Osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joints treatment. Treatment and symptoms of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints

A disease known as arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints is associated with the lower spine. Treatment involves eliminating degenerative processes in the joint area and restoring its motor functions. To prevent the early development of this pathology, it is necessary to consider it in more detail.

General information

It is impossible to understand the principle of treatment if you do not understand the essence of the structure of the problem organ and its functions. That is why it is first necessary to consider the anatomical structure of the ligament and the principle of the tasks it performs.

Anatomical features

The location of the joint is the lower spine adjacent to the pelvis. In this zone there is the sacrum, that is, the 5 outer vertebrae fused together. The ligament between the sacral and pelvic bones is carried out using articular ligaments. They look like bundles, tightly stretched with the articular capsule.

The connection is paired and is a tight joint, which, despite its slight mobility, plays an important role. It has a slit-like cavity. There are also fibrous cartilaginous membranes and a group of arteries that supply the organ.

Functional tasks

The joint does not play a direct role in motor function. It provides stability and connects the individual elements of the skeleton into a single whole. The basic tasks are:

  • reception and distribution of load when walking;
  • stabilizing the body position when sitting, taking part of the load in this position;
  • allows you to perform some types of body tilts;
  • connection of small bones of the lower part of the ridge.

Modern people complain to doctors about pain in the cervical spine. Experts most often make a diagnosis of neck arthrosis. The disease develops due to joints changing their normal shape under the influence of pathogenic factors. At the site where the deformation occurred, severe inflammation begins and other symptoms of arthrosis of the cervical spine appear.

These indirect functions ensure full physical activity of a person. If arthrosis of the sacrococcygeal joint occurs, movements will become more constrained and painful.

Manifestation of the disease

In order not to miss the moment when the problem can be eliminated with little effort, you need to understand what signs indicate its presence. It is also important to eliminate the influence of those factors that become the causes of a painful illness.

Symptoms and course

It is possible to determine that a person has problems with the iliac ligament by certain signs. The following symptoms reflect arthrosis of the coccyx:

  • dull aching pain in the tailbone and lower back;
  • attacks of acute pain when moving;
  • decreased mobility when turning and bending;
  • discomfort during prolonged walking or sitting;
  • swelling of the lumbar area;
  • spasms;
  • swaying gait.

The process of degeneration of the cartilaginous plate occurs. The ligaments that hold the elements of the joint become inflamed and lose their tone. Involuntary contractions of the tendons provoke attacks of pain and cause stiffness of movement.

Important: At the initial stage of the disease, discomfort is almost unnoticeable and occurs after prolonged physical activity.

Causes

A number of factors can provoke arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints:

  • refusal of a support bandage during pregnancy;
  • diseases of infectious nature;
  • lumbar and sacral injuries;
  • irrational weight distribution when carrying loads;
  • hard physical labor;
  • sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
  • disruptions in autoimmune processes;
  • oncology;
  • pathologies of a rheumatological nature.

These reasons have a negative impact on the entire human musculoskeletal system, so it is necessary to reduce their influence.

Mostly middle-aged and older people suffer from arthrosis. Women have a greater tendency, since they have a specific structure of the pelvic region. Pregnancy is also a provoking factor. In this regard, even young girls, when experiencing heavy loads during this period, risk developing inflammation of the sacral joint.

Diagnostic methods

If suspicious signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. In order to determine the cause of discomfort, the following studies are carried out:

  • Examination of the patient. The area that is bothered by attacks of pain is palpated. The possibility of joint dislocation is excluded. Muscle tone will be checked and areas of greatest pain will be identified.
  • Blood test. Monitoring biochemical parameters, ESR (increases with arthrosis).
  • Gynecological examination. A mandatory item for women, since pain can be associated with pathologies of other organs and elements.
  • Radiography. Detects the condition of bone elements, their deformation and internal injuries.
  • CT and MRI. Detects soft tissue lesions, benign neoplasms and cancerous tumors.

Complex studies make it possible to detect pathological changes in the iliac joint, displacement of parts of the joint, and changes in the width of the lumen of the cracks. If there are blurred contours, we are talking about the destruction of cartilage tissue. Connective tissue growths and areas of cartilage compaction may also be detected.

To rule out other types of diseases that affect the lower back, hip joint or spinal cord, you need to sit in a chair and lean forward. If pain does not occur, the diagnosis of sacral arthrosis is confirmed.

Important: Arthrosis of the coccyx is often accompanied by other serious diseases, such as sacroiliitis, dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, and pathology of the ligamentous apparatus.

Treatment options

Detection of inflammation and dystrophic process confirms the diagnosis of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints. Treatment is divided into several areas. To achieve optimal results, it is important to adhere to the recommendations of your doctor and use all available methods of conservative therapy.

