Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for different reasons, but which are similar in clinical manifestations and course.The basis of all arthrosis is damage to the joint components. Arthritis is a progressive disease with dysfunction of the affected joint.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
The causes of arthrosis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: According to the scientific literature, about a third and perhaps half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by injury.A person may accidentally crash on the road, or injure an ankle while playing sports.First, there will be a sharp pain, which will then dull and hurt a little, but will not cause much discomfort.Usually, in most cases, the joint will soon heal on its own and will show no signs of injury.But in rare cases, this unfavorable combination of circumstances can provoke the development of arthrosis.
- Long-term overload of the joints: it is believed that those people whose occupation is associated with prolonged excessive load on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may experience the development of early arthrosis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): when the joint is inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood circulation is disrupted, therefore it is arthritis that causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance.Usually, arthrosis of the joints is not directly inherited, but "catalysts" in the development of arthrosis can be the characteristics of the metabolism and the structure of the cartilage tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Also, the possibility of arthrosis can occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, or birth injuries.
- Overweight.Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance in the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain brings a greater burden.It should be remembered that in obese people, arthrosis of the knee joints is more severe than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is known that during excessive stress, the adrenal glands secrete "stress hormones", causing a deterioration of blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component for the normal functioning of the joint.As a result of chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances listed above, arthrosis may appear.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee arthrosis is pain in the knee joint.It is worth noting that the pain in the knee will appear only during physical activity: during walking, running, squats and in a lying position this pain will go away and after a while it will go away completely (until the next exercise).
- Crackling in joints.In contrast to the "creaking" of the joints of healthy people, the creaking of joints affected by arthrosis has a different tone: it is harsh and "dry".
- Joint stiffness.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the first degree is usually not expressed with stiffness as in the later degrees.But as it progresses, the range of motion in the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformation of the knee joint.As gonarthrosis progresses, pathological formations develop in the joints - bone spines.Because of them, the appearance of the joint may be different from that of a healthy joint.In addition, the appearance of the joint can be somewhat "heavy", this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of arthrosis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee affects women more often than men.This disease often progresses after the forties, but sometimes appears earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and severe, as we wrote earlier, in obese women, as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins.
The beginning of the disease is characterized by the appearance of small pains in the knee.Often, pain appears when a person has to stand for a long time, when going up or down stairs.When the man lies down, the pain goes away, but when he has to stand up again, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, first degree
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the first degree is characterized by severe pain in the knee from time to time, but at the same time, the bones that form the knee joint remain undeformed, but due to synovitis, the knee may appear slightly swollen.If there is a lot of intra-articular fluid, it can spread into the popliteal fossa.This condition is called Baker's cyst.If you have been diagnosed with this, there is no need to worry, this is not an oncological tumor, it decreases under the influence of the drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the second degree
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 usually intensifies.This pain no longer appears simply during physical activity, but accompanies the person with every movement.Usually at this time, pain in the joint is accompanied by a noticeable crack in the knee.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the second degree, in addition to intense pain and creaking, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg at the knee joint.The deformation of the joint appears immediately: the bone structures change shape and when palpated, the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the third degree
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by continuous intense pain;it is even difficult for a person to lie down: he is forced to look for a position in which he can rest.The knees become sensitive to changes in the weather, and closer to night, painful 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;a person should walk with slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O- or X-shaped deformity of the foot develops. In extreme cases, high-grade arthrosis must be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What is important to know when treating knee joints with medication?
Despite the abundance of advertisements that promise a wonderful ointment for joint pain, you should understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with any single method;an integrated approach is required.
If you discover the first signs of arthrosis, you should consult 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint?Typically, 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 an antipyretic and analgesic effect.Remember, medications of this group cannot be taken continuously, because they are able to "mask" 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 for the use of medicines.
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 more effective if you have grade 1 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, since 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 lasts a year and a half.Remember, although this group of medicinal substances has few 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 the joint by improving blood circulation and relieving spasm of small vessels.A pleasant bonus in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, including 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, so the nutrients of the chondroprotectors will penetrate the joint in greater quantities and circulate more actively in it.Remember, the use of any medication should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicated ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for osteoarthritis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients.Remember that the treatment of extreme knee arthrosis with ointment will not have an effect, but in the initial stages, cream and oil can significantly relieve the condition.To improve blood circulation in the joints, you can use soothing ointments for joints.Such drugs help eliminate painful spasms in the joints and increase blood circulation.You can also use ointments based on bee and snake venom.These ointments have an irritating effect that increases blood circulation in the damaged joint.Remember, many poison-based ointments can cause an allergic reaction, so permission for their use should be given only by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapeutic techniques.
