Symptoms and treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint is an urgent problem of modern medicine. The disease is quite common, is severe. Features of its manifestations are due to the anatomical structure of the elbow, as well as the nuances of the load on this area of ​​the human body.
general information
The localization area of ​​rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow joint, as follows from the name of the pathology, is the elbow. The joint element of the elbow is created by three bones: the shoulder, elbow and beam. This bone joint has a particularly complex structure. There are three joints at once. For protection by nature, a capsule filled with synovial fluid is provided. There are also special ligaments designed to strengthen the site and increase its strength, the ability to resist aggressive loads.
Arthritis refers to an inflammatory process localized in the joint. The need for the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis of the elbow joint is indicated if pathological processes are localized precisely in the elbow. As a rule, examination of the patient allows you to establish an acute focus of inflammation, located either in the cartilage or in the capsule. In this case, there are no structural changes that severely deform the joint - as a rule. Arthrosis, however, proceeding chronically, leads to deformation of the site and activates degenerative processes. With such a disease, the anatomy of the affected area changes. There is a chance of arthritis in any joint of the human body.
Where did the trouble come from?
Arthritis of the elbow joint encoded by the M13 code in ICD-10 is often observed if some systemic pathology has developed that affects the connective tissue. The cause may be a rheumatoid form of arthritis or rheumatism. There is a possibility of ulnar arthritis with lupus erythematosus, manifested in a systemic form. Perhaps the influence of other pathologies from the class of collagenoses. It is known that arthritis develops against the background of blood poisoning, in diabetics and people suffering from gout, other malfunctions of metabolic processes in the body.
Arthritis, arthrosis of the elbow joint with a high degree of probability can be disturbing after an injury. Cancer, mycobacteria, syphilis can become the cause of the disease. Certain risks are associated with infection of the respiratory system. Diseases of the reproductive, urinary systems, gastrointestinal tract - such disorders often cause reactive arthritis. There is a possibility of the formation of an idiopathic form of arthritis, that is, a case for which it is not possible to determine the etiology.
How to notice?
The ICD-10 M13 code allocated for arthritis of the elbow joint encrypts a pathological condition in which not only local manifestations, but also systemic symptoms are inherent. Local phenomena are universal. The patient feels pain in the affected area, the soft tissues of this part of the body swell, the skin turns red. As a rule, the temperature rises locally, and when you touch the skin you can feel that they are hotter near the joint than other parts of the body. The patient cannot fully move the joint.
The main symptom of arthritis of the elbow joint is soreness. The intensity of the phenomenon and especially the sensations are determined by the factor that provoked arthritis. If rheumatism occurs, the patient notes a sharp severe pain, due to which he loses mobility. If arthritis is observed against the background of gout, the sensations will be dull, the elbow aches. Redness of the skin, swelling of the tissues, soreness are explained by excessive accumulation of synovial fluid in the capsule. At the same time, an inflammatory lesion forms in the cartilage.
The nuances of manifestations
Symptoms of arthritis of the elbow joint include a number of common symptoms. The patient feels weak, malaise worries. Some feverish, measurements show an increase in temperature. It is noted that many suffer from headaches. Often against the background of arthritis, nausea and vomiting are worried.
In some cases, specific manifestations develop. Specialized directories containing a description of symptoms, treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint, photos of patients with this pathology, report that when a person is infected with mycobacteria, he sputters blood-containing discharge. If arthritis is caused by sepsis, areas of suppuration of an unpredictable area of ​​localization are formed. If the pathology is due to malignant processes, examination of the patient's condition shows general exhaustion.
Case clarification
Studying the photos presented in specialized medical journals, the arthritis of the elbow joint cannot be studied well enough to be able to diagnose it in oneself, without education and experience. Suspecting a disease, you need to see a doctor. The doctor will examine the affected area, interrogate the patient, collect an anamnesis and direct him to diagnostic measures. Usually, the initial diagnosis is correct, since arthritis is characterized by peculiar manifestations. To assess the activity of the inflammatory focus, it is necessary to examine the blood and check the patient's condition in accordance with the methods of laboratory tests. Be sure to take an x-ray of the joint.
