Young people rarely experience unpleasant symptoms of back and joint pain. But with age, many get acquainted with such diagnoses as osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis, firsthand.
There are a lot of reasons for them: overweight, passive lifestyle, increased stress, unhe althy diet, hereditary predisposition and just age-related changes in the body. So, for example, osteochondrosis can affect any joint of the body, but mainly settles in the spine. Gradually destroying the intervertebral discs, the disease progresses. Osteoarthritis generally leads to joint deformity.
It is customary to divide osteoarthritis into several types: coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis, osteoarthritis 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. In a state of 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 indisease sites. Headache, dizziness, numbness of the extremities, feeling of "flies" before the eyes, cold extremities, pressure drops, ringing in the ears - these are just a small part of the accompanying symptoms.
Despite the long duration of the course and the large number of stages between the beginning and the final point, the end 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 examination, 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 medications called chondroprotectors to their patients. One of them is "Artra (500 mg of chondroitin is included) Chondroitin".
Indications for its use
This is a chondroprotective drug produced in the USA by the Unipharm pharmaceutical company. It belongs to the group of antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The main indication for use is osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis. As part of the drug, the active substance includes sodium sulfate obtained from cattle.
The action of the drug "Artra Chondroitin" is based on accelerating the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue. The drug prevents the body from losing calcium. It additionally stimulates the production of hyaluronicacids and type 2 collagen in the body, significantly reducing severe symptoms of diseases (such as pain, aches and stiffness in the joints), and this makes it possible not to rush to resort to other types of therapy. The effect of the application is manifested immediately and becomes very noticeable after a few months, remains in the body for a long time after the withdrawal of the drug "Artra Chondroitin". The 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, eliminating the symptoms of diseases and reducing the stiffness of movements. Just like other drugs, it has similar contraindications. By the way, all these chondroprotectors should be used with caution by pregnant and lactating women.
"Artra Chondroitin" - analogues
If for some reason the tablets are not available for the patient, below is a list and description of similar chondroprotectors:
- "Artra 120";
- "Structum";
- "Teraflex" and "Teraflex Advance";
- "Glucosamine chondroitin complex";
- "Mukostat";
- "Artrin";
- "Artradol";
- "Tazan";
- "Kondronova".
Does this list for the drug "Artra Chondroitin" confirm the instructions for use? Analogues, unfortunately, are not indicated in it. But you cancompare the active ingredient of all the listed funds.
Artra 120
Manufacturer: Russia.
Average cost: from 1500 rubles.
This chondroprotector includes two active drugs at once. In addition to chondroitin, it contains glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine protects bone and cartilage tissue from the negative effects of chemical elements. This is an extremely important point, since during exacerbations, patients with osteochondrosis often resort to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. Unfortunately, these very drugs have a destructive effect on the cartilage tissue in the body. It is a good analogue of the drug "Artra Chondroitin" (the instruction confirms the similar composition of the drugs).
"Artra No. 120" is absolutely contraindicated for people with kidney disease. Not recommended for people with asthma, diabetes and poor blood clotting.
Like other drugs, requires long-term continuous use for 6 months.
Structum
Producing country: Russia/France.
Average cost: from 1400 rubles.
Has no fundamental differences with other drugs. Is that a ban on its combined use with fibrinolytics and anticoagulants. As part of complex therapy, according to reviews, a more visible effect of Structum is achieved.
"Teraflex" and "TeraflexAdvance"
Production country: USA/Germany.
Average cost: from 1200 rubles.
The content of chondroitin in this preparation is much less than in other analogues. Therefore, its use in some cases may not be enough. But the anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs contained in it act instantly, relieving pain.
The release form of this drug is also different. "Teraflex" is available in tablets and in the form of an ointment. Of course, in the latter case, its effect is reduced and the cost is increased.
Added to the contraindications is the presence of a stomach ulcer and "aspirin asthma" in the patient.
Chondroitin glucosamine complex
Producing country: Russia.
Average cost: 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
Producing country: Russia.
Average cost: from 400 rubles.
The fundamental difference is the release of the drug in ampoules for intramuscular injection. Doctors have repeatedly confirmed that this form of release is the most effective method of combating the disease. "Mukostat" keeps in the middle price segment incomparison with peers.
Artrin
Producing country: 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 bedsores. It is a catalyst for the appearance of calluses after fractures. According to patients, it helped to reduce pain from bruising and muscle strain. During use, avoid contact with mucous membranes and open wounds.
Artradol
Producing country: Russia.
Average cost: from 700 rubles.
The drug has no fundamental differences from other analogues.
Tazan
Producing country: Russia.
Average cost: from 1100 rubles.
The drug is based on 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, edema, drowsiness, or, conversely, insomnia. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to combine driving a car with the use of Tazan.
Kondronova
Producing country: India.
Average cost: from 400 rubles.
It doesn't matter which chondroprotector the patient has chosen, it is important that he carefully follows 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. Early treatment of joint diseases will help to avoid the need for prosthetics.
Side effects of "Artra Chondroitin"
Some side effects include an allergic reaction in some patients. With caution, it is recommended to use for people prone to bleeding and suffering from hypersensitivity to the components of the drug "Artra Chondroitin". Instructions for use describe all possible side effects.
Cost
The average cost of a drug in Russian pharmacies is 1,400 rubles. The drug is not available to all segments of the population. Therefore, after consulting with a specialist, you can purchase a cheaper analogue.
Reviews
"Artra Chondroitin" has decent reviews (according to the opinion of most patients), copes with all the indicated functions, and the few who took it experience side effects.
