Rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow. What do you need to know? Arthritis of the elbow joint: symptoms and possible treatments

An alarming symptom is pain in the joints of the hands, especially the elbow joint. According to statistics, pain in the elbow area occupies 55% of the total number of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. In specialized medical institutions, patients seek help almost at the last stage, when the articular structure undergoes pathological changes in the anatomical structure, that is, an increase in size due to swelling and limitation of movement. What could it be? This pathology is an inflammation of the elbow joint accompanied by complications in the form of infection and destruction. To avoid such problems, you need to know everything about elbow arthritis symptoms and treatment.

Arthritis of the elbow joint is characterized by inflammatory and destructive changes in the design of the elbow joint, namely: bones, cartilage, capsule, ligaments and muscle tissue. The pathological symptom complex consists of specific reactions like pain varying degrees, swelling and stiffness motor function depending on the degree of damage to the articular components. The patient is unable to flex and extend the arm (or both arms in the case of a bilateral lesion) and is unable to lift the lightest objects. With this disease, patients try to spare the diseased organ and give it a certain position.

Anatomy of the elbow joint

The structure of the elbow joint, biomechanically very complex, but thanks to this upper limbs have high mechanical strength and mobility. articulation of the elbow, shoulder and radius fastened by means of three articular fastenings, namely: radioulnar, humeroulnar and humeroradial. The ligamentous system and the capsule with synovial fluid protect the bone and cartilage system from mechanical abrasion and injury during movements. In case of injuries, the treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint begins only after an instrumental study of the intra-articular space and its components.

A hard layer of cartilage and connective tissue helps in cushioning the bones, as well as in stabilizing all structural components. Anatomical details are firmly fixed among themselves. All three joints of the elbow have one capsule. If one of them is damaged, the rest also suffer, or rather, they are involved in an inflammatory or destructive process. Therefore, purulent arthritis of the elbow joint or arthritis of another etiology involves all three bones and joints in the process, which completely complicates the function of the limbs. The same situation occurs with mechanical injuries of the elbow.

Causes of the pathology of the joints of the hands

The factors causing the inflammatory-destructive process in the elbow joint are divided into two groups: endogenous and exogenous. Plus, a number of reasons for an unknown etiology are added to them, they are called idiopathic.

Causes endogenous origin This:

hereditary factor;
change in metabolism, upward or downward;
endocrine diseases (toxic goiter);
diseases of the central nervous system;
hormonal imbalance;
post-traumatic arthritis of the elbow joint;
malignant tumors in bones, cartilage or metastases cancerous tumor other organs and systems;
infectious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (hepatitis, second and third stages of diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, cholecystitis, pancreatitis) and respiratory systems (bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, sycosis and bronchial asthma);
post-operative complications;
leaching of calcium from bone tissue;
blood poisoning with infectious agents;
allergic reaction (reactive arthritis of the elbow joint);
pathology of the development of cartilage and bone tissue;
connective tissue diseases (for this reason, rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow joint occurs);
ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke;
kidney disease (chronic pyelonephritis, urolithiasis disease And kidney failure);
complication after sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.

List of exogenous factors:

mechanical effects on the elbow (blow, bruise, contusion or compression);
general poisoning of the body with poisons, acids, gases, alkalis;
increased radiation background (radiation sickness).

All factors belong to the group of causes; arthritis of the elbow joint ICD 10 (International Classification of Diseases 10 revision).

According to the form of manifestation, inflammation of the elbow joint is divided into: acute and chronic form.

Depending on the type, the disease is divided into: infected (purulent), uninfected (serous) and destructive type.

According to the stage of development, inflammation of the elbow is divided into the first, second and third degree.

Symptoms of elbow arthritis

Symptomatic signs of arthritis of the elbow joint or inflammation of the elbow are divided into two groups: local type and general. The local picture consists in a pain syndrome of varying intensity (from aching to sharply throbbing and unbearable pain), swelling (slight, medium and large sizes), reddening of the skin around the sore elbow and restriction of movement.

Arthritis of the elbow joint, general symptoms: in the second and third stages of arthrosis, general weakness, migraines, nausea, decreased appetite, fever up to 39-40 degrees with severe aching (especially at night) and pain radiating to the shoulder and shoulder blade. High temperatures cause increased levels of sweating, a gag reflex, and not infrequently, confusion.

Elbow pain is one of the most important symptoms. Its intensity depends on the degree of damage to the organ, as well as on the factor causing arthritis. The latter includes connective tissue disease (arthritis of rheumatoid origin) and is expressed symptomatically in incised pain and stoppage of joint movement, gouty arthrosis is characterized by aching pains, and ordinary arthrosis is expressed in gradually increasing pain, swelling and body temperature. Synovial fluid accumulates in the sac and surrounding tissues. Articular cartilage, bursa, ligaments and muscles are involved in the infectious-inflammatory process. This symptomatic picture also applies to arthrosis arthritis of the elbow joint with elements of destruction.

Attention! Rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow joint, the symptoms of which differ from the usual form of arthritis, should be treated only inpatient and only according to the treatment regimen prescribed by a rheumatologist or traumatologist. Self-care activities can lead to disability.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis refers to the patient's complaints of pain and swelling. At visual inspection visible swelling of the articular zone with reddening of the skin. The results of palpation: tenderness, tension of the tissues surrounding the elbow and detection of fluid accumulation.

There are special diagnostic techniques or symptoms that allow you to correctly diagnose the disease, namely:

Thompson's maneuver: the hand should bend to the back, if it quickly takes the palmar position due to unbearable pain, then there is clear signs inflammation.
Welt's reception: synchronous flexion of both arms. If one hand is late in making this movement, and its cause is in a painful sensation, this is a clear result of an inflammatory articular pathology.

Important! Data specific symptoms identifying pathological changes in the joints of the hands depend on the degree of development of the disease. In the first degree, these symptoms are not very pronounced, and in the second and third degrees they have a vivid picture of pain.

Radiography in two projections and puncture of the diseased joint, in case of swelling, are mandatory items for instrumental examination patients. X-rays are sufficient to identify the first degree of the disease as acute arthritis of the elbow joint. Further, MRI and ultrasound are performed in the second and third degrees of the disease, these procedures are prescribed by a doctor. The definitive diagnosis of elbow arthritis is a diagnosis based on computed tomography. This method will indicate the exact focus of infection and the degree of damage.

Treatment of elbow arthrosis

From efficiency medical therapy depends on the result of a full recovery physiological function diseased limb. How to treat arthritis of the elbow joint correctly? The most optimal treatment regimen includes the following steps:

conservative treatment consisting of medications, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, special massage and auxiliary folk remedies;
surgical intervention.

Medical therapy

In the acute form, analgesics and antibiotics are prescribed, as well as one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Plus, the limb must be immobilized, giving the joint complete rest. This manipulation lower the pain barrier. In the second degree, one of the drugs Analgin, Baralgin or Ketanov is also prescribed, as well as Diclofenac Sodium or Dicloberl. It is better to prescribe these drugs in injectable form.

