Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for various reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course.The basis of all osteoarthritis is damage to the components of the joint. Arthritic disease 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 lesions: according to scientific literature, approximately one third and perhaps half of cases of arthrosis are preceded by lesions.A person may accidentally stumble on the street or damage a joint while playing sports.First, a sharp pain will appear, which will subsequently subside and become slightly aching, but will not cause much discomfort.Usually, in most cases, the joint will soon recover on its own and 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 joint: it is believed that those people whose profession 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 becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is interrupted, so 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 the “catalysts” in the development of arthrosis can be the characteristics of the metabolism and the structure of the cartilage tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Additionally, the possibility of osteoarthritis may occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment or injuries at birth.
- Overweight.Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance in the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain constitutes a greater burden.It should be remembered that in obese people arthrosis of the knee joints is more serious than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is known that in case of excessive stress the adrenal glands secrete “stress hormones”, causing a deterioration of the blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component for the normal functioning of the joint.Due to chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances listed above, osteoarthritis can occur.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is pain in the knee joint.Interestingly, knee pain will manifest itself only 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).
- Creaking in the joint.Unlike the "crunch" of the joints of healthy people, the crunch of the joints affected by arthrosis has a different tone: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is usually not expressed by stiffness as much as in later 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 articular spines of the bones.It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from that of a healthy one.Furthermore, the appearance of the joint can be a little "bulky", 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.This disease often progresses after age forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and serious, as we wrote before, in obese women, as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of mild knee pain.Often pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, when going up or down stairs.When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when he needs to get back on his feet, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
1st degree arthrosis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is characterized by intense pain in the knee at times, but at the same time the bones that form the knee joint remain undeformed, but due to synovitis the knee may seem slightly swollen.If there is too much intra-articular fluid, it can spread to the popliteal fossa.This condition is called a 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 drugs prescribed by the doctor.
2nd degree arthrosis of the knee joint
Knee joint arthrosis of 2 degrees begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this time, pain in the knee joint usually intensifies.This pain no longer occurs simply during physical activity, but accompanies a person in any movement.Usually at this time the pain in the joint is accompanied by a sharp crunch in the knee.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree, in addition to severe pain and crunching, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to flex the leg in the knee joint.Deformation of the joint appears immediately: the bony structures change shape and, upon palpation, the joint becomes hard and “rough”.
3rd degree arthrosis of the knee joint
3rd degree arthrosis of the knee joint is characterized by intense and constant pain;it is even difficult for a person to lie down - he is forced to look for a position where he can rest.The knees become sensitive to climate changes and closer to night the excruciating pains begin.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 completely straighten the leg;a person must walk on slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O-shaped or X-shaped leg deformity develops. In extreme cases, severe osteoarthritis must be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What is important to know when treating knee joints with medications?
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising a miracle ointment for joint pain, it is necessary to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis by any method;an integrated approach is needed.
If you discover early signs of osteoarthritis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.It could be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist or, primarily, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So, how to treat arthrosis of the knee joint?Typically, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used to treat joints and can relieve inflammation in the joint.Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with drugs that can have an antipyretic and analgesic effect.Remember, drugs from this group cannot be taken continuously, because they are able to “mask” the symptoms of the disease.Note: do not self-medicate, act only under the guidance of a competent specialist who can prescribe treatment to 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: these are selective agents that act in the same way as NSAIDs, but are less likely to give unpleasant side effects and not cause complications.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with chondroprotectors
For arthrosis of the knee joint, you can take substances that nourish the cartilaginous 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 achieve 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 substances has few contraindications, their use must be agreed 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 vessels.A pleasant plus in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, including with the use of vasodilators, can be the elimination of night pain in the damaged joint.If you want to achieve maximum therapeutic effect, it is better to use vasodilators with chondroprotectors, this way the nutrients from the chondroprotectors will penetrate the joint in greater quantities and circulate more actively within it.Remember that the use of any medications should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for arthrosis are often used by marketers as a trap for desperate patients.Remember that treating extreme arthrosis of the knee with an ointment will not have any effect, but in the initial stages cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition.To improve blood circulation in the joint, you can use pain-relieving ointments for the joints.Such drugs help to eliminate painful spasms in the joint and increase blood circulation.You can also use bee and snake venom ointments.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 to use them should be granted only by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method in combination with drugs and physiotherapeutic techniques.
It is necessary to remember that therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis are the main method of treatment, since no drugs can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply.In addition, therapeutic exercises are the most economical and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to carefully carry out physical 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 are the most energy-intensive and tiring, but if you can resist for 2-3 weeks, exercising regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but you will also notice an increase in strength and an increase in performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises must be performed very smoothly and delicately, 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 only be obtained with moderate and constant 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 necessary so that it is through the muscles of the abdomen and back that the main blood flow reaches the limbs.
Exercise sets are available for free on the Internet, try performing a set of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and the 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 you: 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 effect of the laser has anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic effects.Typically, a laser therapy treatment course consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis with laser alone;is an additional treatment method.
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 for 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 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 method of physiotherapy treatment in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edematous effect, causes electrical stimulation of muscles without contact 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 that uses sound waves.Ultrasound for arthrosis helps to improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.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 tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: heat treatment
Heat 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: treatment of arthrosis with mud can be carried out at home.It is recommended 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 2-3 cm layer to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with an oilcloth and a warm blanket on top.Leave to act for 30 minutes.Perform the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and phytotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
Diet for osteoarthritis is an important factor in the success of treatment.But we must understand that the development of arthrosis is not associated with any eating habits, but it is excess weight that contributes to the development of arthrosis of the lower limbs.However, you need to lose weight correctly: under no circumstances should you starve or follow rigid diets, because as you know, after abandoning rigid diets, the weight will gain back, and often in even greater quantities.
We must know that excess weight 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 them on the right track”.
First of all, it is necessary to recognize the problem, which is often associated with bad eating habits.Secondly, 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, even if you lose weight by even 5% of your original weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
Goal to lose weight
In any case, if you have set yourself the goal of losing weight, you will have to reconsider your diet, the composition and amount of food consumed.Reduce the consumption of confectionery, baked goods and various types of “fast” carbohydrates.
To begin with, 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.Soon you will notice that out of habit you simply eat the entire portion, even if you need very little to satisfy your hunger.Even if you are hungry, eat half your portion slowly and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised that after this time you simply will not want to finish the remaining portion: hunger has disappeared, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months of this "sub-diet" you will see a noticeable result.Try it!
In addition to correct food intake, sufficient fluid intake should not be forgotten.People who do not suffer from serious cardiovascular or kidney disease and who do not suffer from edema can safely increase the amount of fluids drunk up to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint
Phytotherapy for osteoarthritis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for arthrosis help less than the above methods, but they can bring relative benefit.
Within a month you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you need to take each infusion or decoction only separately, and 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 tightly.After an hour, you need to filter and add boiled water to the broth to the original volume.Take the infusion in a quarter (1/4) of a glass 4 times a day, one 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 the hot infusion, 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for arthrosis
Burdock decoction for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of burdock roots should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, after which the decoction should be cooled to room temperature and filtered.Take the decoction warm, 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 willow bark, parsley roots, black elderberry flowers and nettle leaves in equal parts, chop thoroughly.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and simmer 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 right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions and start fighting for your full physical and spiritual health, following the recommendations we offer.Then you will definitively defeat the disease!