Drug therapy

The main role in treatment is given to drug therapy. To stop the destructive process, it is necessary to stop the inflammation and begin to restore the normal functioning of the joint.

The following groups of medications are used for treatment:

  • analgesics;
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • glucocorticosteroids;
  • hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • chondoprotectors;
  • vitamins and mineral nutritional supplements.

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These medications are used in the form of tablets and ointments, as well as injections and warming patches. In case of severe pain, to quickly relieve the condition, the patient is given a joint blockade, that is, a targeted injection of an anesthetic drug is performed. If arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints is accompanied by a purulent process of adjacent tissues, it is necessary to use antibiotics.

To speed up the healing process and further consolidate the effect, it is necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of nutrients. If there is a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, multivitamin complexes and mineral food supplements, in particular phosphorus and calcium, are introduced into the diet. You also need to saturate your body with vitamin E to stimulate the production of collagen for your joints.

Additional measures

Treatment with additional procedures allows you to quickly eliminate arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints. In this case, the following activities will be useful:

  • radon baths;
  • massages and manual therapy (therapeutic and preventive self-massage, you can use roller massagers to influence active points);
  • infrared irradiation;
  • laser therapy;
  • electrophoresis;
  • acupuncture;
  • use of Kuznetsov and Lyapko needle applicators;
  • wearing a support bandage or corset;
  • therapeutic exercises;
  • reduction of physical activity.

A combination of these procedures and home exercise helps to relax the lower back, relieves stress on the iliac ligaments, eliminates inflammation and improves blood and lymph circulation.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treating arthrosis also speed up recovery. The following recipes have worked very well:

  • A weak solution of mumiyo. Drink a tablespoon of 0.3% concentration on an empty stomach and before bed.
  • Crushed eggshell. Before dinner, take a pinch of crushed raw materials.
  • Alcohol infusion of potato sprouts. Rub the lumbosacral area before bed, insulate it with a woolen scarf.

Eggshells are an organic source of calcium

Advice: Before using traditional recipes, consult your doctor.

Disease prevention

To ensure that arthrosis of the sacrococcygeal joint does not bother you, you should follow the recommendations regarding the prevention of the disease:

  • Boost your immunity regularly;
  • do not allow infectious diseases to persist for a long time;
  • When working sedentarily, do a warm-up from time to time;
  • do not overload your back, do not lift weights;
  • if you are pregnant or have weakened muscle corsets, wear a support bandage;
  • perform preventive exercises in the morning;
  • eat well;
  • do not allow the accumulation of excess body weight;
  • Do not overexert yourself emotionally, this undermines the natural defenses and full functioning of the body.

With early detection of the problem and correct comprehensive treatment, it is possible to completely get rid of arthrosis. In the future, it is important to maintain the health of your body and all joints.

Arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint) is a chronic degenerative process in the sacroiliac joint (joint), occurring against the background of its long-term inflammation with impaired mobility in it. Pain in the sacrum (sacrodynia) is of the same aching nature as in patients with sacroiliitis, in the form of constant heaviness and discomfort after exercise (walking, sitting or dancing). It can go away on its own and worsen again with overload or hypothermia.

Diagnosis of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint

Diagnosis of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint), as well as with sacroiliitis, consists of examining the patient, studying his history (anamnesis) of the disease, assessing biomechanical changes (gait, muscle tone and strength, range of motion in the joints of the lower shoulder girdle) .

Locally, with arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint), pain on palpation on the side of the inflamed sacroiliac joint (joint) is possible.

Blood tests for arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint) may reveal signs of inflammation in the form of an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). X-ray of the pelvic bones allows us to exclude traumatic injuries and osteomyelitis in the patient.

Computed tomography (CT) of the lumbosacral spine and pelvic bones helps to exclude sacroiliitis of the sacroiliac joint (joint). Also, computed tomography (CT) of the pelvic bones and lumbosacral spine allows one to exclude the oncological nature of the lesion of the pelvic bones or vertebral bodies in the patient.

Treatment of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint

Treatment of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint), as well as with sacroiliitis, includes, if possible, complete or partial limitation of excessive physical stress on the sacroiliac joint (joint). For unloading in pregnant women, for example, a special bandage can be used, which creates unloading of the lumbosacral region. It is advisable to limit the patient to prolonged sitting or walking.

Drug therapy, as well as for sacroiliitis, is prescribed depending on the severity of a particular symptom in a patient with arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint). These can be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for external and internal use, analgesics, glucocorticoids.

If the pain symptom (sacrodynia) is severe in a patient with arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint), blockades (with lidocaine, hydrocortisone, diprospan, Kenalog, etc.) can be performed.