If the pathology is accompanied by fever, detoxification drip therapy, one broad-spectrum antibiotic (Lincomycin in injections) and B vitamins are prescribed. Vitamin C is prescribed as an antioxidant. Suprastin or Tavegil. At severe forms Dexamethasone or Prednisolone is prescribed. Injections with such drugs are performed inside the joint.

Ointments, gels and lotions are locally prescribed. Gel or ointment for arthritis of the elbow joint, especially in the treatment of first and second degree arthritis, are effective means to eliminate pain and swelling. You can choose one of the drugs based on non-steroidal substances, namely Indomethacin, Diclofenac or Piroxicam. Gels are quickly absorbed into the skin, their effect is higher than that of ointments. In addition, the concentration of active medication- in gels more. To restore cartilage, chondroprotectors are prescribed - Chondroxide or Chondrolon.

Physiotherapy, exercise therapy and special massage

Physiotherapeutic procedures in the form of electrophoresis from lotions based on nonsteroidal drugs and UHF will eliminate inflammation and improve blood circulation levels. The latter enhances metabolism and regeneration of affected tissues. In addition to these methods, it is assigned according to medical indications phonophoresis, magnetotherapy, and amplipus. Mud therapy, ozocerite and paraffin also help. All of the above is performed only after the elimination of the inflammatory process.

Exercise therapy for arthritis of the elbow joint is a necessary procedure for restoring functions. Through special exercises, hand, during recovery period, is loaded. A variety of rotational, flexion and extension movements bring the body back to normal. Exercises for arthritis of the elbow joint starts from sparing exercise, smoothly turning into three-dimensional movements with increasing physical activity. Moderate exercise leads to increased tissue metabolism, eliminating inflammation and restoring lost biomechanics.

The recommended gymnastics for arthritis of the elbow joint will strengthen the sore muscles and ligaments of the joints of the hands. Massage procedures will passively help the articular components to regain their former strength. Exercises for the elbow joints in rheumatoid arthritis are no different from those listed, but they must be performed constantly and under the supervision of a doctor. Physiotherapy, massage and physical activity are prescribed in rehabilitation period after undergoing surgery.

Important! Physiotherapy is contraindicated in patients suffering from tuberculosis, oncological diseases and high blood pressure. For such patients, the treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint at home is not recommended at all!

Folk remedies

From time immemorial, folk remedies for arthritis of the elbow joint have helped people get rid of such an ailment, and the strangest thing is that they eliminated the disease partially or completely. At the same time, the simplest ingredients were used, and are still being used, such as garlic, apple cider vinegar and horseradish, as well as honey and cinnamon, iodine nets and propolis tincture. Sea salt occupies the first place in the treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint. Treatment with folk remedies is used in combination with drug therapy. These funds belong to helper methods treatment, in singular they only extinguish the acute phase of the disease, which gradually turns into a chronic form.

Unfortunately, the incidence of arthritis is increasing day by day. I don’t really want to spend the rest of my life incomplete, therefore, you should not ignore the symptoms corresponding to this disease which requires immediate medical attention.

Moreover, this disease does not only affect the elderly. It is also very common among the young representatives of the human race, which is very unfortunate.

The disease affects many joints, including the elbows. To know the enemy in person, you need to understand what arthritis of the elbow joint is - the symptoms, and the treatment with which you can alleviate the condition of the disease.

The elbow joint is an intricate mechanism that includes three simple joints (radiulnar, humeroulnar, and humeroradial) that provide mobility for the bones of the arm, which include the radius, ulna, and humerus. If at least one of them becomes inflamed, called arthritis, the movement of the hand may be partially or completely limited.

Chronic inflammation of one or more elbow joints, causing discomfort or pain when moving the arm, is arthritis of the elbow joint.

It arises from the accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity, which, by stretching the bag of the joint, causes pain, swelling and a feeling of stiffness, which increase as the disease progresses. Elbow arthritis is autoimmune disease.

There can be several reasons for the appearance of the disease. Arthritis results from:

Arthritis can also be caused by:

hereditary factors;
Age limit (in women, the disease manifests itself after 35 years, and in men - after 40);
A lifestyle that is sedentary;
Negative factors such as depression, stress, hypothermia, mental stress, etc.;
Improper nutrition, lack of minerals and vitamins;
Increased humidity in the room, lack of normal ventilation.

The disease manifests itself at first imperceptibly. Joints begin to ache in the morning, some discomfort appears when the weather changes, however, all these sensations pass quickly, and few people run to the doctor with this. A person begins to realize that something is wrong with his joints only when the disease becomes chronic. This category mainly includes people who have passed the age of 65.

If you do not apply in time professional help, you can earn serious complications or even become disabled.

What types of diseases are

Depending on the symptoms, arthritis can be:

There is also separate variety an ailment that results from all of the above types of arthritis. It is called stiffness of the joint, which appears due to improper treatment underlying disease. As a result of this, it arises, that is, its functioning is limited partially or completely.

Arthritis can manifest itself as an independent disease, and as a result of complications:

Unfortunately, the disease is incurable, however, if you start timely and adequate therapy, as well as lead correct image life, then you can forget about this unpleasant disease for a long time and return to normal life.

Arthritis of the elbow joint - symptoms

Arthritis of the elbow joint manifests itself:

It should be borne in mind that all of the above symptoms can occur not only with arthritis. They are also characteristic of other diseases, therefore, without accurate diagnosis to diagnose "arthritis of the elbow joint", it is not necessary, all the more, to prescribe any treatment.

If these symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical attention medical assistance to avoid serious complications.

How to Diagnose Elbow Arthritis

Already at the first examination, the doctor can conclude that there is arthritis, however, in order not to be mistaken, he prescribes various laboratory tests:

In accordance with the results of the examination, the specialist assesses the severity of the disease and the characteristics of its course and, in accordance with this, prescribes adequate treatment, and then supportive therapy.

Traditional treatment for arthritis of the elbow

After the attending physician has made an accurate diagnosis and determined the cause of arthritis of the elbow joint, he prescribes necessary treatment, which can be:

medication;
Physiotherapy;
With help therapeutic gymnastics and massage;
Surgical.

Therapy can be complex and include several of the above methods.

The use of medicines

First of all, painkillers are prescribed for the disease in order to relieve the patient of the pain syndrome as much as possible.

Most often, pain is relieved by:

Along with analgesics, it is necessary to use anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. When elbow arthritis preference is given to:

Steroid anti-inflammatory drugs help well. You can not do in the treatment of arthritis of the elbow without:

At purulent arthritis resort to opening and removing pus. To get rid of inflammation, the area from which the purulent contents were removed is treated with antibacterial drugs (antibiotics) and anti-inflammatory drugs.

To restore cartilage tissue, chondroprotectors are prescribed. In this case resort to:

These medicines are subject to long-term use, however, they cannot be dispensed with in order to restore cell regeneration. If elbow arthritis is the result of an infectious disease, then a course of antibiotics is prescribed. Along with them, immunostimulating and antitoxic drugs are used.

