Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for various reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course. At the heart of all osteoarthritis is the defeat of the components of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease with impaired function of the affected joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, synovium, 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 your attention. And also at least a basic understanding of why and how the disease progresses.
Gonarthrosis: causes
The causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: according to the scientific literature, approximately one third, and possibly half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by trauma. A person can accidentally trip on the street or injure a joint while playing sports. First, there will be a sharp pain, which later will become dull and become a little painful, but it will not cause much discomfort. Usually, in most cases, the joint will soon heal on its own and show no signs of injury. But in rare cases, this unfavorable coincidence of circumstances can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term joint overload: It is believed that those whose profession is associated with prolonged excessive stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may cope with the development of early osteoarthritis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): With inflammation of the joint, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is disturbed, therefore, it is arthritis that causes arthrosis of the joints ofthe knee (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance. In general, osteoarthritis of the joints is not inherited directly, but the "catalysts" in the development of osteoarthritis may be the peculiarities of metabolism, the structure of cartilage tissue, which are simply transmitted genetically. Also, the possibility of osteoarthritis can occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, birth trauma.
- Over weight. Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance in the development of osteoarthritis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain has a great burden. It must be remembered that in obese people, osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more serious than in others.
- Chronic stressIt is a well known fact that in case of excessive experiences, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", resulting in a deterioration in the blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component forthe normal function of the joint. As a result of the chronic stress and aggravating circumstances above, osteoarthritis can occur.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
- Pain. One of the initial and main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is pain in the knee joint. It is noteworthy that knee pain will occur only during physical exertion: when walking, running, squatting and in the lying position, this pain will disappear and after a while it will completely disappear (until the next load).
- Cracking in the joint. Unlike the "crack" of the joints of healthy people, the crack of the joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different tonality: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffnessOsteoarthritis of the knee joint of the first degree is generally not expressed as much by stiffness as in later degrees. But as progression progresses, the range of motion in the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformation of the knee joint. With the progression of gonarthrosis, pathological formations develop in the joints - bone spines. It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from that of a healthy one. Also, the appearance of the joint can be somewhat "bulky", this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Knee osteoarthritis affects women more often than men. This disease often progresses after the age of forty, but sometimes it occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes. The most complex and severe gonarthrosis proceeds, as we wrote above, in obese women, as well as in people with severe varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of mild knee pain. Pain often occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, going down and up stairs. When a person lies down, the pain goes away, but when he needs to stand up, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 1 degree
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is characterized by sometimes severe pain in the knee, but at the same time, the bones that make up the knee joint are not deformed, but due to synovitis, the knee canlook a bit bloated. 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 such a diagnosis, then you do not need to worry, this is not an oncological neoplasm, it is reduced under the influence of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the second degree.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the second degree begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, knee pain tends to get worse. This pain no longer occurs simply during physical exertion, but accompanies the person with any movement. Usually at this time, a distinctive crunch in the knee "joins" the pain in the joint. Grade 2 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, in addition to severe pain and crunching, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg at the knee joint. Deformation of the joint manifests itself immediately: the bony structures change shape and, when palpated, the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Grade 3 knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the third degree is characterized by constant severe pain, it is even difficult for a person to be in a prone position - he is forced to find a position in which he can rest. The knees become sensitive to weather changes, painful pains begin towards the night. Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is associated with a final decrease in mobility; a person cannot 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 has to walk with his legs slightly bent. In some cases, the deformity of the legs develops in an O-shape or an X-shape. In extreme cases, it is necessary to treat a high degree of operable osteoarthritis.
Gonarthrosis of the knee: treatment. What is important to know when treating the knee with medication.
Despite the abundance of advertising that promises a miracle ointment for joint pain, you need to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with a single method, an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of osteoarthritis in yourself, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It can be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or, first, a family doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with NSAIDs
So how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint? In general, for the treatment of the joints, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used that can alleviate the inflammation process in the joint. Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with medications that can have antipyretic analgesic effects. Remember, the drugs in this group should not be taken all the time. 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 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 less frequently give unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with chondroprotectors
With osteoarthritis of the knee joint, you can take substances that nourish the cartilage tissue of the joint and restore its structure. These drugs are chondroprotective. Such drugs are most effective if you have grade 1 knee joint osteoarthritis, since with extreme knee osteoarthritis there is almost nothing to restore - all cartilage is practically destroyed. To obtain the effect of chondroprotectors, it is necessary to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually take a year and a half. Remember, although there are few contraindications for this group of medicinal substances, their use must be agreed with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis. They help restore the joint by improving blood flow and relieving spasms of small vessels. A pleasant advantage in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, including vasodilator drugs, may 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 that the nutrients from the chondroprotectors penetrate the joint in greater amounts and circulate more actively in it. Remember, the use of any medicinal substance must be coordinated with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: medicated ointments and creams.
Healing ointments for osteoarthritis are often used as a trap for desperate patients. Remember that treatment with ointment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of an extreme degree will not give effect, but in the initial stages, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition. Pain relief ointments can be used to improve circulation in the joint. Such drugs help to eliminate painful spasms in the joint and increase blood circulation. Also, you can 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 only a specialist should authorize their use.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Therapeutic physical culture for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method in combination with medication and physical therapy.
