Drinking beer that does not contain artificial additives in reasonable quantities, on the contrary, has a beneficial effect on strengthening bone tissue in the body.

It is important to understand that such beer is considered natural, while regular store-bought beer is often not. joint treatment

drinking beer for arthrosis is possible, but it is better to undergo special physiotherapy and take the necessary medications.

The effect of alcohol on the occurrence of joint diseases

Frequent consumption of alcohol-containing products causes inflammation of the joint capsule, leading to arthritis, in which the patient experiences pain during flexion and extension of the joints. This disease can develop at any age, but most often occurs in older people. This seems obvious, but the appearance of such pathologies is still the result of prolonged alcohol dependence.

When drinking low-quality beer in the presence of arthrosis, the blood thickens and slows down the saturation of the joints with important macroelements. In addition to slowing blood circulation, alcohol provokes the appearance of inflammatory processes in the body.

Good quality beer that uses only natural ingredients is hard to find and comes at a higher price than usual. Drinks from abroad are no less dangerous, and control over their production is even worse.

Low alcohol consumption increases the production of important components that remove harmful substances found in the liver. The normal dose of alcohol per day for men is 30 g. For women, the optimal dose is 10 g. As for beer, the norm is 300 ml and 200 ml, respectively.

With arthrosis, the synovial fluid in the joint cavities, which allows them to move painlessly, thickens. And when drinking large amounts of alcohol, this degradation only accelerates. But in addition to internal use, alcohol can be used as a means for external use in the form of compresses or rubs. In this case, it is possible to achieve the opposite effect - relieving inflammation, this is the treatment of arthrosis

refers to folk methods.

Beer during treatment

The negative combination of alcohol and medications has long been a proven fact. Therefore, if you neglect this rule, you can provoke certain side effects:

• dizziness;
• loss of consciousness;
• vomit;
• intoxication of the kidneys and liver.

Including, if you are already undergoing treatment for arthrosis and are taking special medications, you are strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol, because such carelessness leads to death.

This rule applies not only to strong alcoholic drinks, but also to low-alcohol ones, because if you take medications and drink alcohol, you only aggravate the negative impact on the liver and kidneys several times over.

A universal method for maintaining healthy joints

The occurrence of joint pain regularly occurs in people suffering from alcoholism. It is worth making an important note, alcoholism causes:

1. Violation of uric acid synthesis.
2. Deformation of the joints of all limbs.
3. Inflammation of the synovial membrane.
4. Aseptic necrosis.

At the same time, despite some of the restorative properties of beer, it is still not a medicine, so you should avoid alcohol completely. Of course, you should limit alcohol as soon as you are convinced that it is after drinking it that you experience discomfort.

If you drink rarely, but a lot at a time, then if discomfort occurs, drink as much water as possible. This will allow you to quickly remove alkalis and salts from the body. Fermented milk products also perform well in the fight against “alcoholic arthrosis.” Additional products that restore cartilage tissue are dried fruits and foods rich in phosphorus.

As a rule, problems with joints occur in the older generation.
But ideally, it is better to reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum at a young age. Only in this case will it be possible to preserve important macroelements and replenish the missing ones, including potassium, calcium and magnesium. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Joint structure

Articular joints are formed by two widened ends of bones (epiphyses), covered with a thick layer of hyaline cartilage. The articulation consists of two cartilaginous surfaces surrounding each of their connective tissue bags and a cavity filled with synovial fluid. Thanks to the fluid, the joint can move painlessly and without creaking.

Constant stress on the limbs and resulting microtraumas increase the susceptibility to inflammatory (arthritis) and degenerative (arthrosis) joint diseases. In this case, the hip joint is injured less frequently than the joints of the knee and foot, which bear significant loads.

In people who regularly consume alcohol, diseases progress noticeably faster than in abstainers, which indicates the incompatibility of alcohol and joint health.

The effect of alcohol on human joints

A patient who drinks alcohol is faced with its negative effects on the body, due to a series of mutually reinforcing effects:

• The leaching of minerals, especially potassium, causes a shift in the potassium-sodium balance and water retention, in particular, the formation of edema in the area of ​​​​the joint capsules;
• Uric acid, reacting with alkalis, forms salt crystals that accumulate in the area of ​​articular cartilage and lead to gout and inflammatory processes;
• Acceleration of metabolism inside cells leads to their rapid wear;
• Due to disruption of neurohumoral regulation, aseptic inflammation may be activated.

