Young people rarely experience unpleasant symptoms of back and joint pain. But with age, many get acquainted with such diagnoses as osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis, firsthand.
There are a lot of reasons for them: overweight, passive lifestyle, increased stress, malnutrition, hereditary predisposition and simply age-related changes in the body. So, for example, osteochondrosis is able to affect any joint of the body, but mainly settles in the spine. By gradually destroying the intervertebral discs, the disease progresses. Osteoarthrosis generally leads to joint deformation.
It is customary to divide osteoarthrosis into several types: coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis, osteoarthrosis of the ankle joint, elbow joint and shoulder joint. It is believed that the disease develops against the background of a lack of oxygen in the tissues of the joint. At rest, nothing disturbs a person. But the onset of the disease slowly manifests itself. At first, movements are accompanied by a characteristic crunch in the area of the affected joint. Gradually, over time, even small loads begin to bring pain and become difficult.
The patient experiences not only pain at the site of the disease. Headache, dizziness, numbness of the extremities, a sensation of "flies" in front of the eyes, cold extremities, pressure drops, tinnitus are just a small part of the accompanying symptoms.
Despite the long-term course and the large number of stages between the beginning and the final point, the final result of each of these diseases is the restriction of mobility and the assignment of the status of a disabled person.
To diagnose the disease, an X-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is sufficient. Each procedure will help determine the presence and extent of joint damage.
Pain sensations of varying degrees of intensity turn into an unwanted life partner. In these cases, specialists often prescribe special medicines called chondroprotectors to their patients. One of them is "Arthra (500 mg of chondroitin is included) Chondroitin."
Indications for its use
This is a chondroprotective drug manufactured in the USA by Unipharm pharmaceutical company. It belongs to the group of anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The main indication for use is osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis. In the composition of the drug, the active substance includes sodium sulfate obtained from cattle.
The action of the drug "Arthra Chondroitin" is based on accelerating the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue. The drug prevents the body from losing calcium. It additionally stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen of the second type in the body, significantly reducing the pronounced symptoms of diseases (such as pain, aches and stiffness in the joints), and this makes it possible to not rush to resort to other types of therapy. The effect of the application manifests itself immediately and becomes very noticeable after a few months, remains in the body for a long time after discontinuation of the drug "Arthra Chondroitin". Capsules dissolve quickly in the stomach. Doctors note the greatest effectiveness of taking the drug in the early stages of the disease.
The drug proves its effectiveness by eliminating the symptoms of diseases and reducing the stiffness of movements. Like other drugs, it has similar contraindications. By the way, all these chondroprotectors should be used with caution by pregnant and lactating women.
"Arthra Chondroitin" - analogues
If for some reason the tablets are not accessible to the patient, the following is a list and description of similar chondroprotectors:
- "Arthra No. 120";
- Structum;
- Teraflex and Teraflex Advance;
- "Glucosamine chondroitin complex" ;
- "Mukostat";
- Arthrin
- "Artradol";
- Tazan
- Kondronova.
Does this list confirm the use of the Arthra Chondroitin preparation? Analogs, unfortunately, are not indicated in it. But you can make a comparison of the active substance of all of the above funds.
"Arthra No. 120"
Manufacturer: Russia.
Average cost: from 1500 rubles.
This chondroprotector immediately includes two active drugs. In addition to chondroitin, it contains glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine protects bone and cartilage from the negative effects of chemical elements. This is an extremely important point, because during exacerbations, patients with osteochondrosis often resort to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. Unfortunately, these very agents have a destructive effect on the cartilage tissue in the body. It is a good analogue of the drug "Arthra Chondroitin" (the instruction confirms a similar composition of drugs).
"Arthra No. 120" is absolutely contraindicated in people with kidney disease. Not recommended for people with bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus and poor blood clotting.
Like other drugs, it requires long-term continuous use for 6 months.
Structum
Country of origin: Russia / France.
Average price: from 1400 rubles.
There are no fundamental differences with other drugs. Is that a ban on its joint use with fibrinolytics and anticoagulants. As part of complex therapy, according to reviews, a more visible Structum effect is achieved.
Teraflex and Teraflex Advance
Country of Origin: USA / Germany.
Average cost: from 1200 rubles.
The content of chondroitin in this drug is significantly less than in other analogues. Therefore, its use in some cases may not be enough. But the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contained in it act instantly, relieving pain.
The difference in this drug is also its release form. "Teraflex" is available in tablets and in the form of ointments. Of course, in the latter case, its effect is reduced, and the cost is increased.
Contraindications include the patient’s presence of stomach ulcers and “aspirin asthma”.
"Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex"
Country of origin: Russia.
Average price: from 350 rubles.
Perhaps this would be one of the few budget options for a chondroprotector. But the instructions for the drug indicate that it is a dietary supplement, and not a drug. Therefore, its effectiveness has not been proven. Interestingly, the cost of the Bulgarian analogue of these vitamins reaches 2,600 rubles per package.
Mukostat
Country of origin: Russia.
Average cost: from 400 rubles.
The fundamental difference is the release of the drug in ampoules for intramuscular administration. Doctors have repeatedly confirmed that this form of release is the most effective method of combating the disease. Mukostat is held in the middle price segment in comparison with peers.
"Arthrin"
Country of origin: Russia.
Average cost: from 200 rubles.
In addition to similar indications for use, it is effective in the form of a powder for topical use in the treatment of trophic ulcers and pressure sores. It is a catalyst for the appearance of bone marrow after fractures. According to patient reviews, it helped reduce pain from bruising and muscle strain. During use, it must be avoided in mucous membranes and open wounds.
"Artradol"
Country of origin: Russia.
Average price: from 700 rubles.
The drug does not have fundamental differences from other analogues.
Tazan
Country of origin: Russia.
Average cost: from 1100 rubles.
At the heart of the drug is glucosamine, obtained from the shell of marine crustaceans. Unlike analogues, it has a greater number of adverse reactions, manifested in the form of dizziness, nausea, swelling, drowsiness, or, conversely, insomnia. Therefore, driving a car is highly discouraged to combine with the use of "Tazana".
Kondronova
Country of Origin: India.
Average cost: from 400 rubles.
No matter which chondroprotector a patient chooses, it is important that he carefully follow the recommendations for its use. Domestic and imported analogues contain identical active substances, therefore, the side effects from their use are the same. Treatment with any of the above drugs must be started in a timely manner, at an early stage of the disease. An early fight against joint diseases will help to avoid the need for prosthetics.
Side effects of "Arthra Chondroitin"
Among the side effects, an allergic reaction is noted in a number of patients. With caution, it is recommended to use for people prone to bleeding and suffering from hypersensitivity to the components of the drug "Arthra Chondroitin". Instructions for use describe all possible side effects.
Cost
The average cost of the drug in pharmacies in Russia is at around 1,400 rubles. The drug is not available for all segments of the population. Therefore, after consultation with a specialist, you can purchase a cheaper analogue.
Reviews
"Arthra Chondroitin" reviews are worthy (according to most patients), cope with all the designated functions, and the side effects are experienced by the units that took it.