In addition to the above, various ointments, gels, solutions for lotions, creams are prescribed for.

The most common ointments for elbow arthritis are Menovazin, Nikoflex, Bishofit, Dimexide. They act as follows - getting on the skin around the joint, these funds have an irritating effect, thereby improving blood circulation and metabolic processes in the diseased joint.

Physiotherapy

This method of treatment is used only when medication is removed acute stage diseases. In the remission stage, treatment is carried out with the help of:

These treatments are contraindicated in children and pregnant women, people suffering from tuberculous and neoplastic arthritis, as well as individuals prone to bleeding. Physiotherapy is not used to treat patients with arterial hypertension.

Therapeutic exercise and massage

Therapeutic exercise and massage are good additions to the main treatment. These methods are also used after the removal of the acute form of elbow arthritis. The load on the diseased joint is increased gradually. This method of therapy eliminates both the inflammatory process and strengthens ligamentous apparatus and atrophied muscles.

The medical and physical culture complex includes motor and strength exercises for a specific muscle group. Aerobics, walking, swimming lessons are of great benefit. It is possible to visit the gym, however, it is allowed to work out there with a diagnosis of elbow arthritis only under the supervision of an instructor.

IN medical complex massage is also included, which reinforces all the effects of treatment that have been achieved by medication, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.

Surgery

If all of the above methods of therapy do not bring the desired result, then they resort to more radical methods of treatment, that is, to surgical intervention.

With a purulent form of arthritis, one has to resort to a surgical method of treatment, pumping out the inflammatory fluid that has accumulated there from the affected joint. These manipulations are carried out by a surgeon strictly in stationary conditions. Surgery is also required for intra-articular drug administration.

TO surgical treatment Arthritis of the elbow joint can be attributed to such manipulations:

Arthroscopy, with the help of which various defects in the affected joints are detected and eliminated, even the smallest ones, which saves patients from various kinds of complications;
Endoprosthetics, that is, the replacement of damaged parts of the joint with implants;
Arthrodesis, in which the articular cartilage is replaced with a piece of bone taken from the olecranon;
osteotomy. This process consists in removing all or part of the olecranon to reduce pressure on the affected joint;
Resection, which involves partial or complete removal of the diseased joint to restore the work of the elbow, etc.

In order to prevent surgical intervention, it is necessary to seek medical help at the first symptoms of elbow arthritis.

How is the elbow joint at home? In addition to traditional methods of therapy, arthritis of the elbow responds well to treatment with folk methods, of which there are quite a few. However, before starting such treatment, it is still better to know the exact diagnosis in order to be 100% sure that we are being treated for exactly what we need.

Let folk methods are practically safe and effective, however, they also have contraindications that you need to know about before starting treatment.

Ways traditional medicine are reduced mainly to the use of home-made ointments, rubbing, compresses, taking therapeutic baths, applying mud and ingesting herbal decoctions and tinctures made by one's own hands based on herbs, bee products, etc.

The most popular folk recipes used in the treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint:

There are many folk methods for the treatment of elbow arthritis - it’s impossible to list everything, however, this disease is still not cured to the end. It takes on a chronic form, which, no, no, will make itself felt.

In order for this to happen as rarely as possible, you should take care of your joints, take care of them, do not overexert yourself physically, avoid hypothermia, lead healthy lifestyle life, increase immunity, become a supporter of a healthy diet, devote several hours a day hiking etc.

In order not to bring yourself, your loved one, to disability, with the first pains in the elbow joint, you must immediately go to the clinic to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe timely treatment. No one will take care of us better than ourselves.

The health of our elbow joints is affected by daily stress, so arthritis of the elbow joints is a common ailment among people. different ages. The causes of the disease are many and complications of arthritis are extremely dangerous.

We must not forget about the social side of the disease. A patient with arthritis cannot perform the simplest household activities and suffers unbearable pain. In the article you will find information about what arthritis of the elbow joint is, the symptoms and treatment of the disease. It also lists arthritis complications, prevention, and home remedies for relief.

I advise reading for those who have already experienced this disease or are prone to it: the elderly, people who are prone to stress, hypothermia, heavy stress on the joints or obesity.

What is elbow arthritis?

Arthritis of the elbow joint

The elbow joint is a complex, mobile connection of the bones of the shoulder and forearm of a person. It is formed by the articulation of the humerus, ulna and radius bones and consists of three joints. The anatomical features of the structure of the surfaces of the bones determine the nature of movements in the elbow joint.

The combination of three joints: trochlear, spherical and cylindrical provides elbow flexion and extension, as well as rotation of the radius and rotation of the hand in and out.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammation of a joint that limits its function. The main difference between pathology and other similar diseases is the accumulation of inflammatory fluid (exudate) in the joint cavity. This fluid stretches the joint capsule, causing pain, swelling, and a feeling of stiffness.

With arthritis, in addition to severe pain and stiffness, the elbow joint may lose function.

According to doctors, arthritis is one of the most common rheumatological diseases. Today it affects about 1% of the world's population. Moreover, young and elderly patients among them are approximately equal. Not the last place among the varieties of the disease is arthritis of the elbow joint.

Different types of arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys the synovium or tissues that line the joints. There is progressive erosion and destruction of cartilage and bone, resulting in severe pain, stiffness, and deformity.
Arthrosis. Normal cartilage has a smooth surface and provides gliding during movement as well as cushioning. With arthrosis, the cartilage becomes thin, and after a while the bones begin to rub against each other. Bone spurs or osteophytes may form inside the joint. In addition, loose bodies in the joint can lead to increased pain as well as accelerated degeneration from mechanical wear and tear.
Post-traumatic arthritis. One of the most common causes of elbow arthritis is post-traumatic arthritis. People with previous fractures (fractures of the distal humerus, fractures of the head of the radius, fractures of the olecranon) or dislocation of the elbow, may have cartilage damage that leads to progressive degradation of the joint.
Acute - purulent arthritis;
psoriatic arthritis;
Arthritis with gout;
Joint stiffness is a separate type of arthritis that results from rheumatoid, psoriatic, or other joint arthritis.

With this disease, a person tries to independently limit the movement of the joint, usually keeping it in a bent state. Due to inattention and self-treatment, the joint undergoes negative changes: ankylosis develops, and joint mobility is completely impaired.

Under the influence of certain factors, an inflammatory process begins affecting the joint and the ulnar capsule.
Arthritis of the elbow joint is always accompanied by an inflammatory process. As a result of inflammation, limitation of mobility, fever and intense pain symptoms are observed.

Inflammation provokes deforming arthritis in the elbow joint. In the early stages, the disease is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of arthritis of the elbow joint appear during an acute inflammatory process.

The difficulty of diagnosis lies in identifying a reagent that is a catalyst for inflammation. Since the disease is often associated with an infectious disease, treat arthritis of the elbow joint with folk remedies, refusing drug therapy extremely unreasonable.