Manual therapy is mandatory (if the patient has no other contraindications), which improves regional blood circulation and restores the lost range of motion in the sacroiliac joint (joint) affected by arthrosis.

Additionally, for arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint), physiotherapy is prescribed on the side of inflammation of the sacroiliac joint (joint). These can be UHF, SMT and infrared irradiation therapy.

Depending on the severity of the manifestations of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint (joint), the following therapeutic actions are possible for the patient:

  • drug therapy (NSAIDs, analgesics, hormones)
  • blockades - injections of drugs into the cavity of the sacroiliac joint (joint), spinal canal, and trigger points in the muscles
  • manual therapy (muscle, joint and radicular techniques)

Arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint is a fairly rare pathology of the musculoskeletal system, which belongs to the group of osteoarthritis. This degenerative process affects the sacroiliac joints - one or both, depending on the spread of the disease. Exacerbations most often occur against the background of hypothermia or excessive load on the sacral area.

If you understand the anatomical structure of the sacroiliac joints (and a person has two of them: on the left and on the right), then you can understand that the five sacral vertebral segments, which are fused into a single sacral bone, form a strong frame for attaching the iliac bones of the pelvis to it. Moreover, this process of fusion occurs closer to the age of 25.

Men's sacrum is longer and more curved than women's. This feature is associated with the function of childbirth in the weaker sex. It is worth paying attention to the fact that on each side on the lateral surfaces the sacrum has auricular joints. These areas serve to connect the sacrum and ilium bones. The caudal sacral bone passes into the vertebrae of the coccygeal spine. The sacroiliac joint is a paired joint and is one of the tight joints. These joints bear quite a large load during human physical activity.

Symptoms of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints and diagnosis of the disease

As with arthrosis of any other joints, the disease has a number of characteristic symptoms, based on which a preliminary diagnosis can be made. These symptoms include:

  1. Severe pain syndrome.
  2. Restricted mobility in joints.
  3. A visible change in the normal configuration of the pelvis when viewed from behind.
  4. Visible swelling in the lumbosacral region.
  5. Signs of osteopenia of articular bones.

If the sacroiliac joints are affected, the pain when walking becomes unbearable. The same acute pain appears after any physical activity or during other movements. Additionally, you can note the appearance of a crunching sound in the affected joint. These symptoms provide the basis for a diagnosis of arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints. But for an accurate diagnosis it is necessary to perform a number of more procedures. The doctor will most likely refer the patient for the following tests:

  • R-gram;
  • MRI;
  • examination and interview of the patient;
  • general laboratory blood test;
  • examination by a gynecologist (for women).

When interviewing the patient, the doctor finds out and studies the history of the disease, as well as the reasons that could provoke the occurrence and exacerbation of the disease.

Treatment of the described disease

The therapeutic treatment regimen is very similar to the general therapy of arthrosis of large joints. But nevertheless, there are some distinctive points that should not be forgotten. In general terms, it can be stated that treatment includes medications, massage, physiotherapy, physical therapy and orthopedic regimen.

All these methods must be prescribed by a doctor. Medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as:

  • Diclofenac-Retard;
  • Indomethacin;
  • Ketonal;
  • Ketorolac.

Of course, these drugs quickly relieve pain, but they have a very large number of side effects. For example, an ulcerogenic effect, that is, a direct destructive effect on the gastric mucosa, which can lead to an ulcer. For arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints, analgesics and corticosteroid drugs are used. In the most severe cases, blockades with Lidocaine, Diprospan, Hydrocortisone or Kenalog can be used.

After the acute process subsides, physical therapy has a very good effect. By performing specially selected exercises, it is possible to reduce the load on inflamed joints and transfer it to other musculoskeletal blocks. You can also recommend including massage in your treatment. This procedure improves metabolic processes in damaged joints and thereby speeds up the healing process. Regarding manual therapy, it should be noted that although this method of treatment is considered very effective, manual therapy can only be used not in the acute period of the disease. Additionally, it is recommended to use orthopedic bandages to limit the movements of the sacroiliac joints.

Basic preventive measures

To prevent exacerbation of the chronic process, it is recommended to follow simple preventive measures. These include: maintaining normal body weight and an active lifestyle.

Complete abstinence from alcohol and smoking is required.

You must also maintain a normal diet and follow certain recommendations from nutritionists. Food must contain all the necessary nutrients and microelements. It is recommended to limit or completely eliminate physical overload, such as heavy lifting. Following these simple recommendations allows you to achieve long-term remission of the disease.

The sacroiliac type of joint is a joint that is formed by the surfaces of the sacral segment of the spine together with the ilium. This formation allows the pelvic bones and the rest of the spine to be connected together. This part of the musculoskeletal system perceives all the loads provoked by the free movements of a person.

