Osteoarthritis and diabetes

What is osteoarthritis?

 Osteoarthritis in diabetes is a serious disease that causes serious consequences. For diabetics, the development of the disease is several times faster than the development of ordinary people. Time plays a key role, the sooner there is specialized care and treatment, the more likely it is to restore full joint functionality. Otherwise, the movement of the joint will be limited or it will be completely destroyed.

Osteoarthritis develops in old age and manifests itself in the defeat of the cartilaginous layer of the joint. Formation occurs due to insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals that are flushed out of the body over the years. The cartilaginous layer performs a protective function, not allowing the bones in the joint to rub against each other. During life, under the influence of physical exertion, cartilage tissue is depleted. The recovery process occurs with proper nutrition and good blood flow, otherwise, the lack of enzymes leads to the development of osteoarthritis.

Why develop diabetes?

The main cause that affects the development of osteoarthritis is the cessation of cartilage amortization and the lack of regenerative capabilities of the tissue.

The remaining factors are accelerators of the development of the pathological process. That includes:

• constantly increased load, which leads to wear of the cartilage layer;
• low physical activity, which leads to slower blood flow to the joints and causes complications;
• frequent injuries, after which a large number of useful trace elements are needed for recovery;
• inflammation in the joints;
• reduction in the amount of collagen in the joints (with age).

Symptoms of manifestation

The main signs of diabetic osteoarthritis in diabetes are:

• the feeling of severe pain;
• difficulty moving;
• temporary swelling.

It is characterized by pain, passing through a short time. It is manifested by a long load on the joint, at rest, the pain decreases. The next stage (2nd) is marked by the appearance of an edematous condition. Stagnation of fluid in the joint leads to edema that is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

The third phase

Diabetic arthrosis progresses faster than arthrosis in people without pathology of metabolic processes. Strong painful feelings are manifested under insignificant loads and recede with prolonged rest. Now you can clearly hear the cracking of the joint, impaired motor function (impossibility of complete bending), deformation processes are manifested.

Difficult (fourth) stage

In the final stage of diabetic arthrosis, poor wound healing, ulcer development and loss of sensation are observed. Manifestations of pain are constantly monitored, the joint does not function completely, inflammatory processes extend to the nearest ligaments and tissues. Complications make it impossible for a person to move independently.

Treatment For diseases

Diabetes causes the accelerated development of all pathological processes, the late treatment of which causes serious complications. This also refers to arthritis, the complication of which is arthrosis, ie destruction of the joint. With timely access to a doctor, the chances of the joint remaining functional are increased. The method of treatment is based on the stage of development of the disease.

Ibuprofen helps to resolve the signs of inflammation.

The main medications that a doctor can prescribe to treat osteoarthritis of diabetes are:

• Chondroprotective drugs - contribute to the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Among them are hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs - act on inflammation, reduce swelling. It is suitable for the use of diclofenac, ibuprofen, phenylbutazone.
• Anesthetic drugs - injections, ointments, compresses.
• Medications that relieve muscle spasms.

Surgical treatment is the last choice, for which it is desirable not to bring the disease because the process of wound healing 

A person with diabetes must understand that connective tissue treatment is a complex procedure, so it is important to take preventive measures to avoid the development of exacerbation. Prophylactic procedures include:

• adherence to proper nutrition;
• performing therapeutic exercises, moderate exercise;
• control the consumption of foods that contain carbohydrates and control blood sugar levels;
• Due to the slowed blood flow, the occasional use of higher doses of vitamin complexes is recommended.

The disease has a number of characteristic manifestations, revealing that a person must consult a doctor. It must be borne in mind that diabetes, as an accelerator, affects all pathological processes in the body. Delay in treatment causes irreversible processes in the joint and causes their destruction. So, the key factor is the time, after you have missed it, it will be impossible to restore the full functionality of the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis in diabetes

Diabetes is a complex disease that causes a breakdown in the body’s immune system. Processes can result in the rejection of their own tissue by the immune system, leading to the emergence of new diseases - fibromyalgia, allergies, arthritis.

Many patients with diabetes complain of joint pain. This is due to the fact that they have rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis

In the early stages, patients often write off the symptoms of arthritis due to fatigue, overload, without seeking help from a doctor. The disease progresses, more pronounced, adding a symptomatic picture:

• Spontaneous onset of joint pain (in the early stages of the disease, the pain decreases after resting);
• The functional capacity of the joint is reduced;
• When an arthritis attack occurs, the area of ​​the affected joint becomes reddish, warm to the touch.
• In late-stage arthritis, the pain does not go away, even if it does not move.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis in diabetes

Diabetes weakens the immune system, health should be carefully considered. The primary signs of arthritis cannot be ignored, attributed to fatigue, it is better to check with a specialist.

The doctor studies the whole picture of the disease, prescribes a series of tests, examinations. Radiography of the joint provides an opportunity to see signs of disease. Depending on the stage of osteoarthritis, the changes in the joints are shown in the picture.

To determine the focus of inflammation in the joint tissue, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound to the patient, by thermographic examination. The patient must pass a blood test, urine test, pass a general exam.