Causes

It is impossible to specify one specific cause of arthritis, since each case of its occurrence is individual, and a combination of them can cause the disease.

The main difference between the pathology and other similar diseases is the accumulation of inflammatory fluid (exudate) in the joint cavity. This fluid stretches the joint capsule, causing pain, swelling, and a feeling of stiffness.

Elbow arthritis can be caused by:

Injuries. Fractures, dislocations and bruises entail damage to the tissues of the joint.
Metabolic disorders. For example, with gout, the disease develops due to metabolic disorders uric acid, the crystals of which begin to be deposited in the joint cavities. This form of arthritis is called gouty. Often, lesions occur with psoriasis or diabetes mellitus, which are also accompanied by a deterioration in metabolic processes in the body;
Infections. Various viruses and bacteria provoke the appearance of reactive forms of arthritis. Among the most common pathogens are infections of the urogenital and intestinal tract(salmonella, campylobacter, shigella);
Malfunctions of the immune system. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune cells attack the tissues of its own joints and ligaments, which causes an inflammatory response.

In addition, it is often possible to meet situations in which there are no reasons for the onset of arthritis, but there is a disease. This disease is called idiopathic arthritis. Treatment is prescribed only after determining the level of complexity of the disease.

Arthritis of the elbow joint, as a rule, is one of the manifestations of the following diseases:

Rheumatism;
Rheumatoid arthritis;
Systemic lupus erythematosus;
Psoriasis;
Gout;

With these diseases, damage is noted not only to one or a group of joints, but also to other organs and entire body systems.

Rheumatoid, psoriatic and gout arthritis have a similar pattern of development. These types of arthritis begin gradually, which is their difference from acute purulent arthritis.

Joint pain is minimal and worsens with movement. Over time, the pain can increase to such an extent that it will bring the patient not only discomfort, but also suffering. Arthritis of the elbow joint can be both independent and secondary disease.

Among the factors that increase the risk of illness, doctors call:

Negative heredity;
Mature age (for women - over 35 years old, for men - over 40);
Sedentary lifestyle;
High physical loads on the elbow joint;
hypothermia;
Stress.

Poor nutrition can also contribute to the development of inflammation. The fact is that the lack of vitamins and minerals increases the susceptibility of the joints to external negative influences.

Arthritis of the elbow joint - symptoms

Peculiarities anatomical structure the elbow is also determined by the characteristic signs of inflammation. So, for example, local signs are always well expressed, and already by them alone it is possible to make a correct and timely diagnosis.

At the heart of any inflammatory process is the struggle of the human immune system with foreign cells. Exacerbation of arthritis also occurs for this reason. Inflammation of the elbow indicates the development of an infectious lesion of the joint capsule or (in the case of autoimmune pathologies) fight against the body's own cells.

In any case, the onset of arthritis gives the inflammatory process, and the main signs and symptoms are closely related to its consequences.

Like any other inflammatory process, arthritis manifests itself in elevated body temperature, malaise and poor health. The patient loses his appetite, headaches, nausea, and in some cases vomiting. But these symptoms can manifest themselves in varying degrees, depending on the cause of the inflammation.

The defining symptom is elbow pain, which manifests itself in different ways in different situations. So, if rheumatic processes occur in the elbow, it can be intense and sharp, limiting movement, and inflammation in the joint of gouty origin is manifested by dull aching pain and a feeling of discomfort in the elbow joint.

The most striking manifestation of symptoms is caused by an infection in the joint when it comes to purulent arthritis. The elbow area in this case is acutely painful, swelling and redness appear, the skin around it becomes hot. Attempts to make any movement with the hand cause a sharp pain.

Limitation of mobility in the joint can also be caused by the accumulation of excess synovial fluid in a capsule, and be a reaction to an injury, such as a bruise. Because of this, the joint capsule is overstretched, and the patient has a feeling of heaviness in the elbow and a feeling of discomfort. If the disease is caused by sepsis, purulent accumulations can be found in other parts of the body.

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis knee joint characterized acute inflammation, which is evidenced by a general malaise, a rise in temperature to 37.8 degrees. That is, depending on the root cause, arthritis of the elbow joint can proceed in different ways.

However, common to all varieties of the disease are 5 signs:

Pain that gets worse with movement
Swelling and change in the shape of the joint;
Feeling of tension in the elbow;
Redness and fever of the skin over the elbow joint;
Soreness along the entire surface of the joint, which is determined by probing.

Arthritis pain can be both sharp and aching. Discomfort often worsens at night or in the morning. Sometimes the stiffness in the joint is felt so strongly that it becomes difficult for patients to make simple movements - to wash their face or take a spoon in their hand.

In addition to all the above symptoms, there are also specific signs that occur with certain diseases.

For example, with tumors, general exhaustion can be observed, with tuberculosis - the presence of blood in saliva, with sepsis, abscesses and suppurations sometimes appear on the body, even far from the focus of inflammation. Taking into account all the above symptoms, a rheumatologist diagnoses the disease.

Diagnostics

Very often, an accurate diagnosis can be made, just having a clinical picture with the presence of signs characteristic of the disease. For this, a detailed examination of the patient is carried out. It is also necessary to interview the patient about how the elbow joint behaves during the day under various loads and at rest.

Diagnosis of arthritis of the elbow joint is reduced to the following activities:

Medical examination to identify clinical signs of the disease;
Determination of the presence in the joint area characteristic changes in the form of subcutaneous rheumatoid and rheumatic nodules, gouty tophi, psoriatic plaques;
X-ray, and, if necessary, a computer or magnetic resonance examination of the elbow joint;
Puncture of the joint to obtain the synovial fluid necessary for the study. The puncture is carried out in order to remove the fluid in order to be able to evaluate it. appearance and condition. After that, sowing is done on culture media;
Laboratory research, with the help of which it is possible to assess the course of the inflammatory process, to identify specific signs of one of the main diseases - increased content uric acid, rheumatoid factor and so on.

The doctor suggests elbow arthritis based on the examination and complaints of the patient. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive medical examination.

Of particular importance are the data of blood tests. An excess of ESR unmistakably indicates an inflammatory process in the body. Presence rheumatoid factor- the autoimmune nature of the disease.

Confirm degenerative changes X-ray examination helps in the joint. Additionally, CT and MRI may be performed.

Arthritis of the elbow joint - treatment

The fight against arthritis of the elbow joint can be quite long. Maximum efficiency can be achieved by using several methods of treatment or even a whole complex.

These methods are:

drug treatment;
physiotherapy;
physiotherapy exercises and massage;
surgery.

For getting good result it is important to consult a doctor when the first symptoms occur, and in no case self-medicate. It is the doctor who will necessary examination, will summarize all the data obtained through the analyzes, and select the most accurate therapy. Remember that the longer you delay going to the hospital, the more difficult it will be to treat the disease later.