You must remember that therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis are 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 effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to carefully carry out exercise therapy complexes for arthrosis: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 leg swings.In no case should you give intense dynamic loads, but instead of active flexion-extension, do static exercises.Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do static exercises, because they consume more energy and get tired, but if you can stay for 2-3 weeks, exercising regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but you will also find an increase in strength and an increase in performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises should be performed very quietly and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.Severe pain should not be allowed while performing the exercises.Aim for gradualness and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will be achieved only with moderate continuous loads.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after operations on the 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 stress the abdominal and back muscles.This is required so that through the muscles of the abdomen and back the main flow of blood goes to the limbs.
Exercise kits are available online for free, try to do a set of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and will to return to your previous 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 a light beam consisting of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectra.The laser effect has anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic effects.Typically, a course of laser therapy consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure arthrosis with laser alone;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 last method is more effective for arthrosis of the knee joint.With the help of cryotherapy, you can improve the blood supply to the joints, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms.The course of treatment is usually 10-12 daily sessions.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy is exposure to a magnetic field.A fairly common physiotherapeutic method of treatment in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edematous 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 treatment using sound waves.Ultrasound for arthrosis helps improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.To increase the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medicinal substance is applied to the affected joint.With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: thermal treatment
Thermal treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint is used in stages 1-2 of the disease.This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin and mud.It is the latter that deserve special attention: the treatment of arthrosis with mud can be done at home.The healing mud should be diluted with water and heated to a temperature of 60°, then mix the obtained mass with unheated mud, cooling it to 38-42° and apply a thick layer of 2-3 cm to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with oilcloth and a warm blanket on top.Leave it for 30 minutes.Perform the procedure every second day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal remedies for osteoarthritis 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 dietary habits, but it is excess weight that contributes to the development of arthrosis of the lower extremities.However, you need to lose weight correctly: under no circumstances should you starve yourself or go on strict diets, because as you know, after you leave strict diets, the weight will be gained again, and often in even greater amounts.
We must know that excess weight is also a disease, but it can and must be treated.With obesity, the regulation of the centers of appetite and satiety is disrupted, but it is possible to "put them on the right track".
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.A weight reduction of 10-15% from the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose even 5% of your initial weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
The goal to lose weight
In any case, if you have set a goal to lose weight, then you will have to review your diet, the composition and the amount of food consumed.Reduce your consumption of sweets, baked goods and various types of "fast" carbohydrates.
To get started, we recommend you try a simple way of eating food.Prepare your regular meal by placing your usual portion on a plate.Now, eat only half of the food on your plate.You will soon notice that you just eat the whole portion out of habit, although you need very little to satisfy your hunger.Even if you are hungry, slowly eat half of your portion and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised that after this time you simply do not want to finish the rest: hunger is gone and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months of this "sub-diet" you will see a visible result.Try it!
Along with proper food intake, one should not forget to drink enough fluids.Those people who do not have severe cardiovascular or kidney disease and who do not suffer from edema can safely increase the amount of fluids they drink to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment for osteoarthritis 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 receive one of the following infusions:
remember, you should 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 on low heat for 15 minutes and let it brew for 1 hour, covering the container warmly.After an hour, you need to strain and add boiled water to the soup in the original volume.Take the infusion of a quarter (1/4) glass 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for arthrosis
Infusion of sturgeon for arthrosis: pour 3 spoons of sturgeon flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain.Take the warm infusion, 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for arthrosis
Burdock decoction for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of burdock root is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, boiled over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, after which the decoction should be cooled to room temperature and drained.Take 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 drained.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 plants for arthrosis
Collection of medicinal plants for arthrosis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley roots, blackberry flowers and nettle leaves, chop well.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and boil over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and strain.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 right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions and start fighting for your complete physical and spiritual health, following the recommendations we offer.Then you will definitely beat the disease!