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. Osteoarthritis disease is a progressive disease with dysfunction of the affected joint.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, synovial 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 your attention.And also at least a basic understanding of why and how this disease occurs.
Gonarthrosis: causes
The causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: According to scientific literature, around a third and perhaps half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by an injury.A person can accidentally trip on the street or damage a joint while playing sports.At first, there will be a sharp pain, which will then fade and become slightly painful, but will not cause much discomfort.Typically, in most cases, the joint will soon heal on its own and show no signs of injury.But in rare cases, this unfavorable combination of circumstances can provoke the development of osteoarthritis.
- Prolonged joint overload - it is believed that those people whose profession is associated with excessive and prolonged load on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may experience the development of early joint osteoarthritis.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): when the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is disturbed, so it is arthritis that causes osteoarthritis of the knee joints (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance.Usually, osteoarthritis of the joints is not directly inherited, but "catalysts" in the development of osteoarthritis can be the features of the metabolism and structure of cartilage tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Additionally, the possibility of osteoarthritis may arise if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, or birth injuries.
- Overweight.Excess weight is an “aggravating” circumstance in the development of osteoarthritis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain represents a greater burden.It must be remembered that in obese people, osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more serious than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is a well-known fact that during excessive stress, the adrenal glands secrete "stress hormones", which causes a deterioration in 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, osteoarthritis can occur.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is pain in the knee joint.It is noteworthy that pain in the knee will appear only during physical activity: when walking, running, squatting and lying down, this pain will disappear and after a while it will disappear completely (until the next exercise).
- Cracking in the joint.Unlike the “cracking” of the joints of healthy people, the cracking of joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different tone: it is rough and “dry”.
- Joint stiffness.First degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint is not usually expressed as much by stiffness 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 joint - bone spines.It is because of them that the appearance of a joint can be different from that of a healthy one.Additionally, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat “bulky”, this is due to an excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
Course of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Knee osteoarthritis affects women more often than men.This disease usually progresses after forty, but sometimes appears earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and serious, as we wrote above, in obese women, as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of slight pain in the knee.Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, going up or down stairs.When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when he needs to stand up again, the first steps are very painful.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 1st degree.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the first degree is characterized by severe pain in the knee at times, but at the same time the bones that make up the knee joint remain undeformed, 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, you should not worry, this is not an oncological tumor, it decreases under the influence of medications prescribed by the 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.At this time, the pain in the knee joint usually intensifies.This pain no longer simply appears during physical activity, but accompanies the person in any movement.Usually at this time the pain in the joint is accompanied by a clear crunch in the knee.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the second degree, in addition to severe pain and crunching, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg in the knee joint.Deformation of the joint appears immediately: the bone structures change shape, and when palpated, the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the third degree.
Third degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint is characterized by severe and constant 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 weather changes and, closer to night, the pain begins.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the third degree is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility;It is 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 has to walk with his legs slightly bent.In some cases, an O- or X-shaped leg deformity develops. In extreme cases, high-grade 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 advertising promising a miracle ointment for joint pain, it is necessary to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with a single method;An integrated approach is required.
If you discover the first signs of osteoarthritis, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.It could be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist or, first of all, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint?Non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are generally used to treat joints and can relieve joint inflammation.Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with medications that can have antipyretic and analgesic effects.Remember, drugs in this group cannot be taken continuously because they can "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 based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account contraindications to the use of medications.
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 cause unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with chondroprotectors
For osteoarthritis of the knee joint, substances can be taken 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 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, since with extreme gonarthrosis there is almost nothing to restore: practically all cartilage is destroyed.To obtain the effect of chondroprotectors, it is necessary to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 treatment cycles, which usually last 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
Vasodilatory drugs are a good complex therapy for 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 with vasodilators, can be the elimination of night pain in the damaged joint.If you want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is better to use vasodilators together with chondroprotectors, in this way the nutrients from the chondroprotectors will penetrate in greater quantities into the joint 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 osteoarthritis ointments are often used by marketers as a trap for desperate patients.Remember that treating extreme knee osteoarthritis with ointment will have no effect, but in the initial stages, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition.To improve blood circulation in the joint, you can use joint pain reliever ointments.These medications help eliminate painful spasms in the joint 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 only a specialist should give permission to use them.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Therapeutic physical training for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method in combination with medications and physiotherapy techniques.