Arthritis therapy is aimed at eliminating the causes of inflammation and reducing pain. The doctor selects a set of therapeutic measures, taking into account the type of disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to the patient to eliminate pain and stop inflammatory processes. They are used as a combination of ointment (Diclac gel) and injections (Diclofenac) or as tablets containing acetylsalicylic acid. At the discretion of the doctor, drugs such as Nimesil, Piroxicam and Indomethacin may be prescribed.

Despite positive impact in the treatment of the elbow joint, they can have a rather negative effect on the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Therefore, when prescribing drugs, it is important to consider individual tolerance all components of the drug.

For the speedy relief of the focus of inflammation and the achievement of the maximum concentration of the injected drugs in the joint cavity, punctures with diprospan and any other drugs can be performed.

These drugs rapidly suppress inflammatory response eliminate pain and swelling. However a large number of adverse reactions makes hormonal blockade an extremely undesirable procedure, which is resorted to only in extreme cases.

To relieve inflammation, there are steroid drugs such as Prednisolone, Detralex, or Hydrocortisone. They are usually used in tablets and ointments. To restore cartilage tissues, special restorative preparations are used - chondoprotectors (a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate).

For the purpose of reflex acceleration of blood circulation and metabolic processes, drugs are prescribed, such as Menovazin, Bishofit, Nikoflex, etc. They irritate the joint when applied to the skin, thereby providing the desired effect.

The affected joint at the time of exacerbation is required to ensure complete rest. To do this, a special immobilizing bandage (orthosis) is put on the elbow or simply the load on the limb is reduced as much as possible.

Physiotherapy includes treatments with mud baths, gymnastics, physical therapy, exercises and other procedures. All this will be useful for a healthy person for prevention purposes.

In the remission stage, physiotherapy is used:

Magnetotherapy;

Exposure to a magnetic field relieves inflammation and swelling of tissues, and also stimulates blood circulation, accelerates metabolic processes in cells and contributes speedy recovery damaged joint components. The course of treatment consists of 10 - 15 procedures (performed daily or every other day), each of which lasts about 15 minutes.

Applications with ozocerite;

Application laser radiation improves microcirculation in the area of the inflamed joint, stimulates activity local immunity and speed up recovery processes in damaged tissues. The course of treatment is 5 - 7 procedures, each of which lasts 5 - 20 minutes (depending on the intensity and nature of the radiation).

Ultraviolet;

Carried out with the help of special lamps, ultraviolet irradiation of the skin in the area of the inflamed joint has bactericidal action(destroys pathogenic bacteria), and also increases local protective properties tissues (in particular, it increases resistance to the action of viruses and bacteria). The course of treatment consists of 5 - 10 procedures, each of which can last from 3 to 10 minutes.

Ultrahigh frequency therapy (UHF).

In this procedure, tissue exposure is carried out using a high-frequency electromagnetic field. This leads to an expansion blood vessels, which improves the flow of immune cells to the focus of inflammation. UHF therapy also stimulates the restoration of cartilage tissue, which is especially important during the rehabilitation period after arthritis. One procedure lasts an average of 5 - 10 minutes, and 10 to 15 procedures are performed per course of treatment (which can be performed every day or every other day).

Phonophoresis with hydrocortisone.

The essence of this procedure is as follows - an oily hydrocortisone ointment is applied to the skin in the area of the affected joint (which is rubbed into the skin for 3-5 minutes), after which the ultrasonic wave emitter is applied to the affected area for several minutes.

As a result, tissue cells in the affected area are subjected to micro-shaking, that is, a kind of massage effect is obtained. This improves microcirculation and accelerates metabolic processes in tissues, and also promotes deeper penetration of hydrocortisone ointment, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

However, the patient is not recommended to do this without a doctor's prescription, so as not to harm himself. The doctor must develop an individual therapy, taking into account the patient's condition and the degree of development of the disease. He will tell you exactly what procedures should be performed, in what quantity and for how long. When it comes to physiotherapy exercises, it is important to calculate how much you can load damaged joints.

There are also contraindications for the appointment of physiotherapy:

high blood pressure;
pregnancy;
tendency to bleed;
problems with the respiratory system;
tumor or tuberculosis form arthritis.

From traditional medicine, you can use compresses with cabbage leaves, grated potatoes, burdock leaves. They are applied to the diseased joint at night, wrapped with a woolen cloth on top. Procedures are done daily until the pain subsides completely.

Baths with turpentine, mustard or coniferous extract help improve well-being for many patients. Home "balneotherapy" stimulates blood circulation in the diseased joint and reduces the feeling of stiffness. Warm baths are taken without exacerbations 1-2 times a week.

For the treatment of arthritis, you can use:

St. John's wort herb infusion. To prepare the infusion, take 30-40 grams of chopped herbs, place it in glass jar and pour a full glass of boiling water. Let it brew in a dark place for 3-4 hours, then carefully filter and take orally 1 tablespoon 3 times a day (15-20 minutes before meals).
Infusion of calendula. The infusion is prepared as follows - 1 tablespoon (about 5 - 10 grams) of calendula flowers is poured with 1 cup of boiling water, after which it is infused in a dark place at room temperature for 2 - 3 hours. The resulting infusion should be filtered and taken orally up to 1 tablespoon (for adults) or a teaspoon (for children) 3 times a day half an hour before meals.
Yarrow herb tincture. To prepare the tincture, 30 grams (about 2 tablespoons) of dry chopped yarrow herb should be placed in a glass jar, pour 1 glass of vodka, tightly close the lid and place in a dark place for 7-10 days. After that, the tincture should be filtered and taken orally 1 ml three times a day before meals (20 drops of the tincture should be diluted in 1 tablespoon of warm boiled water).
Echinacea decoction. To prepare a decoction, 50 grams of crushed echinacea roots are poured with 400 - 500 milliliters of hot water and kept in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. After that, let the broth cool down at room temperature, filter it and take 1-2 tablespoons 2-4 times a day before meals. The decoction is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Warming up joints with arthritis is recommended only after consulting a doctor, since if used incorrectly, this method can lead to the development of formidable complications. The fact is that when exposed to heat, blood vessels expand and microcirculation in tissues improves. On the one hand, this improves delivery nutrients To damaged tissues and promotes the washing out of toxic products from the focus of inflammation.

At the same time, the improvement of microcirculation can cause the progression of the inflammatory process (with severe activity of rheumatic disease) or the spread of infection through the bloodstream throughout the body (with purulent arthritis). That is why thermal procedures are prescribed only for moderate and weak activity rheumatic diseases, after the exclusion of infectious lesions of the joints.

It is strongly not recommended to use massage during an exacerbation of rheumatoid or any other arthritis, as this will not only not give any positive result, but can also be harmful to the patient's health.

The fact is that with inflammation of the joint, swelling and severe pain are noted, which intensifies even with a normal touch. Performing even a simple massage under these conditions will not work, as this will lead to the appearance of severe, unbearable pain. At the same time, a strong mechanical impact on the inflamed tissues will lead to their damage, which will only aggravate the symptoms of arthritis.

At the same time, massage can be successfully used during the recovery period, when acute inflammation in the joint subsided. Massage can also be applied to postoperative period to speed up the healing process.