To confirm the arthritis of the elbow joint and begin its treatment, a puncture is prescribed. The doctor pierces the shell of the joint capsule to obtain synovial fluid. It is necessary to evaluate the type of this substance, to make inoculation in order to check for the presence of pathological microflora. This procedure not only improves the patient's condition, but also helps determine which therapeutic course will be most successful in a particular case.
Sometimes the patient is recommended to take CT scans, MRI scans. With the reactive form of the disease, it is necessary to clarify which pathology has become the root cause.
Therapeutic program
When choosing how to treat elbow arthritis, the doctor proceeds from the characteristics of the pathology and etiology of the phenomenon. Prescribe a course of medicines, physiotherapy, massage, special gymnastic exercises. In a severe case, surgery is indicated.
First measures
To alleviate soreness and relieve the inflammatory process, it is recommended to use non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed both in oral form and in an embodiment for injective administration. In tablets, you can take acetylsalicylic acid or more advanced formulations of your choice. Sometimes the doctor prescribes ointments or a combined course.
Very often, the doctor prescribes a course of Diclofenac tablets, Diclac gel and injections of a non-hormonal drug effective against inflammation, for example, the same Diclofenac. The use of drugs containing indomethacin, piroxicam, nimesil gives a good result. In developing the program, the doctor immediately explains how to use the compounds correctly, what risks the treatment entails. Any non-hormonal anti-inflammatory negatively affects the work of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, can cause peptic ulcer, therefore it is important to observe the dosage and duration of the course.
Hormonal medication
With arthritis of the elbow joint, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs that are active in the case of an inflammatory focus. More often they stop at medications, which include hydrocortisone or prednisone. These substances effectively stop the activity of the pain focus due to inhibition of the generation of prostaglandins - mediators of the inflammatory process. As a rule, hormonal preparations are taken in tablet form or ointments with active components are used.
Hydrocortisone can be injected into the affected joint. In a similar way, Kenalog can be used.
A complex approach
With arthritis of the elbow joint, it is indicated to use drugs that protect the cartilage tissue. They are called chondroprotectors. Most often, the doctor prescribes chondroitin sulfate. Often it is combined with glucosamine to increase the effectiveness of the drug program.
To protect the joint and increase the effectiveness of the treatment course, Arthra and Chondrolon can be used. The drug "Structum" has proven itself not bad.
There are medicinal formulations for topical use. They have an irritating effect that activates the blood flow in the affected area. This stimulates metabolic processes and accelerates tissue regeneration. This result has drugs for local use, "Nikoflex" and "Bischofite." Sometimes the doctor advises you to stop at the ointment "Dimexidum".
Not single medicines
The treatment of arthritis of the elbow joint usually involves a physiotherapy course. Procedures - this is the second stage of program treatment, they are shown when it was possible to stop the activity of the main inflammatory process, the exacerbation was removed. For arthritis, procedures with magnetic fields, phonophoresis, and amplipulse have proven themselves well. You can use ozokerite, paraffin is useful. Physiotherapy will not help if arthritis is due to invasion of mycobacteria or the tumor nature of the disease. You can not apply such therapeutic measures if the patient has a tendency to bleeding. The course is contraindicated in children, women expecting a child, hypertension.
Similar contraindications are inherent in medical gymnastics, massage procedures. When the acute phase of the disease only develops, it is necessary to ensure the immobility of the diseased area in order to minimize the load on the inflamed tissue. When the process weakens, it is necessary to gradually increase the load, expanding the variety of movements and the functionality of the area. A correctly selected course of procedures helps to quickly cope with the inflammatory focus and strengthen muscle and ligamentous fibers that atrophy during the period of the disease. Massage treatments help consolidate the positive effects of a therapeutic program.
Therapy Features
The listed methods and methods of treating arthritis of the elbow joint will give the desired result only if excessive volumes of fluid have been previously removed from the joint capsule. If you do not pump out the substance on time, there will be no benefit from medications and procedures. The accumulation of fluid is explained by inflammatory processes. Its removal relieves the diseased area.
