Kashin - Becka disease: the complexity of diagnosis and treatment

Diseases of the joints - the oldest problem of mankind, which is relevant today.

In the modern world, joint diseases are the most common and affect not only the elderly, but the younger generation.

Diagnosed as the most common ailments, and rare diseases, which include Kashin-Bek's disease.

Level disease - what, how and why?

Kashin-Bek disease( level disease, deforming endemic osteoarthritis ) is an ailment determined by degenerative and degenerative processes in bones and articular tissues, as well as the development of flexural contractures.

The disease got its name thanks to the River Level, where this pathology was first discovered, and also in honor of Russian doctors who described in detail its development.

In the recent past, pathology has been diagnosed most often in Eastern Siberia and Transbaikalia, nowadays its growth has significantly decreased.

As a rule, Kashin-Beck disease is formed in childhood and adolescence, when the growth and formation of the skeleton occurs, is more often observed in boys.

How the disease develops

At the beginning of the development of pathology, dull pains appear in the joints and muscles, there is a crunch, the patient feels weak, quickly becomes tired.

In the photo, the deformation of the patient's foot in which the level illness

After a few years, changes begin in the joints, muscle atrophy develops. In more severe cases the interphalangeal joints of the fingers tighten, the hand is deformed, and the contracture is formed.

Very often, the brushes take the form of a so-called bear paw. In addition, the patient has a low growth, often develops goiter.

Causes of the occurrence of the disease

The causes of the Kashin-Beck disease are not well defined, but the most reasonable is the theory that this disease causes insufficient amounts of calcium, as well as an excess of iron, manganese, zinc and serb.

This is evidenced by studies of scientists who, in areas with a high level of disease, found a high content of phosphates in soil and water.

It is also confirmed that children can be born with this disease.

Degrees of severity of pathology

Modern medicine distinguishes three major severity levels of the disease:

1. The first degree of is marked by a small thickening of the interphalangeal joints of 2, 3, 4 fingers of the hands. After loads and in the morning there is pain, limited movement in the elbows, ankles and wrist joints. Often there are cramps.
2. The second degree of is accompanied by a significant crunch in the joints, a significant thickening, there is severe pain during movement, muscle atrophy is observed, there is a lack of mobility, lumbar hyperlordosis. Many patients have a short stature. In addition to these symptoms, the two aforementioned degrees can also be accompanied by frequent headaches, changes in heart rate, lack of appetite, poor hair and nails. Often, the development of such ailments as bronchitis, gastritis, neurological pathology, etc.
3. is noted. The third degree of is the heaviest and has strong joint pains, especially when moving, all joints are strongly deformed and practically immobile. As a result of damage to the joints of the pelvis and hip, a duck walk appears, the brushes resemble a bear's paw. In addition, they can diagnose heart palpitations, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland. Patients with this diagnosis are characterized by a small growth, short neck, narrow pelvis, especially women.

We diagnose

When Kashin-Beck disease is diagnosed, the diagnosis is made according to the above symptoms. Additional diagnosis includes an X-ray that more accurately indicates pathological changes in the joints and metaphyseal bones.

Also of great importance are the information about the area in which the patient lives. It should be remembered that the existing symptoms are very common in many other ailments, such as rickets, endocrine changes, chondrodystrophy, etc.

It is therefore important to distinguish deforming endemic osteoarthritis from the listed pathologies in order to establish a correct diagnosis and prescribe quality therapy.

Treatment of

disease The main goal of therapy is the restoration of joint function, the elimination of pain and muscle contractures.

This result is achieved by the regular intake of calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. Efficacy is achieved with the help of biological stimulants, which are often used for arthrosis.

In addition, in the treatment of the level of the disease often apply therapeutic gymnastics and various types of massage is also very effective radon baths, mud and paraffin applications, ultrasound physiotherapy.

In the most severe cases, surgical intervention is recommended, which allows to remove contractures and restore mobility.

Possible complications of

With late diagnosis and inadequate treatment, serious complications are possible.

Firstly, it is complete deformation and immobility of the joints, and secondly, it is possible to infringe the intraarticular body, the appearance of radiculitis, secondary arthritis, disability.

What determines the duration and quality of life?

If the diagnosis is detected at the time and prescribed treatment, predictions about the disease level are quite favorable.

Almost 30% of patients achieve a cure process and completely restore the working capacity of .At a later stage, thanks to the latest methods of treatment, it is possible to reduce pain, improve mobility and stop the development of the disease.

Diagnosis endemic osteoarthritis is not a verdict, with early diagnosis and the correct organization of the treatment process, you can completely stop the disease.