In the treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint, proper nutrition is of great importance. First of all, it is important to minimize intake or completely eliminate foods containing large amounts of salt, spices or caffeine from the diet. It is also very important to reduce the intake of fatty foods and monitor body weight, keep it normal.

It is recommended to include fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet to replenish the vitamin supply. It is very useful to consume foods containing calcium (dairy products, nuts, beans, halva). You should eat meat every day, preferably poultry and fish, but lean.

Surgical intervention

Not always the use of medications and the prescribed course of physiotherapy can bring relief. In some situations, you can not do without surgery.

Especially often surgery is required for purulent arthritis. Also, the method of surgical therapy can be used if the process of damage to the elbow joint has passed into the stage of deformation.

TO surgical methods resort to late stages arthritis, with pronounced irreversible changes in the joint, a significant decrease in joint function.

For the elbow joint, the following operations are performed:

arthroscopy - removal of processes from the bone and other manipulations through a micro incision;
endoprosthetics - replacement of joint components with implants;
artodesis - complete immobilization of the joint;
arthrolysis or Wolff's operation - excision of fibrous adhesions;
synovectomy - removal of the affected synovial membrane;
osteotomy - removal of part of the bone in order to reduce pressure on the joint;
resection - removal of a joint or part of it;
arthroplasty is a joint replacement.

However, no operation guarantees 100% restoration of function in the joint.

Surgical treatment also includes a puncture of the elbow joint, which is used for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. It is performed to remove blood and / or effusion from the joint cavity with its subsequent diagnosis (microscopy, bacteriological analysis), washing the cavity, introducing medicinal and radiopaque substances.

The appointment of the operation can be provoked by the patient himself, in order to remove the growth on the elbow bone. One of the most common methods is arthroplasty - a complete or partial replacement of a worn joint.

Physical rehabilitation after arthroplasty is from 7 to 10 days. Usually, mobility returns to the arm already on the second or third day.

The recovery period can be spent in a sanatorium that specializes in diseases of the joints, and where you can undergo mud treatment, massage, physiotherapy exercises and other physiotherapy procedures. This type of treatment will reduce the frequency of relapses and allow the patient to lead a full active life.

Surgery is a last resort. An operation is assigned when the methods traditional therapy don't bring positive results During a long time. If the patient has pain in the elbow joints and remove pain syndrome traditional methods fail, a surgical operation is performed.

Complications

Complications largely depend on the cause of arthritis, as well as on the treatment provided. For example, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatic arthritis can lead to damage to the gastrointestinal system and cause ulcers.

At the same time, the treatment of purulent arthritis with antibiotics can cause the destruction of the intestinal microflora and the development of dysbacteriosis. That is why during the treatment of arthritis, the patient must strictly follow the doctor's instructions and undergo all prescribed examinations in a timely manner in order to detect developing complications early.

Directly arthritis can be complicated:

Osteoporosis.

This term refers to a decrease in bone mass, combined with a decrease in bone density. Cause this complication It is considered a long, sluggishly progressive systemic inflammatory process observed in rheumatoid and other rheumatoid arthritis.

An increased concentration of pro-inflammatory (supporting the inflammatory process) mediators stimulates the process of destruction of bone tissue and leaching of calcium salts from it. First of all pathological process affects the articular surfaces of the bones in the area of the affected joints, however, generalized osteoporosis may be observed in the future.

amyloidosis.

This disease is characterized by the formation of a pathological amyloid protein in the body, which accumulates in various tissues (in the kidneys, in the organs of the gastrointestinal system, and so on), gradually destroying them.

Amyloid is formed in mutated cells of the immune system, which is noted with long-term progressive inflammatory diseases in organism.

Spread of infection.

With purulent arthritis, the capsule may melt hip joint and the spread of infection to surrounding tissues (ligaments, muscles, bones, subcutaneous fat, and so on). Also, the infection can spread throughout the body as a result of damage to blood vessels and penetration pathogenic bacteria into the blood.

This will be manifested by a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, a more pronounced increase in temperature (up to 41 - 42 degrees), severe headaches and muscle pain, increased sweating, impaired consciousness, and so on.

dislocation.

With prolonged progression of the inflammatory process in the joint, articular cartilage and intra-articular ligaments, and the articular surfaces of bones can also be affected.

All this leads to a decrease in the strength of the fixing apparatus of the joint, which, with an increase in load (for example, during a jump from a height or when lifting weights), can lead to rupture of weakened ligaments and displacement articular surfaces bones relative to each other (that is, to dislocation).

Joint contracture.

Contracture is pathological condition, manifested by a decrease in the range of motion in the joint due to damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments or other components of the joint.

Contractures can be passive or active. In the first case, the restriction of movements is caused by an anatomical defect in the intra-articular structures, as a result of which both active (performed by the patient himself) and passive (performed by the doctor's hands) movements in the joint are limited.

With active contractures, the amplitude of movements performed by the patient is reduced, however, passive movements in the joint are possible to some extent. The cause of active contractures can be, for example, muscular atrophy(decrease in muscle volume and strength), which develops with prolonged immobility (for example, when applying plaster after joint prosthetics).

Ankylosis.

This term refers to the limitation of mobility in the joint due to intra-articular growth of bone, cartilage or fibrous tissue. This leads to the connection of the articular surfaces with each other, as a result of which mobility completely disappears (with bone or cartilage ankylosis) or is significantly limited (with fibrous ankylosis, in which barely noticeable, extremely painful movements are possible).

The main thing in treatment is to seek the help of specialists in time. Basically, the outcome of the disease is favorable, but only with timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Prevention

Like any other disease, arthritis is much easier to prevent than to deal with its complications later. Unfortunately, some forms of the disease (such as juvenile arthritis or psoriatic arthritis) cannot be prevented because exact reasons and the mechanisms of their development have not yet been established.

At the same time, a set of preventive measures can prevent the development and progression of other common forms of the disease.

Some rules will help to ensure that arthritis of the elbow joint is more likely not to bother you:

It is necessary to play sports, but avoid excessive physical exertion, which can also cause the disease;
You should eat right, which is necessary in order for the body to receive the necessary substances, and also so that excess weight does not appear;
Timely treat infectious diseases of any organ, system, joint;
If injuries occur, treat them promptly to prevent complications.

In general, with due care for your own health, you can protect yourself from this disease. Remember that the treatment of elbow arthritis is a process that requires an integrated approach.

You can restore the ability to move the elbow joint if you go through the entire complex of treatment without deviating from the rules.

If you decide to be treated with folk remedies, do not forget that they should be combined with methods traditional medicine to prevent further development of the disease

Source: medotvet.com, healthy-joint.ru, osteomed.su, medcentr-plus.ru, bubnovsky-art.ru, doc.ua, moisustavy.ru, medicmagazin.ru, ponchikov.net

megan92 () 2 weeks ago

Tell me, who is struggling with pain in the joints? My knees hurt terribly ((I drink painkillers, but I understand that I am struggling with the effect, and not with the cause ...