Arthrosis of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) is an unfavorable factor that provokes pain in the lower back. They are caused by the chronic course of the inflammatory process in this area. Pain is an unpleasant symptom that prevents the patient from walking normally and reduces the quality of life. This pathology is chronic, so its manifestations do not always bother the patient.

Sacroiliitis, which is also called arthrosis of the SIJ, is often provoked by the following reasons:

  • Tumor processes;
  • Ankylosing spondylitis;
  • Pelvic injuries;
  • Congenital anomalies of the development of the pelvic bones;
  • Autoimmune diseases;
  • Specific ailments (syphilis, tuberculosis, brucellosis);
  • Long-term stress leading to the appearance of osteoarthritis.

This problem can be caused by:

  1. Osteoporosis;
  2. Gout;
  3. Hereditary predisposition;
  4. Flat feet;
  5. Diabetes mellitus;
  6. Arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic or enteropathic).

Arthrosis of the SIJ is characterized by pain symptoms in the sacrum. At the very beginning of the formation of the inflammatory process, they are dull and aching. Discomfort manifests itself under loads, even static ones, as well as after an uncomfortable posture during sleep or prolonged sitting.

Once a person relaxes and lies down, this symptom goes away on its own. However, even in such a state of rest, the patient may feel heaviness. Signs of the disease may disappear for a while, worsening during overload of the coccygeal segment due to injury, heavy lifting, or hypothermia.

Under unfavorable factors, arthrosis of the SIJ constantly progresses and manifests itself in a more pronounced clinical picture.

The patient feels more prolonged pain, the discomfort intensifies during changes in position, especially when turning and sharply bending. Some stiffness in the pelvic region is associated with significant muscle spasms. There are no changes in the joints themselves yet.

SIJ has a negative impact on the entire human musculoskeletal system

When arthrosis of the coccyx develops due to an inflammatory reaction or is complicated by it, the nerve roots are simultaneously involved in the process. With this course of the disease, pain can radiate to the peritoneum, lower back, and lower extremities. Sometimes the patient experiences tissue swelling, especially in the lumbar area. Pathology of the sacral articulation is characterized by problems with defecation and urination, and in men erectile dysfunction develops.

To stop the course of the disease, it is important to promptly pay attention to any discomfort that occurs in this segment of the musculoskeletal system.

Self-examination

You can examine the condition of the spine for arthrosis of the ACL, and also identify the presence of problems in this area of ​​the body by performing the following manipulations:

  1. You need to squeeze the small pelvis from the sides. If the problem is in the sacral area, then with strong pressure no changes occur. When carrying out these activities, pain in the lumbar region may increase.
  2. Lie on your back and raise your outstretched leg. If discomfort occurs, there is no problem in the SIJ. Abnormalities in the spine are most to blame in this case.
  3. Lie on your back or side, check whether it is comfortable to be in this position. When the sacrum is affected, lying on your side is uncomfortable, sometimes even painful.
  4. Lie on your stomach, raise your hip. If pain appears from the side and it intensifies, then the patient has a pathology of the sacrum, the spine is not affected.

Professional diagnostics

Arthrosis of the sacrococcygeal joint can be accompanied by different symptoms, therefore, to differentiate this disease from other diseases that have a similar clinical picture, a medical examination is necessary. During the initial examination of the patient, the specialist palpates the inflamed area where discomfort is noted. During the examination, muscle tone is checked and the location of greatest pain is determined.

The patient is also prescribed:

  • Radiography;


The specialist directs the patient to undergo a biochemical blood test to determine how elevated the ESR level is. Sick women are recommended to be examined by a gynecologist, since pain can be caused by other diseases of the reproductive system. Using radiography, they determine the condition of the bone elements, whether they are deformed, whether there are internal injuries, or changes in the width of the lumen of the cracks. MRI and CT help to identify tumor processes (benign formations and oncology), soft tissue growths, as well as their damage.

Therapy

Treatment of SIJ arthrosis is carried out in several directions. To achieve the necessary dynamics, the attending physician prescribes all available options for conservative therapy.

To relieve the inflammatory focus and begin the recovery reaction in the diseased joint, the following groups of drugs are used:

  1. Corticosteroids;
  2. Analgesics;
  3. Hormonal agents with anti-inflammatory effects;
  4. Glucocorticosteroids;
  5. Chondoprotectors;
  6. Vitamin complexes;
  7. Food mineral supplements.

The drugs are used in the following forms:

  • Pills;
  • Injections;
  • Ointments;
  • Warming patches.

At the time of severe symptoms of arthrosis of the coccygeal joint, a joint block is performed. To quickly relieve pain, injections of anesthetic medication are used. In case of purulent pathology of adjacent tissues, specialists prescribe antibacterial agents that belong to the penicillin group.

