Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for various reasons, but are similar in manifestation and clinical course.The basis of all arthrosis is damage to the joint components. Arthritis is a progressive disease with joint dysfunction.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which damage occurs to the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, and periarticular muscles of the knee joint.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach, also requires your attention.And also at least a basic understanding of why and how this disease occurs.
Gonarthrosis: causes
Causes of arthrosis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: According to the scientific literature, about a third and perhaps half of the cases of arthrosis are preceded by an injury.A person may trip on the street by accident, or damage a joint while playing sports.First, there will be a sharp pain, which will then dull and become a little painful, but not cause much discomfort.Usually, in most cases, the joint will heal on its own and will not show any signs of injury.But in rare cases, this combination of unfavorable conditions can trigger the development of arthrosis.
- Long-term load on the joints: it is believed that people whose profession is associated with prolonged overload on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may experience the development of early arthrosis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joint (arthritis of the knee joint): when the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is disturbed, therefore, arthritis that causes arthrosis of the knee joint (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Ancestry.Usually, joint arthrosis is not inherited directly, but the "catalyst" in the development of arthrosis can be the characteristics of the metabolism and structure of cartilage tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Also, the possibility of arthrosis may occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, or a birth injury.
- Excess body weight.Excess body weight is an "exacerbating" condition in the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain puts a greater burden.It should be remembered that in obese people, arthrosis of the knee joint is worse than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is a known fact that during excessive stress, the adrenal glands secrete "stress hormones", causing a decline in blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component for the normal functioning of joints.As a result of chronic stress and the aggravating conditions listed above, arthrosis may occur.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- illOne of the early and main symptoms of knee arthrosis is pain in the knee joint.It should be noted that the pain in the knee will only occur during physical activity: when walking, running, squatting, and in a lying position this pain will disappear, and after a while it will disappear completely (until the next exercise).
- Throbbing in the joints.In contrast to the "crunching" of the joints of healthy people, the crunching of joints affected by arthrosis has a different tone: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness.Stage 1 knee arthrosis is usually not as pronounced as stiffness in later stages.But as it progresses, the range of motion in the affected joint is significantly reduced.
- Deformation of the knee joint.When gonarthrosis develops, pathological formations develop on the spine of the joints - bones.It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from a healthy one.In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat "large", this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
Course of arthrosis of the knee joint
Knee osteoarthritis affects women more often than men.The disease often develops after forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after an injury and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and severe, as we wrote before, in obese women, as well as in people with obvious varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of minor pain in the knee.Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand on his feet for a long time, when going up or down stairs.When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when he has to get up again, the first step becomes very painful for him.
There are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint degree 1
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint stage 1 is characterized by severe pain in the knee at the same time, but at the same time, the bones that make up the knee joint remain unchanged, but due to synovitis, the knee may appear slightly swollen.If there is too much intra-articular fluid, it can spread to the popliteal fossa.This condition is called Baker's cyst.If you have been diagnosed with this, do not worry, this is not an oncological tumor, it decreases under the influence of the drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint grade 2
Arthrosis of the knee joint 2 degrees begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this time, the pain in the knee joint is usually increasing.This pain no longer occurs only during physical activity, but accompanies a person with any movement.Usually at this time, the pain in the joint is accompanied by a different irritation in the knee.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree, in addition to severe pain and stiffness, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg at the knee joint.Deformation of the joint immediately appears: the bone structure changes shape, and when palpated, the joint becomes hard and "rough."
Knee joint arthrosis grade 3
Knee joint arthrosis of the 3rd degree is characterized by constant intense pain;it is even difficult for a person to lie down: he has to find a position in which he can rest.Knees become sensitive to changes in weather, and as night approaches the agonizing pain begins.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility;it becomes impossible for a person to bend the leg at the knee joint more than 90°.Sometimes, with grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to fully straighten the leg;one has to walk with slightly bent legs.In some cases, O-shaped or X-shaped leg deformities develop.In severe cases, high-grade arthrosis needs to be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What is important to know when treating knee joints with medication?
Despite the many advertisements that promise a miracle ointment for joint pain, you need to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with any one method;an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of arthrosis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.This can be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist or, first, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So, how to treat arthrosis of the knee joint?Usually, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances that can relieve inflammation in the joints are used to treat the joints.Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic and analgesic effects.Remember, drugs in this group should not be taken continuously, because they are able to "cover" the symptoms of the disease.Please note: do not self-medicate, act only under the guidance of a competent specialist who can prescribe treatment for you based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account contraindications to the use of drugs.
In recent years, new generation drugs have been used in practice: they are selective agents that act in the same way as NSAIDs, but are less likely to give unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with chondroprotectors
For arthrosis of the knee joint, you can take substances that nourish the cartilage tissue of the joint and restore its structure.Such drugs are chondroprotectors.Such drugs are most effective if you have grade 1 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, because with extreme gonarthrosis there is almost nothing to restore: all the cartilage is practically destroyed.To get the effect of chondroprotectors, you need to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually take a year and a half.Remember, although this group of medicinal ingredients has some contraindications, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex therapy for the treatment of arthrosis.They help restore joints by increasing blood flow and relieving small vessel spasms.A pleasant bonus in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, including with vasodilators, can be the elimination of night pain in the damaged joint.If you want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, vasodilators are best used with chondroprotectors, therefore, the nutrients of chondroprotectors will penetrate into the joints in larger quantities and will circulate more actively in them.Remember, the use of any medication must be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for arthrosis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients.Remember that treating extreme knee arthrosis with ointments will have no effect, but in the early stages, creams and ointments can significantly reduce the condition.To improve blood circulation in the joints, you can use pain relief ointment for the joints.Such drugs help to relieve painful spasms in the joints and improve blood circulation.You can also use an ointment based on bee and snake venom.This ointment has an irritating effect that improves blood circulation in damaged joints.Remember, many poison-based ointments can cause allergic reactions, so permission to use them should only be given by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method in combination with drugs and physiotherapeutic techniques.