Daria () 2 weeks ago

I struggled with my sore joints for several years until I read this article by some Chinese doctor. And for a long time I forgot about the "incurable" joints. So it goes

megan92 () 13 days ago

Daria () 12 days ago

megan92, so I wrote in my first comment) I will duplicate it just in case - link to professor's article.

Sonya 10 days ago

Isn't this a divorce? Why sell online?

Yulek26 (Tver) 10 days ago

Sonya, what country do you live in? .. They sell on the Internet, because shops and pharmacies set their margins brutal. In addition, payment is only after receipt, that is, they first looked, checked and only then paid. And now everything is sold on the Internet - from clothes to TVs and furniture.

Editorial response 10 days ago

Sonya, hello. This drug for the treatment of joints is really not realized through pharmacy chain to avoid overpricing. Currently, you can only order Official website. Be healthy!

Sonya 10 days ago

Sorry, I didn't notice at first the information about the cash on delivery. Then everything is in order for sure, if the payment is upon receipt. Thank you!!

Margo (Ulyanovsk) 8 days ago

Has anyone tried traditional methods of treating joints? Grandmother does not trust pills, the poor woman suffers from pain ...

Andrew a week ago

What kind of folk remedies I have not tried, nothing helped ...

Ekaterina a week ago

I tried to drink a decoction of bay leaves, to no avail, only ruined my stomach !! I no longer believe in these folk methods ...

Maria 5 days ago

Recently I watched a program on the first channel, there is also about this Federal program for the fight against diseases of the joints spoke. It is also headed by some well-known Chinese professor. They say that they have found a way to permanently cure the joints and back, and the state fully finances the treatment for each patient.

The word "arthritis" is of Latin origin and means "ache in the joints." Its manifestation is often not independent disease. This is a collective term for any lesions that can occur to the joints. It can be positioned as the main disease, one of them is spondylitis, or manifest as a consequence of another disease, for example, rheumatism.

Causes of Elbow Arthritis

Arthritis of the elbow joint is a pathologically developing process in the cartilaginous tissues or in the capsule of this joint. The disease can lead to limited or complete loss of arm mobility. This disease is more often affected by people who constantly perform heavy physical work. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Timely access to specialists and adequately selected therapy that eliminates symptoms are elements of a successful cure.

Manifestations of diseases in each case are individual. Arthritis of the elbow joint can occur due to one or more of the following reasons:

infection of the tissues of the joint with viruses, fungi or bacteria leads to;
food poisoning can cause eteroarthritis;
one of the varieties of skin diseases - psoriasis can provoke;
injury (fracture, dislocation, bruise, frostbite or burn) subsequently often leads to traumatic arthritis;
various autoimmune diseases cause destruction of joint tissues by the immune system;
diseases such as syphilis or rheumatism are accompanied by damage to connective tissues;
metabolic disorders in the body leads to gout;
infection of the respiratory tract, diseases of the genitourinary system can provoke reactive arthritis;
consequence unclear etiology is idiopathic arthritis.

Modern medicine has more than a hundred factors, due to which the development of pathologies leading to arthritis is possible. The symptoms of many of them are the same. To date, the causes of many types of this disease have not been fully elucidated. The disease can be either primary or secondary. For example, a purulent manifestation of pathology is possible due to direct infection upon injury. This is the primary form. If the disease develops due to the ingress of a virus or streptococcus from neighboring tissues, then this is secondary purulent arthritis.

arthritis symptoms

The primary symptoms of arthritis are the appearance of pain and stiffness of the movement of the joint, while the temperature rises in the articulation area, and sometimes, in advanced cases, the whole body. With such manifestations best solution will immediate appeal behind medical care. If you make a timely diagnosis of the disease, without waiting for the manifestation of the full clinical picture, the treatment is faster and better.

For the prevention and treatment of ARTHRITIS, our regular reader uses the NON-SURGICAL treatment method, which is gaining popularity, recommended by leading German and Israeli orthopedists. After carefully reviewing it, we decided to offer it to your attention.

Other symptoms of the disease are as follows:

Swelling of tissues. It can be expressed as a slight swelling, which is poorly defined by touch, or a pronounced increase in the size of the joint.
General weakness and malaise. Often accompanied by fever.
Lack of appetite, headaches, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms appear in varying degrees. It depends on the cause of the inflammatory pathology.

Pain sensations manifest themselves depending on the processes that cause them. In the case of rheumatism, the pain is strong and sharp, and with gout, it is dull and aching.

With an infectious, purulent nature of the disease, the symptoms are most pronounced. Severe swelling appears, the skin in the affected area becomes hot and red. Any movement of the joint leads to sharp and severe pain. The disease can manifest itself as a result of a general infection of the body - sepsis. In such cases, accumulations of pus may be found in other joints or places.

Treatment of elbow arthritis

It is necessary to treat arthritis of the elbow joint in a complex. Only in this case the procedure will bring maximum effect. The required components for this are:

drug treatment includes intra-articular injections, droppers and blockades;
physiotherapy;
massage and self-massage;
recovery gymnastics.

Only a specialist can decide in what ways to treat a patient on the basis of an examination. At the same time, the patient himself must take into account that for the period of the course, any loads are completely contraindicated. In order for the treatment to be effective, the diseased elbow joint must be constantly at rest. The course is compiled depending on the stage of development and type of disease, the age and gender of the patient, as well as the characteristics of his body.

The most commonly used conservative method. The removal of the inflammatory process is carried out with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs used for treatment may be various forms- in the form of tablets, gels, ointments or creams, as well as solutions for intra-articular or intramuscular injections and lotions.

For removal allergic manifestations may apply antihistamines new generation. If necessary, it is possible to use hormonal drugs and antibiotics. In this case, the main goal of the course of treatment is to influence the disease that caused the inflammatory process in the elbow joint. These medicines may have certain side effects affecting the stomach and other organs. In this regard, treatment involves diet and the use of drugs to support the process of digestion or in order to relieve side symptoms. Only after the elimination of pain manifestations is it possible to switch to physiotherapy exercises and the use of physiotherapy combined with massage. Treatment with these methods is required to prevent muscle atrophy.

Surgery

The use of surgical intervention is required to achieve the following goals:

the need to remove processes from the surface of the bone;
replacement of part of the joint with implants;
removal of fibrous adhesions, synovial fluid or part of the membrane of the cavity;
total joint replacement in the presence of serious indications.

The recovery process may take long time. For example, in tuberculous lesions, excision is performed synovial bag. The shell heals over time. In this case, the elbow joint will be able to work as before. However, this takes a long time.

Traditional medicine recipes can help during the course of both treatment and recovery. However, it is worth resorting to this method in the case of accurate knowledge of the diagnosis. Such recipes include applying compresses, taking decoctions or tinctures, rubbing with home-made ointments.

In cases where timely conservative treatment has not been performed, development in the hand is possible. irreversible pathologies. It leads to unpleasant complications and further disability.