To eliminate inflammation, the patient is recommended to take a course of corticosteroids. They are prescribed in the form of injections or in the form of topical medications. These include Dikloberl and Diclofenac, Ketorolac and Indomethacin. In case of severe pain attacks, drug blockade is carried out using Lidocaine, Kenalog, Hydrocortisone, Diprospan.

The administration of chondroprotectors solves the problem of restoring cartilage in the joint. The preparations contain chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which trigger the regeneration mechanism of inflamed cartilage tissues, restoring their smoothness, firmness and elasticity.

Gels and ointments are used in the treatment of pathology. They help eliminate pain by significantly warming up the muscles in the joint area. Pharmaceutical drugs are divided into 2 types:

  1. Warming medicines based on red pepper along with snake or bee venom;
  2. Anti-inflammatory pain relieving ointments.

At home, for this purpose, it is recommended to use rubs, ointments, and compresses based on various components. If discomfort occurs in the lumbar segment, you can use a compress of cabbage leaves with honey. You need to lubricate the leaf of this vegetable well with honey and apply it as a compress to the affected area and insulate it. It is better to perform the procedure before bedtime. In the morning, wash off everything with warm water.

Compresses for the treatment of arthritis will help relieve pain and block the development of inflammatory processes

Horseradish compress has a good healing effect. This product provides excellent warmth and also helps relax the muscles around the inflamed joint. This remedy enhances blood transport to the affected organ. For the procedure, take the crushed product, heat it in a water bath, smear a cotton cloth, and then apply it to the iliac bones before going to bed.

Herbal ointments can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. To prepare the medicine, you will need to mix calendula, chamomile and burdock roots in equal proportions. Use Vaseline as an ointment base. The mixture must be left for 24 hours. Apply the product with light massaging movements to the sacral and iliac vertebrae.

Traditional healers recommend fighting this pathology by combining mumiyo and honey. These remedies quickly eliminate discomfort due to arthrosis. For the procedure you will need 3 g of mumiyo, which must be mixed with honey. Apply the mixture to the sacroiliac joint area.

Along with external effects on pathology, herbalists recommend using medicinal drinks from the following plants:

  • St. John's wort;
  • Calendula;
  • Birch leaves;
  • Willow bark;
  • Lingonberry leaves;
  • Nettle and cinquefoil;
  • Hop cones;
  • Dandelions and clover;
  • Daisies.

A weak solution of mumiyo, which should be taken orally, 1 tbsp, promotes rapid recovery. l. at a concentration of 0.3% on an empty stomach, as well as before bedtime. You can use crushed egg shells before dinner.

To eliminate negative sensations, a whole set of therapeutic exercises for the tailbone has been developed

Treatment of coccyx arthrosis is recommended to be performed by a chiropractor. The specialist’s actions are aimed at relieving pain due to prolapsed sacrums, as well as putting them in place with the help of hands. Back massage may be involved to help improve blood flow to muscle tissue. Such activities are characterized by a beneficial effect on the condition of the sacroiliac joints, improving muscle tone. A similar effect is achieved by activating the transport of beneficial minerals and vitamins into the body, which are necessary for the restoration of cartilage.

However, massage has contraindications. It is prohibited to resort to this type of treatment on your own without the permission of the attending physician.

In order to improve the general condition of the patient, as well as the joints of the sacrum, the following physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed:

  1. Hirudotherapy;
  2. Ultrahigh-frequency and ultrashort-wave therapy, SMT;
  3. Mud therapy (radon and sulfur baths);
  4. Therapeutic gymnastics;
  5. Acupuncture;
  6. Treatment with stones, bischofite;
  7. Special diet.

During the treatment of pathology, it is recommended to pay special attention to the orthopedic regimen, the purpose of which is to limit mobility in the affected area. To solve this problem, it is recommended to wear special corsets and bandages made of hard fabrics. The orthopedic mode can significantly reduce motor activity and reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system. When the signs of pathology intensify, it is necessary to minimize the duration of walking, avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long time, and give up cycling and jogging. It is also necessary to stop strength exercises during exacerbation of SIJ arthrosis: do not lift or carry heavy objects in front of you. The doctor will certainly recommend that during an exacerbation you abandon active flexion of the torso and advise you not to sharply change the angle of its inclination.

When the exacerbation stage is over, the recovery process begins, doctors recommend exercise therapy. Daily training will be an excellent preventive measure against this pathology. Gymnastics involves the use of a variety of movements that will help engage the muscles of the lower back segments.

The following are considered useful exercises:

  • Turns the body in different directions;
  • Bends back and forth;
  • Torso rotation clockwise and counterclockwise.

All movements must be performed slowly, but classes should include a large number of repetitions. You should definitely listen to your own feelings. If you experience any discomfort, you should stop training and consult a doctor.

