Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise from different causes, but are similar in their clinical manifestations and course.The basis of all arthrosis is damage to the components of the joint. Arthrosis is a progressive disease associated with dysfunction of the affected joint.Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, joint membrane, ligaments and periarticular muscles of the knee joint are damaged.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach, also requires attention.And at least the basic knowledge about why and how this disease occurs.
Gonarthrosis: causes
The causes of arthrosis of the knee joint can be the following:
- Joint injuries: According to the scientific literature, approximately one-third and perhaps half of arthrosis is preceded by an injury.A person may accidentally trip on the street or injure a joint while playing sports.First, there is a sharp pain, which later becomes dull and slightly painful, but does not cause much discomfort.Generally, in most cases, the joint will soon heal on its own and show no signs of injury.However, in rare cases, such an unfavorable combination of conditions can cause the development of arthrosis.
- Long-term overloading of the joints: it is believed that people whose profession involves long-term overloading of the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may develop early joint arthrosis.
- Arthritis (knee arthritis): when the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is disturbed, therefore arthritis causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance.In general, joint arthrosis is not directly inherited, but "catalysts" in the development of arthrosis can be the peculiarities of the metabolism and cartilage tissue structure, which are genetically inherited.The possibility of arthrosis can also occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, or birth injuries.
- Overweight.Being overweight is an "aggravating" factor in the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain imposes a greater burden.It should be remembered that arthrosis of the knee joints is more severe in obese people than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is a well-known fact that during excessive use, the adrenal glands secrete "stress hormones", which causes the blood supply to deteriorate and the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component of the normal functioning of the joint, to decrease.Chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances listed above can cause arthrosis.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee arthrosis is pain in the knee joint.It is noteworthy that the pain in the knee appears only during physical activity: walking, running, squatting and lying down, this pain disappears, and after a while it disappears completely (until the next exercise).
- Crackling in the joint.Unlike the "crunch" of joints in healthy people, the crunch of joints affected by arthrosis has a different tone: rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness.1st degree arthrosis of the knee joint is usually not expressed by stiffness as much as in the following degrees.But as it progresses, the range of motion of the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformation of the knee joint.As gonarthrosis progresses, pathological formations develop in the joint - bone spurs.Because of these, the appearance of the joint may differ from its healthy one.In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat "spread" due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of arthrosis of the knee joint
Knee arthritis affects women more often than men.This disease often progresses after the age of forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and more serious than we wrote before, in obese women, as well as in people who have pronounced varicose veins.
The beginning of the disease is characterized by minor pain in the knee.Pain often 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 goes away, but when he has to stand up, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint 1st degree
Grade I knee osteoarthritis is sometimes characterized by intense knee pain, while the bones that make up the knee joint remain undeformed, but the knee may appear slightly swollen due to synovitis.If there is too much intra-articular fluid, it can spread into the popliteal fossa.This condition is called Baker's cyst.If this has been diagnosed, then there is no need to worry, it is not an oncological tumor, it will decrease due to the drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 2nd degree
2-degree arthrosis of the knee joint begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this time, the pain in the knee joint usually increases.This pain no longer only occurs during physical activity, but accompanies a person with any movement.Usually at this time, the joint pain is accompanied by a pronounced crunch in the knee.2nd degree gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by intense pain and cracking, as well as a decrease in the ability to bend the knee joint of the leg.Deformation of the joint appears immediately: the shape of the bones changes, the joint becomes hard and "rough" to the touch.
Arthrosis of the knee joint 3rd degree
Grade 3 arthrosis of the knee joint is characterized by constant intense pain;even lying down is difficult for a person: he is forced to find a position in which he can rest.The knees become sensitive to changes in the weather, and as night approaches, the aching pain begins.3rd degree gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility;it becomes impossible for a person to bend their leg more than 90° at the knee joint.Sometimes, with 3rd degree gonarthrosis, it is not possible to completely straighten the leg;one should walk on slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O- or X-shaped leg deformity develops.In extreme cases, severe arthrosis must be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What do you need to know about medical treatment of knee joints?