In the treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint are used conservative methods. This is a course reception, massage and physiotherapy, exercise therapy. Therapy is aimed at eliminating edema and restoring range of motion, preventing the progression of arthritis. With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgical intervention is indicated for patients.

General information about the disease

Type of elbow arthritis	Essential medicines	pharmachologic effect
Rheumatoid, juvenile	Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide	Stopping the inflammatory process, preventing the destruction of the elbow joint
Infectious	Amoxiclav, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, Cefazolin, Metronidazole	Destruction of pathogens of respiratory, intestinal, urogenital infections
Gouty	Colchicine, Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone, Azapropazone, Benzbromarone	Decreased production of purine bases, dissolution and excretion of uric acid salt crystals
Osteoarthritis	, Artra, Structum, Rumalon, Chondrogard	Partial restoration of cartilage tissue, prevention of the spread of the disease

Physiotherapy

Electrophoresis and ultraphonophoresis with anesthetics, NSAIDs are used to eliminate severe pain in acute or subacute arthritis. These procedures are also carried out at the stage of remission with the use of B vitamins, chondroprotectors. For any form of the disease, patients can be prescribed 5-10 sessions of such physiotherapy:

UHF therapy;
ultraviolet irradiation.

After stopping the inflammation in the treatment of arthritis, applications with ozocerite and paraffin are used to improve blood circulation and restore elbow mobility.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises begin immediately after the elimination of inflammation and severe pain. The exercise therapy doctor develops a set of exercises individually for the patient. The first workouts are held under his guidance, and then you can practice at home. Most often, the complex includes such exercises:

stand up, spread your legs shoulder-width apart, lean forward and clench and unclench your fists 5 times. Return to starting position, perform the exercise 5-7 more times;
straighten up, spread your legs a little, make circular rotations with your arms bent at the elbows back and forth. The number of repetitions - 10-15;
kneel down, rest your palms on the floor, straighten your back. Push up 7-10 times.

All functions of the joint are restored only with regular, daily training. If during the lesson there are painful sensations, then the exercises can be started after a long rest.

Surgery

With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, the rapid progression of arthritis, the development of complications, surgical intervention is indicated. These are synovectomy, arthrotomy, resection of the elbow joint, cheilectomy, arthroscopy. For patients with grade 3 osteoarthritis, doctors immediately offer the installation of an endoprosthesis, since conservative treatment with severe bone deformity does not make sense.

Endoprosthetics of the elbow joint

The installation of an artificial joint is performed under endotracheal anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision on the back of the elbow, separates and fixes the nerve, dissects the fascia, tendons. After removal of the olecranon, the implant is installed, fixed with a cement or cementless method.

The surgeon then fixes ulnar nerve in a separate channel, stitches soft tissues. Rehabilitation begins after 1-2 days. The service life of the endoprosthesis is 10-15 years.

Scar after surgery.

Open synovectomy

Synovectomy of the elbow joint is an arthrotomy operation aimed at removing the pathologically altered synovial membrane. It is performed under general or epidural anesthesia. The surgeon opens the joint, drains its cavity, processes antiseptic solutions. Then he completely or partially excised the synovial membrane. After suturing, the elbow joint is immobilized with a plaster cast.

Folk methods

In acute and subacute period elbow arthritis are not used due to the high likelihood of an increase in the inflammatory process. They are used only after treatment or at the stage of stable remission to eliminate mild discomfort. The therapeutic effect of many folk remedies is very doubtful, so you should discuss the feasibility of such therapy with your doctor.

Clay

2 tablespoons red or black cosmetic clay diluted with low-fat kefir until an elastic mass is formed. A cake is formed from it and applied to the elbow for 1 hour, fixing with a film and a gauze bandage. Instead of kefir, you can use any mineral water.

Birch

Young fresh birch leaves are poured with boiling water for 10-15 minutes. They filter, they cool. The leaves are applied tightly to the joint affected by arthritis. A plastic film, woolen fabric is placed on top. Fix the medical bandage with an elastic bandage, leave for 1-2 hours. The leaves can be replaced with fresh birch buds, wrapped in gauze after brewing.

Pine

Handful fresh or dry pine needles pour a liter of boiling water, leave under the lid for 2 hours. Filter, the infusion is heated to a temperature of 30 ° C, the elbow is lowered into it for half an hour. Wash off the remnants with warm water, rub in a greasy baby cream. To enhance the therapeutic effect in the bath, you can add a drop of essential oils of fir and thyme.

Propolis

Bring a glass of low-fat milk to a boil, put a pinch of crushed propolis. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, cool, add a teaspoon of honey. Take 100 ml 2 times a day after meals for a month.

Eggshell

Eggshells are cleaned of films, poured with boiling water for an hour. Dried, crushed to a state of powder. Mixed with low-fat sour cream until a thick mass is formed, spread in a thick layer on the elbow. Fix with a film and gauze bandage, leave for 4-5 hours or all night.

horse sorrel

A dark glass container is 1/4 filled with peeled and chopped horse sorrel roots. Pour vodka up to the neck or 90% medical alcohol diluted with an equal amount of water. Insist in a warm place for 2 months, rub into the elbows when discomfort occurs.

Dandelion

Fresh dandelion leaves (2-3 handfuls) are ground in a mortar until smooth, add a tablespoon of honey and almond cosmetic oil, 1 drop of essential oils of juniper, eucalyptus and pine. Apply to the elbow, fix with a film, thick cloth, elastic bandage, leave for 1 hour.

Elecampane and honey

50 g of dry elecampane roots are poured with 2 cups of hot water, simmered under a lid over low heat for 1 hour. Cool, filter, add 3 tablespoons of thick honey. The decoction is stored in the refrigerator, rubbed into sore elbows up to 3 times a day.

Sunflower

A dark glass jar is half filled with peeled, chopped sunflower roots. Fill capacity 70% ethyl alcohol, leave in a dark place for 1-2 months, shake occasionally. Rub into the elbows 1-2 times a day, diluted with water if necessary.

Kvass

A large fresh root is cleaned, crushed, mixed with 0.5 liters of white sour bread kvass. Insist in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, filter. Warm up, moisten a large sterile napkin in liquid, apply to the elbow joint for an hour, without warming.

Rock salt

2 tablespoons of stone or diluted in a liter of hot water, cool, filter. Wet a woolen cloth in the resulting solution, wrap it around the elbow. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours.

Possible Complications

If the patient does not seek medical help even with severe symptoms of arthritis, then all joint structures are affected by the inflammatory process. Due to the deformation of the bone surfaces, there is a complete or partial irreversible immobilization of the elbow.

The most severe complications are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. These are chronic renal failure, myocardial infarction, aortic stenosis, bronchopleural fistulas.

Prevention measures

Prevention of arthritis is the elimination of factors that provoke its development. It is necessary to limit the amount of salt, replace in daily menu smoked meats and confectionery with fresh vegetables and fruits. If necessary, you should lose weight, increase physical activity, stop drinking alcohol and smoking, which worsen the blood supply to the elbow joint with nutrients.