You need to remember that corrective gymnastics for gonarthrosis is the main method of treatment, because we cannot strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply with any medicine. In addition, recovery gymnastics is the most budgetary and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to deliberately perform complexes of exercise therapy for osteoarthritis: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 kicks. In no case should you give an intense dynamic load, and instead of active flexion-extension, do static exercises. Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do only static exercises, because they are the most energy consuming and tiring, but if you can endure for 2-3 weeks, practicing regularly, it will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but they also find an increase in strength and increase performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises should be performed very gently and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Do not allow severe pain during exercise. Aim for gradualness and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will be obtained only with constant moderate effort.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after operations on the abdominal and thoracic organs, with fever, critical days in women. It is absolutely necessary to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to putting pressure on the muscles of the abdominal press and back. This is necessary so that the main blood flow to the extremities passes through the muscles of the abdomen and back.
Exercise complexes are freely available on the Internet, try to do a variety of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day, every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and a willingness to return the old ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
If you ask whether it is possible to apply physiotherapeutic methods of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we will answer you, definitely!
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a beam of light for therapeutic purposes, consisting of spectra of ultraviolet, infrared, and red radiation. The effect of the laser has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effects. Usually the course of laser therapy consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis with a single laser, this is an additional treatment method.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - 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. The latter method is believed to be the most effective for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. With the help of cryotherapy, it is possible to improve the blood supply to the joint, improve metabolic processes, and relieve muscle spasms. The course of treatment is usually 10 to 12 daily sessions.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy: exposure to a magnetic field. A fairly common physiotherapy treatment method in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edema effect, causes non-contact electrical muscle stimulation and reduces joint inflammation. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor - physiotherapist.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy: treatment with sound waves. Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps improve blood flow, reduces muscle spasms, and has an analgesic effect. To enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a drug is applied to the affected joint. With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Knee osteoarthritis: heat treatment.
Heat treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is used in 1-2 stages of the disease. This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. It is the latter that deserve special attention: the osteoarthritis mud treatment can be done at home. It is necessary to 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 layer 2-3 cm thick on the affected joint. Cover the mixture with an oilcloth and a warm blanket. Leave to act for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Diet for osteoarthritis is an important factor for the success of treatment. But we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with any peculiarities of nutrition, but it is excess weight that contributes to the appearance of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities. However, it is necessary to lose weight correctly: in no case go hungry or follow hard diets, because, as you know, after stopping hard diets, you regain weight, and often in even greater amounts.
We need to know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated. With obesity, the regulation of the appetite and satiety centers is disturbed, but it is possible to "guide them down the right path. "
First, you must recognize that there is a problem that is often associated with poor eating habits. Second, you must learn to set realistic goals. A weight reduction of 10-15% compared to the initial value is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose weight even by 5% of the original, you will immediately feel relief - there will be a decrease in blood pressure, and the condition of the joints will improve.
Goal to lose weight
In any case, if you have set the goal of losing weight, you will have to reconsider your diet, composition and amount of food consumed. Cut back on sweets, baked goods, and all kinds of "fast" carbohydrates.
For starters, we recommend trying a simple way of eating. Prepare your usual diet by placing your usual portion on a plate. Now, eat only half of the food on your plate. You will soon notice that you are eating the entire portion out of habit, even though you need very little to satisfy your hunger. Even if you are hungry, eat half your serving slowly and rest for 10 minutes. You will be surprised that after this time you simply do not want to finish the remaining portion: the hunger is gone, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything. After two months of such "underdiet" you will see a remarkable result. Try it!
Along with correct food intake, sufficient fluid intake should not be forgotten. Those who do not suffer from severe cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as those who do not suffer from edema, can safely increase the amount of fluid they drink up to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Herbal medicine for osteoarthritis. It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for osteoarthritis help weaker than the previous methods, but they may have a relative benefit.
During the month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you only need to take each infusion or decoction separately and then replace it with another. Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for osteoarthritis.
Decoction of birch for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of birch shoots should be poured with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes and leave for 1 hour, covering the container with heat. After an hour, you need to strain and add the broth with boiled water to the original volume. Drink a quarter (1/4) cup infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis
Linden infusion for arthrosis: 3 tablespoons of linden flowers should be poured with a glass of boiling water, simmer for 15 minutes, then cool and filter. Drink warm infusion 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for arthrosis
Decoction of burdock for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of burdock roots should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, after which the broth should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Drink the warm broth in half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before eating for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder (Alnus incana) cones should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, keep on low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and filter. Drink a third (1/3) cup of alder cone infusion 3 times a day half an hour before eating for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis: mix in equal parts willow bark, parsley roots, black elderberry flowers and nettle leaves, chop well. Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water and simmer for 5-10 minutes, then let it steep for 2 hours and drain. Take this collection in half a glass 4 times a day for half an hour before eating. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Conclution
Despite the fact that osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, before it it is necessary to draw the correct conclusions about the disease, reduce negative emotions, begin to fight for your full physical and spiritual health, observing the recommendations that we have proposed. Then you will definitely beat the disease!