Surgical treatment

When therapeutic measures are unsuccessful, the doctor prescribes surgery. Using thermal influence, the specialist “turns off” the nerves serving the sacroiliac zone. This relieves the pain syndrome, but does not cure the joint.

When the deformation of the joint surfaces is too strong and irreversible, an operation is performed, the purpose of which is to replace the natural joint, which has outlived its useful life and is deformed, with an artificial prosthesis.

Treatment of ACL arthrosis will be more successful if the patient follows nutritional recommendations. A balanced menu excludes or limits the intake of foods that are “harmful” to musculoskeletal tissue. Food is selected in such a way that it contributes to the normalization of natural processes and is able to provide the cartilaginous structure with building material.

By saturating the diet with certain components, you can improve the nutrition of cartilage and create more comfortable conditions for its functioning.

For this disease, it is necessary to include the following foods in the diet:

  1. Fish: chum salmon, salmon, pink salmon trout;
  2. Seaweed;
  3. Lean meat: pork, poultry, beef;
  4. Dairy and jelly-like dishes;
  5. Chicken and quail eggs;
  6. Dried fruits;
  7. Legumes;
  8. Fruits and berries;
  9. Green vegetables;
  10. Seeds, nuts;
  11. Cereals;
  12. Sprouted wheat grains.

You need to avoid the following products:

  • Salted lard;
  • Other pickles;
  • Dried fish;
  • All kinds of meat delicacies;
  • Products with preservatives;
  • Drinks containing caffeine;
  • Carbonated drinks;
  • Semi-finished products.



Limit the consumption of kitchen salt, minimize the use of vegetables related to nightshade crops:

  1. Eggplant;
  2. Tomatoes;
  3. Pepper.

Prevention

To prevent this pathology, it is important to lead an active lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet to prevent excess weight gain. It is useful to do gymnastics every day to strengthen the muscles of the musculoskeletal system.

It is necessary to avoid bruises and injuries to the back, hips, and tailbone. Preventive measures include:

  • Increasing the body's defenses;
  • Timely disposal of infectious diseases;
  • Refusal to lift heavy objects;
  • If necessary, wearing a support bandage;
  • Emotional relaxation;
  • Complete cessation of bad habits.

Some types of arthrosis do not occur so often in humans, for example, with arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint, but even isolated cases of ailments require the intervention of a specialist and the prescription of individual treatment.

Treatment of the disease requires medical intervention and an individual approach.

Symptoms of the disease in the sacrum and lumbar region

The sacroiliac department is a low-moving joint, which is represented by 5 vertebrae (sacrum). In newborns and children, this section is not fused; complete fusion occurs only by 18-25 years of age.

A chronic process with degenerative phenomena in the area of ​​the sacrum and lower back is called arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint. Stiffening of the articular surfaces occurs due to prolonged inflammation in them, as well as failure to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Pain in the lumbar and sacral regions (sacrodynia) is aching in nature, and is especially pronounced after prolonged walking, sitting or dancing. In the primary phase, the pain subsides, you just need to rest a little or lie down. That is why patients come to see a specialist only when the pathological process of arthrosis acquires a severe chronic form, in which it becomes very difficult to help them.

The primary symptoms of sacroiliac malaise are called sacroiliitis, i.e. inflammation occurs in the joint area, which occurs due to injuries of the coccygeal region, infections, and autoimmune processes. Contributing to overload are sedentary work, carrying heavy bags or objects, pregnancy.

Diagnostic principles

When diagnosing the disease, anamnesis is studied and biochemical changes are assessed - within what limits are muscle tone and strength, gait, range of motion of all joints located below the shoulder girdle. By palpation, with arthrosis in the sacral area, tissue pain (inflammation) is established.

X-ray excludes and confirms possible trauma to the lumbar region, and with the help of CT scan of the pelvic bones, sacroiliitis and oncology are excluded.

Conditions for successful treatment

As a rule, especially at a young age, the primary symptoms of arthrosis are not paid attention to, the process is delayed and, subsequently, unpleasant sensations make themselves felt more and more often - severe pain, prolonged inability to lead a normal lifestyle, loss of mobility in the lumbar region. To improve the patient's condition, it is necessary:

  1. if possible, reduce physical activity, especially on the lumbosacral spine;
  2. during pregnancy, it is necessary to wear a special bandage to reduce the load;
  3. If you have problems in the sacral area, it is important to monitor the duration of walking or sitting in one place.

Drug therapy will help with arthrosis

Drug therapy for arthrosis in the pelvic bones is prescribed according to the manifestation of symptoms in the patient, as a rule, these are NSAIDs for external (local) and internal use, as well as analgesics and glucocorticoids.