It should be remembered that therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis are the main method of treatment, because no medication 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 carry out exercise therapy complexes for osteoarthritis carefully: do not rush to do 200 squats per day or 100 leg movements.In no case should intense dynamic loads be performed, but instead of active flexion-extension, static exercises should be performed.Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do static exercises because they consume the most energy and are the most tiring, but if you can last for 2 or 3 weeks by exercising regularly, you will not only improve the condition of your knee joint, but also increase your strength and improve your performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises should be performed very gently and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.Severe pain should not be allowed when performing exercises.Aim for gradualness and regularity, do not rush: the expected effect will be achieved only with constant moderate 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 putting pressure on 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 extremities.
Exercise sets are freely available on the Internet;Try performing a variety of exercises for 30 to 40 minutes a day every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and willingness to return to your former ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapy methods of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we will answer you: absolutely!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy.
Laser therapy is the therapeutic use of a beam of light composed of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectrums.The laser effect 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;It 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 for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.With the help of cryotherapy, it is possible to improve blood supply to the joint, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms.The treatment course is usually 10 to 12 sessions daily.
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 contactless 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 that uses sound waves.Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps to improve blood supply, reduces 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 ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: heat treatment.
Heat treatment for osteoarthritis 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 osteoarthritis 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 resulting mass with unheated mud, cool it to 38-42° and apply a layer 2-3 cm thick to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with oilcloth and a warm blanket on top.Let it act for 30 minutes.Perform the procedure every other day with a cycle of 10 to 12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The osteoarthritis diet is an important factor for the success of the treatment.But we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with any dietary habits, but rather it is excess weight that contributes to the development of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities.However, it is necessary to lose weight correctly: under no circumstances should you starve or go on strict diets, because, as you know, after abandoning strict diets, weight will be gained again, and often in even greater quantities.
We need to know that excess weight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated.With obesity, the regulation of the appetite and satiety centers is altered, but it is possible to “put them on the right path.”
First of all, it is necessary to recognize the problem, which is often associated with poor eating habits.Second, you must learn to set realistic goals.A 10-15% weight reduction from the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose weight, even 5% of the original weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
Goal 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.Reduce your consumption of confectionery, baked goods and various types of "fast" carbohydrates.
To start, we recommend trying a simple way of eating food.Prepare your usual meal by putting your usual portion on a plate.Now, eat only half of the food on your plate.You will soon notice that you simply eat the entire portion out of habit, although you need very little to satisfy your hunger.Even if you are hungry, eat half of your portion slowly and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised that after this time you simply do not want to finish the remaining portion: hunger has disappeared, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months of this “underdiet”, you will see a notable result.Try it!
In addition to adequate food intake, we must not forget sufficient fluid intake.Those who do not have serious cardiovascular or 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Herbal medicine for osteoarthritis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for osteoarthritis help less than the previous methods, but may have relative benefit.
Within a month you can take one of the following infusions:
Remember, you should take each infusion or decoction only separately and then replace it with another.Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for osteoarthritis.
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 with heat.After an hour, you need to strain and add boiled water to the broth to 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 osteoarthritis.
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis: 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 warm infusion, 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis.
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of burdock roots should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, after which the decoction should be cooled to room temperature and strained.Take the warm decoction, half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, kept over low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain.Take an infusion of alder pine 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 osteoarthritis.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley roots, black elderflowers and nettle leaves, chop well.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and cook 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
Although osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, it is necessary to draw the correct conclusions about the disease, reduce negative emotions and begin to fight for full physical and spiritual health, following the recommendations we offer.Then you will definitely defeat the disease!