Arthritis in stage I diabetes

Patients with stage 1 diabetes, face health complications, immunity rejects the pancreas, affects the synovial fluid in the joints.

If you review the tests of patients with diabetes or arthritis, you can conclude that in both cases the markers of inflammation are increased several times.

Scientists have discovered a gene that promotes the development of autoimmune diseases. Doctors claim that first-degree diabetes combined with arthritis has a genetic predisposition.

Arthritis in the stage of diabetes 2

Stage 2 diabetes occurs synchronously with arthritis, treatment is more difficult. There are factors that can worsen the course of the disease:

• Being overweight increases the load on human organs, including the joints. If a person is obese for a long time, the internal organs are exposed to diseases. The blood flow system suffers, weakens, joints wear out. Excess fat leads to an increase in blood glucose - the cause of diabetes.
• In most cases, diabetes is diagnosed in people over the age of 55. Older people lead an inactive lifestyle, metabolic processes in the body slow down. The changes caused by aging lead to the appearance of joint diseases, which are usually worn out.

Diabetes does not cause arthritis, the deterioration of certain body functions contributes to the development of joint disease.

Arthritis treatment for diabetes

There is no universal treatment for arthritis for diabetics, the doctor will choose the medication, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

After confirming the diagnosis, the specialist prescribes a medication consisting of:

• Drugs that promote cartilage tissue regeneration;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs;
• In severe cases, injections are prescribed to the joints, if the intercellular space is preserved.

In order to achieve the result, medications should be taken with long courses, it is important that they are supervised by a doctor, that they are regularly tested for laboratory tests.

Rheumatoid arthritis in the early stages can be cured, it is worth visiting a doctor for advice, follow the recommendations. It is important for the patient to understand that regular medications are a guarantee of recovery, the first results are not soon.

Non-standard treatments for arthritis for diabetes

Rheumatoid arthritis in diabetes is difficult to treat, not all medications are suitable for such patients. Medicine offers new methods that can make treatment more effective.

Magnetic therapy is used to treat arthritis. The essence of treatment is that the diseased joints are heated to a depth of 12 cm, and regular procedures normalize circulation, restore tissues.

Thanks to low-frequency fields, inflammation is reduced, painful feelings disappear, and overall health improves. The method of magnetic treatment is used in the elderly, despite the weakened body, it undergoes procedures without complications.

The course of therapy lasts a month, and if necessary, the doctor prescribes additional procedures. Improvement in the condition of the joint can be felt after the procedure. Treatment is not cheap, it is better to decide whether it is worth starting a treatment or not.

Magnetic therapy for people with diabetes is used in the first two stages of arthritis in the absence of inflammatory processes, the periarticular tissues are not too deformed. There are contraindications:

• Oncological diseases;
• tuberculosis;
• Blood clotting problems;
• pregnancy;
• Heart disease - arrhythmia, angina.

Laser therapy

An effective way to treat arthritis in diabetes is laser treatments. Laser exposure occurs in the following ways:

• If the arthritis is in a chronic form, tests, body temperature is normal, the laser is aimed at the affected joints. Most patients confirm the effectiveness of the treatment method, and after a few procedures, a temporary worsening of arthritis is possible.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which is in an acute form, indicates another method of treatment. The laser acts on the cubital vein - the radiation is directed directly into the circulating blood. After several procedures, patients notice positive reactions of the body - normalization of the immune system, reduction of inflammatory processes, improvement of the circulatory system.

Laser procedures should be performed during 20 procedures per day. The procedures are intended for patients with mild rheumatoid arthritis. If the disease is severe, laser therapy should be abandoned, it will not bring the desired result. Before starting treatment for arthritis, people with diabetes with additional methods should undergo a detailed examination.

Arthritis massage

Arthritis massage is a way to reduce pain, restore proper blood circulation, without the risk of harm to the body. The specialist performs certain movements with the patient's soft, articular tissue. The masseur can use special devices that make the procedure more efficient. Massage has contraindications:

• High body temperature, fever;
• Skin diseases;
• Pathology of the circulatory system;
• Hypertension.
• Therapeutic gymnastics

For the treatment of arthritis, it is necessary to approach the problem comprehensively, paying attention to therapeutic gymnastics. Minor exercises in the form of therapeutic exercises can be applied to people who have suffered a heart attack, stroke with diabetes.

Regular gymnastics will help maintain muscle tone and joint mobility. Proper physical activity is a way to prevent complications of arthritis.

How to treat osteoarthritis in diabetes

Features of foot arthritis and its treatment

Our feet, if I may say so, are a kind of support to the whole body - they take almost all the burden. Mainly due to the steps, heavy movements are performed when moving and running. Therefore, the requirements of strength and elasticity to these anatomical structures increase - each of our fleet consists of 30 large and small bones, which are interconnected by 28 joints or ankles.

Arthritis of the ankles can develop in any of these joints. The causes of this condition are multiple. It can be said with certainty that any pathological process that occurs in our body can lead to inflammation of various joints, including the feet. After all, as you know, everything in our body is interconnected.

Depending on the causes of inflammation in the joints, primary and secondary arthritis are isolated. Primary arthritis is caused by damage to the joint itself. Secondary arthritis developed as a complication of other diseases.