To eliminate swelling and relieve inflammation in the area of ​​the iliosacral joint, physiotherapy (UHF, SMT, infrared irradiation) and blockades with Kenalog, hydrocortisone, lidocaine and diprospan are used. In the absence of direct contraindications, manual therapy is performed, which improves local blood circulation and restores the lost range of motion in the joint affected by arthrosis.

In general, depending on the severity of the disease in the CP joint, the following measures are indicated:

  • manual therapy (muscle, radicular and joint techniques);
  • drug therapy (NSAIDs, analgesics, hormone therapy);
  • blockades, injections of drugs into the cavity of the CP joint (joint), spinal canal, trigger points in the muscles;
  • physiotherapy (UHF, SMT), therapeutic exercises and acupuncture.

Degenerative changes in the shoulder area

Arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint is an irreversible degenerative change that most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. Despite the fact that the disease in the area of ​​the acromioclavicular joint of the bones is, in most cases, asymptomatic, arthrosis of this localization is a serious ailment, leading to the inability to freely perform active movements.

Degenerative changes in the shoulder area lead to shoulder pain

If there is a pronounced pain symptom in the area of ​​the shoulder joint (above it), the patient feels it during movement and with maximum abduction of the arm, as well as during sleep, when an involuntary turn to the “painful” side forces one to wake up.

Diagnosis of acromial clavicular arthrosis is carried out by performing local anesthesia, but to clarify and exclude similar diseases, confirmation of ultrasound of the shoulder joint and MRI is required.

Medication measures for illness

With timely treatment, the doctor prescribes conservative treatment - local anesthesia with corticosteroids, physical therapy and complete rest. The lack of positive dynamics or late treatment leads to surgical treatment - arthroscopic or open resection of the acromial end of the clavicle, which in 90% of cases gives a positive result. This technique is successfully used for the disease - arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint due to low trauma and rapid postoperative recovery.

Changes in the spinal column

Arthrosis of the facet joints develops with severe overload in the spine and is characterized by changes in cartilage tissue, thinning of hyaline cartilage and proliferation of bone edges. The disease goes away both independently and in combination with osteochondrosis and chondrosis, as well as deforming scoliosis or lordosis.

Changes are found in the joints of the cervical spine, while the thoracic spine is affected very rarely. The main complaints of patients are nagging, aching pain, which especially intensifies when walking or standing for long periods of time.

The first thing you need to pay attention to during treatment is that arthrosis in the area of ​​the facet joints is a secondary disease, so it is necessary to eliminate the primary factors, and only then carry out drug treatment. To facilitate movement and relieve pain, special corset collars are prescribed to support the spine in the desired position, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and mud therapy are prescribed.

Problems in the rudiment area

The fragment of the spine, which is the last vertebra, has rudimentary properties - and is called the coccyx. In a healthy body, there is no movement in this joint, with the exception of the female, and then only during childbirth, and in older and elderly people the coccyx fuses with the sacrum. It is noteworthy that with complete immobility, there are many nerve endings in the coccyx, and often pain sensations arising in this place have nothing to do with anatomy and are exclusively neurotic in nature.

Many patients (usually women) develop coccydynia - various deviations from the correct position of the tailbone. Sometimes the cause of coccydynia is arthrosis, which affects the area of ​​the sacrococcygeal joint. Correct diagnosis should exclude the following options:

  1. neoplasms on the coccyx of various types;
  2. hernia in the lumbar spine;
  3. gynecological diseases;
  4. pathologies in the rectal area.

In case of arthrosis of the sacrococcygeal joint, it is important to establish radiographically the presence of arthrosis of the articulation with the sacrum.

When sitting for a long time, it is important to choose smooth, hard chairs so that the emphasis falls not on the tip of the tailbone, but on the ischial tuberosities. Physiotherapy, ultrasound treatment, electrophoresis with a complex of medications help well. Severe pain is relieved by blockades with lidocaine and novocaine, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgical intervention is rarely performed and consists of removing the tailbone itself.

Manifestations of disease in the chest area

The sternocostal or sternoclavicular joints also suffer from arthrosis and can cause a lot of trouble. Sometimes patients who complain of pain in the chest area, which becomes more pronounced after physical activity, stress, or when the weather changes, do not even suspect that arthrosis is to blame, namely arthrosis of the costosternal and costoclavicular joints. Often, painful sensations “radiate” to the heart, accompanied by painful and difficult breathing, as well as lack of air.

If, when diagnosing a patient, you palpate the junctions of the ribs and collarbone with the sternum, then painful points are identified, and in advanced cases they are continuous pain zones stretching along the sternum. They may be slightly swollen, and the two collarbones may visibly protrude.