Why alcohol is dangerous for joints

The earlier a person starts drinking alcohol, the more negative consequences it will have in old age. According to doctors, diseases are most severe in people who drink alcohol. However, drinking small amounts of a quality drink can have beneficial effects. Where is the line between proper drinking and developing addiction?

Beer produced on an industrial scale is significantly different from what was brewed several centuries ago. A drink made from natural ingredients can have a healing effect on the body. Benefits of homemade beer for the body:

• Joint pain after alcohol is a serious cause for concern

• normalizes metabolic processes;
• rejuvenates tissues;
• strengthens the immune system.

Alcoholic drinks sold in every modern store do not have such properties. This beer can cause:

• development of arthrosis;
• arthritis;
• renal failure;
• cardiovascular diseases.

No less dangerous are alcoholic drinks imported from abroad. Beer ranks first among alcoholic products that negatively affect joint health. When consuming large quantities of this drink, calcium is gradually washed out of the bones, and cartilage loses nutrients. Against the background of a long-term inflammatory process, the intake of even a small amount of ethanol leads to increased pain.

Drinking alcohol contributes to blood thickening, which leads to an increase in the severity of the inflammatory process. Beer produced in modern factories disrupts the nutrition of soft tissues, so arthrosis and its complications in people who constantly drink it are more severe than in people leading a sober lifestyle.

However, the external use of alcoholic beverages for diseases of the musculoskeletal system is useful. They have a warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. When consumed internally, the effect is the opposite.

According to numerous studies, 70% of patients with symptoms of arthrosis or arthritis suffer from alcohol addiction.

Knee joint damage is the most common musculoskeletal disorder among alcoholics. Associated with the structural features of the bones and cartilaginous tissues of the lower extremities. Violation of neurohumoral regulation is accompanied by the development of an acute inflammatory process. This leads to the appearance of severe pain. Alcohol speeds up any processes occurring in the human body. Arthrosis becomes more severe when the level of calcium in the blood decreases, which is observed with a constant intake of ethanol.

Is there a connection between joint diseases and alcohol?

Regular, even moderate, alcohol consumption accelerates the wear of joints, increasing the likelihood of the following ailments:

• Arthrosis and osteoarthrosis. The structure of the cartilage becomes layered, it becomes thinner, the unprotected surfaces of the epiphyses rub against each other, and sharp outgrowths form on them. The patient experiences pain and hears creaking when moving the joint;
• Synovitis is inflammation of the membrane of the joint capsule. Fragments of cartilage are absorbed by leukocytes, and enzymes are released that cause an inflammatory process;
• Arthritis - in this case, resulting from an aseptic inflammatory process;
• Rheumatoid arthritis. The course of the disease is aggravated due to the toxic metabolites into which ethyl alcohol breaks down;
• Gout is an accumulation of crystals of uric acid salts in the periarticular areas. Often complicated by subsequent inflammation;
• Necrotic necrosis of bone tissue due to compression by deformed cartilage.

When a person drinks alcohol frequently, they are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis of the knee

Causes of pain

Drinking drinks containing ethyl alcohol disrupts the balance of electrolytes in the body. This leads to the fact that the fluid contained in neighboring tissues accumulates in the joint cavity and puts pressure on its walls, affecting the endings of pain receptors. The pressure in the cells increases and the permeability of the membranes changes.

Drinking has a damaging effect on the joints of the limbs

A drunk man experiences joint pain. But the first few minutes from the moment of intoxication, the described effect is neutralized by the analgesic effect of alcohol. This creates in the patient a deceptive feeling of relief in case of joint pathologies accompanied by acute pain. When it subsides, giving way to increasing pain, the patient may reach for a new portion of alcohol, thereby creating a vicious circle.

Thus, patients with joint diseases should not neglect the doctor’s recommendations to give up alcoholic beverages. The effect they have in the long term is destructive both in inflammatory diseases and gout, and in the destruction of cartilage tissue.

The effect of alcohol on human joints is manifested in the destruction of articular cartilage

If a person experiences joint pain after drinking, this is a signal that he needs to visit an arthrologist. Since there is a high probability of developing a destructive process in the joints, which the patient himself may not be aware of.

Narcologists believe that indicators of recovery from binge drinking, in addition to sober thinking, are the restoration of normal sleep and the appearance of appetite. But the patient's problems do not end there. Prolonged binge drinking damages organs and systems so much that after removing intoxication, a gradual elimination of symptoms will be required. The person no longer feels healthy. Do not forget that in stages II-III of alcoholism, he has accumulated enough chronic diseases that alcohol intake hides. Ethanol is a narcotic, which means it has an analgesic effect. In a state of intoxication, pain is not felt. And after a long binge, the whole body hurts. It can be difficult for doctors to carry out differential diagnosis in search of a specific cause because the signs are erased.