Pumping out intraarticular fluid is the responsibility of a qualified surgeon. He will also inject the indicated medications into the joint. The procedures are implemented strictly in the clinic, in the office, where the conditions of maximum sterility are ensured. Injections into the joint at home, as well as self-treatment of arthritis, are categorically not recommended.
Forms and features of the flow
Often a person comes to the clinic with arthritis of the elbow joint of serous or fibrous, combined form. Such a pathology is possible in case of infection of the body - it is a complication of the main process. Serous exudate is possible if the area is injured, even if there is no infection. The serous form of the disease, especially without adequate treatment, with a high degree of probability entails a loss of joint mobility partially or completely. To minimize such risks, you need to start a therapeutic program with the first symptoms.
In the case of an open fracture, pyemia, infection, there is the likelihood of a purulent type of disease. This develops with a penetrating wound, becomes a consequence of the spread of the foci of suppuration from other tissues to the joint. Sometimes the disease develops as purulent synovitis, but phlegmon is more often diagnosed.
Serous types: features of manifestations
Studies show that with this option for the development of pathology, the outlines of the affected area change, the patient feels pain and cannot normally move the damaged joint. When exudate accumulates in the bag, the volume of the joint increases, you can see two bulging rollers. Unconsciously, the patient tries to bend his arm at a right angle, to hold in this position. With suppuration, body temperature rises, the condition as a whole becomes severe.
A blood test for serous arthritis shows an elevated white blood cell count. With phlegmon, deep tissues swell, the skin acquires a bluish tint of red.
How to help?
With serous arthritis, it is necessary to give the affected limb a comfortable position and fix the position. Optimum bend at an angle of 90 degrees. The exudate removal procedure is sometimes indicated. With the fibrous process, it is necessary to begin gymnastics and massage procedures as early as possible in order to exclude the fusion of organic tissues.
If empyema develops, it is necessary to make several punctures. Antibiotics are injected into the joint cavity, the site is washed with antiseptics. Washing and injections give the best result in case of infection with pneumococcus. If the punctures do not show the desired result, to treat the articular region, the back surface of the elbow is opened with two incisions. If the probability of restoration of functionality is estimated as vanishingly small, it is necessary to apply a bandage of gypsum, fix the arm bent at a right angle, so that ankylosis is as convenient as possible. In general, as can be seen from statistics, ankylosis is the most frequent outcome of a purulent form of the disease, especially if the patient's condition required surgical intervention.
Bacterial infection: the nuances of treatment
In case arthritis is of bacterial origin, systemic therapy is indicated. First you need to remove the synovial fluid, take a blood test, make smears to determine the pathological microflora. The selection of medicines is based on identified microorganisms.
If the tests showed non-chronic arthritis, the bacteria are gram-positive, use Vancomycin. The drug is injected into a vein. The dosage is calculated based on weight: 30 mg / kg, but not more than 2 g per day. The medication is used in two doses. With gram-negative infection, medications from the third generation of cephalosporins will help. Drugs are administered intravenously. You can use "Ceftazidime"; the frequency of use is every eight hours, the dose is a gram or two. It is allowed to use Ceftriaxone. This medicine is administered once a day, the dose is 2 g.
If the Gram study fails, it makes sense to suggest a malfunction of the immune system. In this case, Vancomycin is indicated. With a deficiency of immunity, in the recovery period after an injury, it is worth resorting to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics. The duration of treatment in the general case is a couple of weeks of administering drugs into a vein, then orally - the same amount. Individual deviations are possible, based on the nuances of the course and the bioavailability of the selected agent. The completion of the therapeutic antibacterial course is possible only after seeding, which showed the cure of the patient.
Patient Experience
As can be seen from the reviews and stories shared by people who have suffered arthritis in various forms, the disease significantly affects the quality of life. Many people who faced the need to treat arthritis at first tried to apply the methods and approaches of traditional medicine, but, as a rule, the program turned out to be ineffective, as a result of which the case started and treatment became more complicated. Many cured arthritis note that the course took a long time, I had to take a wide variety of drugs, but a systematic approach under the supervision of the attending physician gave the desired result.