You must remember that therapeutic exercise for gonarthrosis is the main method of treatment, because no medicine can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply.In addition, therapeutic exercises are the most budget-friendly and most effective treatments that do not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to perform complex exercise therapy for arthrosis with caution: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 leg swings.You should never give a strong dynamic load, but instead of active extension-flexion, do static exercises.Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do static exercises, because they are the most energy-consuming and tiring, but if you can endure for 2-3 weeks, exercising regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also find an increase in strength and an increase in performance.
How to do it right
The exercise must be done very smoothly and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.Severe pain should not be tolerated during exercise.Aim for gradualness and regularity, don't rush: the expected effect will only be achieved with constant moderate loads.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after surgery on abdominal and thoracic organs, during fever, or during menstruation in women.It is absolutely necessary to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to put pressure on the abdominal and back muscles.This is necessary so that through the abdominal and back muscles the main blood flow goes to the limbs.
Exercise sets are available for free on the Internet, try to do various exercises for 30-40 minutes a day every day, according to our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and the will to return to your former ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapeutic treatment methods for arthrosis of the knee joint, we will answer - absolutely!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use for therapeutic purposes of light beams consisting of the spectrum of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation.Laser effects have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic effects.Usually, one course of laser therapy treatment consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure arthrosis with laser alone;it is an additional method of treatment.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a local cooling effect on the joints.There are two methods of cryotherapy: using a cryosauna and applying liquid nitrogen directly to the joint.It is believed that the last method is the most effective for arthrosis of the knee joint.With the help of cryotherapy, you can increase the blood supply to the joints, improve metabolic processes, and relieve muscle spasms.The course of treatment is usually 10-12 sessions per day.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy is exposure to magnetic fields.A fairly common physiotherapeutic treatment method in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to magnetic fields has an anti-edema effect, causes non-contact electrical stimulation of muscles, and reduces joint inflammation.The course of treatment is prescribed by a physiotherapist.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy is a treatment using sound waves.Ultrasound for arthrosis helps increase blood supply, reduces muscle spasms, and has an analgesic effect.To increase the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, medicinal substances are applied to the affected joints.With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates the tissue more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: heat treatment
Thermal treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint is used at stage 1-2 of the disease.This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, and mud.It is the last one that deserves special attention: treatment of arthrosis with mud can be done at home.You should dilute the healing mud with water and heat it to a temperature of 60°, then mix the resulting mass with unheated mud, cool it to 38-42° and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer to the affected joints.Cover the mixture with an oilcloth and a warm blanket over it.Leave for 30 minutes.Carry out the procedure every day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for arthrosis of the knee joint
Diet for arthrosis is an important factor in successful treatment.But we must understand that the development of arthrosis is not associated with any eating habits, but excess weight that contributes to the development of arthrosis in the lower part of the foot.However, you need to lose weight properly: under no circumstances should you starve or go on a strict diet, because as you know, after leaving a strict diet, the weight will gain again, and often in larger quantities.
We need to know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated.With obesity, the central regulation of appetite and satiety is disturbed, but it is possible to "set it on the right path."
First, you need to recognize the problem, which is often associated with bad eating habits.Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself.Weight loss of 10-15% from the initial level is a very good result.Believe me, even if you lose even 5% of your original weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
The goal is to lose weight
In any case, if you have set a goal to lose weight, then you need to reconsider the diet, composition and amount of food consumed.Reduce the use of confectionery products, baked goods and various types of "fast" carbohydrates.
For starters, we recommend trying a simple way of eating.Prepare your usual meal by placing your usual portion on the plate.Now, eat only half of the food on your plate.Soon you will notice that you just eat whole portions out of habit, even though you only need a little bit to satisfy your hunger.Even if you're hungry, slowly eat half of your portion and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised that after this time you will not want to finish the remaining part: the feeling of hunger has disappeared, and with it the urgent desire to eat everything.After two months of this "less diet" you will see noticeable results.Try it!
Along with proper food intake, one must not forget adequate fluid intake.Those who do not have cardiovascular disease or severe kidney disease, and who do not suffer from edema, can safely increase the amount of fluid they drink to 2 liters a day.
Alternative treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint
Herbal medicine for arthrosis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for arthrosis help less than the above methods, but they can be of relative benefit.
Within a month you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you need to take each infusion or decoction only separately, then replace it with another.Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for arthrosis
Birch decoction for arthrosis: pour 1 tablespoon of birch buds with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, and let it brew for 1 hour, covering the container warmly.After an hour, you need to filter and add boiled water to the soup to the original amount.Take an infusion of a quarter (1/4) of a glass 4 times a day, an hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for arthrosis
Linden infusion for arthrosis: pour 3 tablespoons of linden flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain.Take a warm infusion, 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Decoction of burdock for arthrosis
Decoction of burdock for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of burdock root should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, after which the decoction should be cooled to room temperature and filtered.Take a warm decoction, half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for arthrosis
Alder infusion for arthrosis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered.Take an infusion of alder cones, one third (1/3) of a glass, 3 times a day half an hour before meals for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley root, black elderberry flowers and nettle leaves, finely chopped.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and filter.Take this mixture half a glass 4 times a day half an hour before meals.The course of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that arthrosis is a very unpleasant disease, when faced with it, it is necessary to draw the correct conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, and start fighting for your physical and spiritual health to the fullest, according to the recommendations we offer.Then you will definitely beat the disease!