Alcoholism causes more devastation than the three historical scourges combined: famine, plague and war."

Research

When studying the effect of alcohol on the human body, it was discovered that a drink made from natural ingredients helps to rejuvenate tissues, normalize metabolic processes and strengthen the immune system. In addition, it reduces the likelihood of inflammation in the joints and prevents arthritis.

• Alcohol and rheumatoid arthritis. What do you need to know?

Natural wine eliminates joint pain.
Wine and other alcohol stop reactions responsible for pain and formations that destroy joint tissue. It was possible to prove that rheumatoid arthritis is 2 times less common among representatives of the fair sex than among wine drinkers. For women, the optimal portion of alcohol is 10 g of pure alcohol; men are not recommended to drink more than 30 g per day. Beer will not cause any harm if consumed up to 300 ml per day by representatives of the stronger sex and no more than 200 ml by women.

As safe doses increase, the positive qualities of alcohol are destroyed.

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Causes of pain syndrome

To find out why your head or legs, stomach or heart hurt after drinking, you should pay attention to the mechanism of action of alcohol. Pain is caused by a breakdown of several adaptive reactions.

Intoxication of brain neurons, deprivation of energy and essential vitamins to cells leads to the cessation of executive function. Normally, in the nuclei of the cortex and subcortex, instant processing of information emanating from internal organs, blood vessels, and blood flow occurs, and a response order for adaptation is developed. Binge drinking deprives a person of natural adaptation: blood vessels either narrow or widen randomly, muscle sphincters in the gastrointestinal tract work inconsistently. As a result, after heavy drinking, the most sensitive organs hurt, where not enough blood flows or where consistency in the contraction of the muscle wall is important.

Local destruction at the level of the gastric mucosa, dysfunction of the secreting glands contribute to disruption of the production of juices and enzymes. The accumulation causes inflammation and erosion of the organ membranes until ulcers form.

The toxic effect of acetaldehyde on muscle tissue (skeletal muscles, myocardium) and nerve trunks (demyelination) leads to pain, decreased contractility, and weakness during movements. Damage to the pathways is called neuralgia.

Binge drinking always means stress and dehydration for the body. At the same time, the necessary electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium), which ensure the creation of the electrical potential of cells for work, are lost. Its deficiency is felt in a stagnant pain impulse from the muscles, blood vessels or internal organs.

Deadly dangerous!

The most terrible consequence is irreversible mental degradation

It is necessary to recognize addiction as early as possible and begin to treat it.

Clinical manifestations and treatment

Relatives who have organized the patient’s withdrawal from binge drinking sometimes underestimate complaints of pain and are confident that everything will go away on its own. The attitude of doctors towards pain syndrome in alcoholics is wary. Moderate manifestations may hide severe pathology. There are frequent cases of acute myocardial infarction or perforated gastric ulcer in people who abuse alcohol.

Headache

Head pain can be one-sided (migraine) or diffuse. Accompanied by a feeling of tinnitus, heaviness in the back of the head, photophobia, dizziness, nausea. You definitely need to measure your blood pressure. If hypertension is not uncommon for the patient, then he should take the fast-acting drug “Capoten”. If symptoms persist, it is better to call an ambulance. Treatment of hypertension is carried out with drugs including sedatives, vasodilators and diuretics.

With normal blood pressure will help:

• Rubbing the temples and forehead with the “Star” balm
• Strengthening a special patch with menthol on the forehead or under the back of the head
• Mustard plaster on the back of the neck
• Taking "Nikoshpan", "Nikoverin", "Pentalgin", "Nurofen"

To nourish brain cells, amino acids and vitamins are needed. Their deficiency is supplemented by a course of long-term treatment with nootropics (Piracetam, Nootropil, Actovegin, Cinnarizine).

If you suspect a head injury sustained during a period of heavy drinking, you cannot choose the remedy yourself. The presence of nausea and dizziness, numbness in an arm or leg may indicate the consequences of an injury, a concussion, or a pre-stroke condition.

The pharmacy chain has many fast-acting painkillers in the form of soluble tablets. They should not be abused for a long time. If headaches do not go away, you should consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination.