Arthrosis in the area of ​​the sternoclavicular joint is treated quite easily. Some manipulations (stretching, twisting, pressing) have excellent healing effects in the sternum area, but arthrosis should still be treated purposefully.

Painful sensations in the lumbar region

Pain in the lumbar region is the first sign of arthrosis

Problems in the area of ​​the iliosacral joints or arthrosis lesions in the lumbosacral spine occupy a leading position among other diseases associated with this department.

Most often, the patient feels pain radiating to the gluteal region and the back of the legs, and when bending over, the aching pain intensifies. Muscle spasms cause a narrowing of blood vessels, which disrupts blood flow in the capsules of the facet joints, and a muscle that has been exposed to static loads for a long time stops working.

Diagnostic measures involve CT, X-ray and MRI. To eliminate inflammation and prevent the development of muscle wasting, it is important to relieve pain, spasm, and improve blood circulation. To strengthen the muscles of the spine and maintain its mobility during the remission stage, gentle exercise therapy, massage, and visiting the pool are prescribed.

In the acute stage, isometric exercises with a transition to load-bearing exercises (counteraction) are important. For older people and with contraindications, physiotherapy is recommended. In addition to drug therapy, magnetic therapy, currents, and ionogalvanization are widely used to reduce pain. For advanced forms of arthrosis in the lumbar region, surgical intervention is used.

Pain syndrome in the area of ​​the patella joint and part of the thigh

Important: it is impossible to find such a diagnosis as patellofemoral arthrosis in the international classification of diseases, but it is used in the literature, both domestic and foreign. In this case, PFA and PF syndrome are one and the same.

Patellofemoral arthrosis cannot exist, since there are no articulations there; this is the area of ​​attachment of the thigh muscle to the patella by the superior (patella) ligament that holds it. Although such a diagnosis is made when other diagnoses are excluded, and when there is pain on palpation in the lower third of the thigh, above the kneecap.

Very often, arthrosis of the knee joint begins with patellofemoral syndrome, and it is also observed with excessive load on a certain part of the body or with repeated injuries associated with physical exercise.

Pain syndrome occurs between the surfaces of the patella joint and the adjacent part of the thigh (femur (femoral) - femur), in the absence of inflammatory phenomena. In healthy people, patellofemoral syndrome is initially diagnosed clinically; the doctor finds painful points by palpation in the area of ​​the patella. Pain may occur when the thigh muscles contract while keeping the patella from moving upward.

Patelo-femoral conflict (patelo-femoral arthrosis) is characterized by anterior pain in the knee joint, which occurs due to uneven load on the articular surfaces of the thigh and patella. As a rule, during examination, the doctor diagnoses some congenital predisposition, uneven tone of the thigh muscles.

Treatment in the initial stages begins with complex conservative treatment, constant exercise therapy to strengthen the quadriceps femoris muscle and especially its medial portion, massage, drug therapy, physical therapy and wearing a special patella.

Discomfort in the feet

The causes of talonavicular arthrosis can be inflammation, developmental pathologies and various injuries in the foot area. The disease manifests itself in the form of swelling of the ankle and painful sensations when moving, flexing, and extending the foot. The pain is especially noticeable when walking on uneven roads, gravel or strewn with bumps and potholes.

The characteristic signs of this arthrosis are clearly visible on x-rays in the form of narrowing of the joint space, the appearance of cystic formations in it and sclerosis of the subchondral bone.

Rare pathology in the shoulder area

If there are problems in the area of ​​the shoulder joint, the subacromial joint, an accessory joint that is currently quite well studied, may be involved in the pathological process. It represents the lower surface of the apex of the acromial process and the coracoacromial ligament as the articular cavity, and the outer surface of the capsule of the shoulder joint and the greater tubercle of the humerus as the articular head. The socket of the shoulder joint becomes perpendicular to the direction of the main load only when the limb is abducted, which is why deformity (arthrosis) develops mainly in the subacromial joint.

Patients have typical complaints of dull and aching pain (sometimes “gnawing”) in the area of ​​the shoulder joint, which intensifies from prolonged rest to movement, after hard work or during changes in atmospheric pressure. When the arm is abducted, there is some stiffness (stage 1) or almost complete impossibility of free movement in stage 2.

Initially, the formation of a ring is noted radiographically, i.e. the image of the glenoid cavity appears very sharply in the form of an intense oval. There may be hints of bone growths, although the joint space is almost unchanged. Subsequently, in addition to the “ring symptom,” distinct bone growths are found around the distal head of the humerus, and sometimes moderate sclerosis of the subchondral parts of the glenoid cavity and articular head.

Such deformation leads to increased dysfunction of the joint, which in turn causes further restructuring of the head.

All of the above-described manifestations of arthrosis are quite rare, but they require timely examination and treatment, because when neglected, they cause no less discomfort than well-known diseases.