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising wonderful ointments for joint pain, you should understand that gonarthrosis cannot be cured by any method;an integrated approach is needed.
If you notice the first signs of arthrosis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.This can be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or, first, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So how to treat knee arthrosis?Non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are typically used to treat joints, which can relieve arthritis.Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic and pain-relieving effects.Remember, drugs belonging to this group cannot be taken continuously, because they are able to "mask" the symptoms of the disease.Please note: do not self-medicate, only act 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 medicines.
In recent years, new generation drugs have been used in practice: selective drugs that act in the same way as NSAIDs, but cause less 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 in extreme gonarthrosis almost nothing can be restored: practically all cartilage is destroyed.To achieve the effect of chondroprotectors, they must be used for a long time: at least 2-3 courses, which usually last a year and a half.Remember, although this group of drugs has few contraindications, their use should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilating drugs are a good complex therapy for the treatment of arthrosis.They help restore the joint by improving blood flow and relieving spasm of small blood vessels.A pleasant bonus in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, including vasodilators, is the elimination of night pain in the damaged joint.If we want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is best to use vasodilators together with chondroprotectors, so that the nutrients of the chondroprotectors penetrate the joint in larger quantities and circulate more actively in it.Remember to discuss the use of any medication with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for the treatment of arthrosis are often used by marketers as a trap for desperate patients.Remember that the treatment of extreme knee arthrosis with ointment will not have an effect, but at the initial stage, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition.You can use joint pain reliever ointments to improve blood circulation in the joints.Such drugs help eliminate painful spasms in the joint and increase blood circulation.You can also use bee and snake venom based ointments.These ointments have an irritant effect that increases blood circulation in the damaged joint.Remember, many poison-based ointments can cause allergic reactions, so only a specialist can give permission for their use.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method combined with medication and physiotherapy techniques.
It should be remembered that therapeutic exercise for gonarthrosis is the main method of treatment, since no medicine can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply.In addition, physiotherapy is the most cost-effective and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary financial expenses.
But it is necessary to perform gymnastics therapy complexes for arthrosis with care: do not rush to do 200 squats or 100 leg swings a day.Under no circumstances should you apply intense dynamic loads, but perform static exercises instead of active bending and stretching.Unfortunately, the majority of patients do not like to do static exercises, because they are the most energy-demanding and tiring, but if you endure regular exercise for 2-3 weeks, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also experience an increase in strength and performance.
How to do it right
The exercises should be performed very delicately and delicately, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.During the execution of the exercises, intense pain should not be allowed.Strive for gradualness and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect can only be achieved with a constant moderate load.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after abdominal and thoracic surgery, during fever or during menstruation in women.It is imperative that you pay attention not only to the joints, but also to the abdominal and back muscles.This is necessary so that the main blood flow reaches the limbs through the muscles of the abdomen and back.
The exercise series are freely available on the Internet, try to do varied exercises for 30-40 minutes a day following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and the will to return to your previous easy movement!
Physiotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
If you are asking whether it is possible to use physiotherapy treatment methods in arthrosis of the knee joint, we answer - absolutely!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy
Laser therapy is the therapeutic use of a light beam consisting of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectrums.The effect of the laser is anti-inflammatory, edema and pain-relieving.A laser therapy treatment usually consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure arthrosis with laser alone;this is an additional method of treatment.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the effect of local cooling on the joint.There are two methods of cryotherapy: using a cryosauna and applying liquid nitrogen directly to the joint.It is believed that the latter method is the most effective in arthrosis of the knee joint.With the help of cryotherapy, you can improve blood supply to the joint, improve metabolic processes, and relieve muscle spasms.The treatment process is usually 10-12 times a day.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetic therapy
Magnetic therapy is exposure to the effect of a magnetic field.A fairly common method of physiotherapy treatment in hospitals and clinics.The effect of the magnetic field has an anti-edema effect, causes non-contact electrical stimulation in the muscles, and reduces arthritis.The treatment is prescribed by a physiotherapist.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound treatment is treatment with sound waves.Ultrasound of arthrosis improves blood supply, reduces muscle spasms, and has a pain-relieving effect.In order to enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medicinal substance is applied to the affected joint.With the help of ultrasound waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: thermal treatment
The thermal treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is the disease 1-2.is applied in theThis method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin and mud.The latter deserve special attention: arthrosis can be treated with mud at home.The healing mud must be diluted with water and heated to 60°, then after cooling the resulting mass to 38-42°, mix it with unheated mud and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with an oilcloth and a warm blanket on top.Let it stand for 30 minutes.Perform the procedure every other day with 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine in arthrosis of the knee joint
The diet of arthrosis is an important factor in successful treatment.But we have to understand that the development of arthrosis is not related to any eating habits, but being overweight contributes to the development of arthrosis of the lower limbs.However, you must lose weight in the right way: under no circumstances should you starve yourself or go on a strict diet, because as you know, after leaving strict diets, the weight will accelerate again, and often in even greater amounts.
We must know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and must be treated.With obesity, the regulation of the appetite and satiety centers is disrupted, but it is possible to "put it on the right track".
First, you need to recognize the problem, which is often associated with improper eating habits.Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself.A weight reduction of 10-15% compared to the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, if you lose even 5% of your original weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will drop and the condition of your joints will improve.
The goal is to lose weight
In any case, if your goal is to lose weight, you need to think about your diet, the composition and quantity of the food you eat.Reduce the consumption of confectionery products, baked goods and various "fast" carbohydrates.
As a start, we recommend that you try a simple way of eating.Prepare your usual meal by placing the usual portion on a plate.Now eat only half of the food on your plate.You will soon find that you simply eat the whole portion out of habit, even though you only need very little to satisfy your hunger.Even if you are hungry, eat half the portion slowly and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised that after all this time you simply do not want to finish the remaining portion: the hunger has disappeared, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months of "under-dieting", you will see noticeable results.Try it out!
In addition to adequate food intake, one should not forget adequate fluid intake.Those who do not suffer from serious cardiovascular or kidney disease and do not suffer from edema can safely increase the amount of fluid consumed to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Medicinal plant for the treatment of arthrosis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions of arthrosis help less than the above methods, but they can be relatively beneficial.
Within a month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you only need to take each infusion or decoction separately, then replace it with another one.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 on low heat for 15 minutes, then leave to cook for 1 hour, covering the pot while it is warm.After an hour, it should be filtered and boiled water should be added to the broth to the original volume.Take a quarter (1/4) cup of infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for one month.
Lime infusion for arthrosis
Lime infusion for arthrosis: pour 3 tablespoons of lime flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil on low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and filter.Take the infusion warm, 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for arthrosis
Burdock decoction for arthrosis: pour 1 tablespoon of burdock root with 1 glass of boiling water, cook over low heat, stirring frequently for about 30 minutes, then cool the decoction to room temperature and filter.Take half (1/2) cup of the decoction warm three times a day before meals for one month.
Alder infusion for arthrosis
Alder decoction for arthrosis: pour 2 tablespoons of gray alder (Alnus incana) cones with 1 glass of boiling water, keep on low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and filter.Take alder cone infusion, one third (1/3) of a glass three times a day half an hour before meals for one month.
A collection of herbs for the treatment of arthrosis
Collection of medicinal plants for arthrosis: mix equal proportions of willow bark, parsley root, black elder flowers and nettle leaves, chop thoroughly.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then let it stand for 2 hours and filter.Take half a glass of this mixture four times a day half an hour before meals.The duration of the 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 right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions and start the fight for your overall physical and mental health, following the recommendations we offer.Then you will definitely beat the disease!