Heartache

An important feature of angina attacks in alcoholics is their atypical course. Instead of the classic picture of chest pain radiating to the left arm, relieved with Nitroglycerin, patients experience aching pain in the area of ​​​​the projection of the heart, without irradiation at all or radiating to the back or abdomen. May last all day and get worse at night.

You should definitely see a doctor and tell them in detail about the signs. An ECG will help exclude acute disturbances in the blood supply to the myocardium and identify the type of arrhythmia. At home, it is recommended to take a Nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue. To prevent the drug from causing a sharp drop in blood pressure in sensitive individuals, it must be used together with Validol. Narcologists advise abstaining from alcohol tinctures (Corvalol, Valocordin). It is better to make a decoction of hawthorn fruits and valerian root.

Complications from the gastrointestinal tract

During binge drinking, a person refuses to eat, but digestive juices continue to be produced in the stomach and pancreas. Overirritation of the gastric mucosa with hydrochloric acid and pepsin leads to intense pain in the epigastrium and heartburn. The accumulation of pancreatic enzymes corrodes the lining of the gland and ducts, causing attacks of girdle pain and diarrhea.

It can be difficult even for a specialist to distinguish a perforation of an ulcer from pancreatitis or an exacerbation of cholelithiasis, since in alcoholics the symptoms are “masked” as another pathology.

Relatives assume food poisoning and begin to wash out the stomach. This event is strictly prohibited. Until the doctor has examined the patient, it is allowed:

• Place cold on stomach (heating pad excluded)
• Give a tablet "Spazmalgona" or "No-shpy"
• “Almagel A” with anesthesin is suitable as a local drug

Hospitalization in a hospital, examination and observation will help to correctly determine the tactics and prescribe the optimal treatment, choose a diet. For moderate pain, a warm decoction of chamomile and calendula helps.

You should not drink soda solution to relieve heartburn; increased gas production increases stomach irritation.

A common complication of alcoholism is hemorrhoids with bleeding during bowel movements and pain in the rectum. Patients are embarrassed to admit their painful symptoms and drive themselves to the point of anemia or strangulated hemorrhoids. If defecation is painful and a visit to the proctologist is postponed, you can use pain-relieving rectal suppositories (“Anuzol”, “Neoanuzol”, “Relief”). To relieve inflammation, candles with belladonna and sea buckthorn are suitable. They are inserted into the anus to the depth of the index finger after washing with potassium permanganate. Then you should lie on your side or back for 30–40 minutes until the drug is absorbed.

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Muscle pain

The patient does not invent complaints of pain in the calf muscles and weakness when walking. Disruption of the structure of nerve fibers prevents normal contractions and causes convulsions. For relief, it is recommended to take magnesium sulfate orally or intramuscularly, and drink a vitamin-mineral complex for 2-3 months.

Any warming ointments (Salvisar, Dolgit) with rubbing or compress, warm pine foot baths, massage have a local anesthetic effect.

Pain is caused by impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities, so Troxevasin and Lyoton gels are effective.

Painful urination

In men over 40 years of age, a common complication of heavy drinking is enlargement or inflammation of the prostate. The growth and swelling of the gland compresses the urethra and causes painful urination, prolonged urinary retention and pain above the pubis. At home, it is recommended to take antispasmodics (Spazmalgon, Platifillin), sit in a warm bath, and place a heating pad on the lower abdomen. If there is no effect, you should contact a urologist. In the hospital, urine is removed with a catheter. Be sure to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that prevent further growth of the prostate.

conclusions

After stopping the binge, long-term treatment will be required to restore damaged organs and systems. The more often binge drinking occurs, the greater the damage done to the body. The causes of the pain syndrome are the disruption of the adaptive reaction of the brain, impaired blood circulation and the functioning of the secreting glands, deficiency of vitamins and minerals, and loss of contractility of the muscular system. You can guess in advance what will appear in a particular person by analyzing the presence of chronic diseases.

Not all methods are suitable for relieving pain at home. You should remember about the atypical course of the pathology in alcoholics. Seeing a doctor and undergoing an examination will help identify the exact cause and prescribe treatment.

Bibliography:

• https://narkologpro.ru/lechenie/vliyanie-alkogolya-na-sustavy.html
• https://nogostop.ru/koleno/posle-alkogolya-bolyat-koleni.html
• https://lechisustavv.ru/profilaktika/4805-sustavov-i-alkogolya.html
• https://nasrf.ru/baza-znaniy/lechenie-alkogolizma/posle-dlitelnogo-zapoya-vse-bolit-prichiny-i-lechenie