Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for various reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course. At the heart of all arthrosis is the defeat of the components of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease with reduced function of the affected joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, 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 an elementary understanding of why and how the disease proceeds.
Gonarthrosis: causes
Causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: according to the scientific literature, about one third and possibly half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by trauma. A person can accidentally stumble on the street or damage a joint while playing sports. First, there will be a sharp pain, which will subsequently become dull and slightly painful, but 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 provoke the development of arthrosis.
- Long-term joint overload: It is believed that those whose profession is associated with prolonged excessive stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may face 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, so it is arthritis that causes osteoarthritis of the knee joints (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional risk factors
- Heredity. Usually, arthrosis of the joints is not directly inherited, but the "catalysts" in the development of arthrosis can be the peculiarities of the metabolism, the structure of the cartilage tissue, which are only genetically transmitted. Also, the possibility of osteoarthritis can occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, birth trauma.
- Overweight. Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance in the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain has a great burden. It should be remembered that in obese people, osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more severe than in others.
- Chronic stress. It is known that in case of excessive experiences, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", due to them there is a deterioration in the blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, an important component for the normal functioning of the joint. . As a result of the chronic stress and aggravating circumstances mentioned above, osteoarthritis can occur.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Ache. One of the initial and main symptoms of knee joint osteoarthritis is pain in the knee joint. It is noteworthy that the pain in the knee 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).
- Crackling in the joint. In contrast to the "creak" of the joints of healthy people, the creak of the joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different tone: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness. 1st degree knee joint osteoarthritis is usually not expressed by stiffness as much 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 joint - bone spines. It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may differ from that of a healthy one. Furthermore, the appearance of the joint can be quite "bulky", this is due to the excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of arthrosis of the knee joint
Knee osteoarthritis 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. The most complex and severe gonarthrosis proceeds, as we wrote earlier, in obese women, as well as in people with severe varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of mild pain in the knee. Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, when going down and up stairs. When a person lies down, the pain goes away, but when you have to get 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
1st degree knee joint arthrosis is characterized by sometimes intense pain in the knee, but at the same time the bones that form the knee joint remain undeformed, but due to synovitis the knee may appear slightlyswollen. 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 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.
2nd degree knee joint arthrosis
Osteoarthritis of the 2nd degree knee joint begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, knee pain is usually worse. This pain no longer occurs simply during physical exertion, but accompanies a person with any movement. Usually at this time a distinct knee crunch "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 in the knee joint. The deformation of the joint manifests itself immediately: the bone structures change shape and on palpation the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Grade 3 of osteoarthritis of the knee
Arthrosis of the 3rd degree knee joint is characterized by intense and constant pain, it is even difficult for a person to be in the prone position: he is forced to look for a position in which he can rest. The knees become sensitive to changes in the weather, aching pains begin towards the night. Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility, it becomes impossible for a person to bend the leg at the knee joint by more than 90 °. Sometimes, with grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to fully straighten the leg, a person has to walk on slightly bent legs. In some cases, the deformity of the legs develops in the shape of an O or X. 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 medications
Despite the abundance of advertising that promises 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 required.
If you find the first signs of osteoarthritis in yourself, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist, or, primarily, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: treatment with NSAIDs
So how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint? Usually, for the treatment of the joints, those non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used that can relieve the process of inflammation of the joint. Knee gonarthrosis is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic and analgesic effects. Remember, drugs in this group shouldn't be taken all the time. 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 is able to 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 often give unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: 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 chondroprotectors. 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 - all cartilage is practically destroyed. To achieve the effect of chondroprotectors, it is necessary to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually take one and a half years. Remember, although there are few contraindications for this group of medicinal substances, their use must be agreed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: 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 small vessel spasms. A pleasant bonus in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, including vasodilator drugs, can be the elimination of nocturnal 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 chondroprotectors penetrate the joint in larger quantities and circulate more actively in it. Remember, the use of any medicinal substance must be coordinated with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: medicinal ointments and creams
Healing ointments for osteoarthritis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients. Remember that ointment treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint of extreme degree will not give any effect, but in the initial stages, cream and ointment can significantly relieve the condition. Pain relieving ointments can be used to improve circulation to the joints. Such drugs help eliminate painful spasm in the joint, 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 method of treatment in combination with drugs and physiotherapy.
You must 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 drugs. In addition, remedial gymnastics is the cheapest and most effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to deliberately carry out complexes of physical 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 strenuous, but if you can hold out for 2-3 weeks, practicing regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also findan increase in strength and increase performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises must be performed very smoothly and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Don't allow intense pain during exercise. Aim for graduality and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will be obtained only with moderate and constant effort.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used the first time after surgery on the abdominal and thoracic organs, with fever, caution days in women. It is imperative to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to put stress on the muscles of the abdominal press and back. This is necessary so that the main blood flow to the limbs passes through the muscles of the abdomen and back.
Exercise complexes are available for free 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 desire to restore the former 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 - for sure!
Osteoarthritis of the knee: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a light beam for therapeutic purposes, consisting of ultraviolet, infrared, red radiation spectra. The laser effect has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effects. Usually, the course of laser therapy consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe method of treatment, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis with a single laser, this is an additional treatment method.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: 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 10-12 sessions per day.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: 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 contactless electrical muscle stimulation and reduces joint inflammation. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor - physiotherapist.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: treatment - ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy - sound wave treatment. Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps improve blood supply, reduce 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 more easily penetrates into the tissues.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: 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 deserves special attention: arthrosis 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 2-3 cm thick layer on the affected joint. Cover the mixture with an oilcloth and a warm blanket. Leave on for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for osteoarthritis 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 peculiarities of nutrition, but it is excess weight that contributes to the onset of arthrosis of the lower limbs. However, it is necessary to lose weight correctly: in no case starve or eat hard diets, because, as you know, after leaving hard diets, weight is gained again and, often, in even greater quantities.
We must know that overweight is also a disease, but it can and must be treated. With obesity the regulation of the appetite and satiety centers is disturbed, but it is possible to "guide them on the right path".
First, it is necessary to recognize that there is a problem often associated with poor eating habits. Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself. A 10-15% weight reduction from baseline is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose weight by even 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.
Aim to lose weight
In any case, if you have set yourself the goal of losing weight, you will need to reconsider your diet, composition and amount of food consumed. Cut back on candy, baked goods, and all kinds of "fast" carbohydrates.
For starters, we recommend that you try an easy way to eat food. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular portion on a plate. Now he only eats half of the food on his plate. You will soon notice that you are eating the whole portion out of habit, even if you need very little to satisfy your hunger. Even if you are hungry, slowly eat half your serving 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 frenzied urge to eat everything. After two months of this "insufficient diet" you will see a remarkable result. Try it!
Along with proper food intake, one should not forget about a sufficient amount of fluid intake. Those people who do not have severe cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, as well as those who do not suffer from edema, can safely increase the amount of fluids 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 above methods, but can be of relative benefit.
During the month you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you just have 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: 1 tablespoon of birch buds should be poured with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes and let it brew for 1 hour, warmly covering the container. After an hour, it is necessary to filter and add the broth with boiled water to the original volume. Take a quarter (1/4) cup of the infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Infusion of lime for osteoarthritis
Infusion of linden 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 cup of boiling water, simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring often, after which the broth should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Take hot broth in half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before eating for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis: pour 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) with 1 glass of boiling water, keep over low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and filter. Take 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 boil over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then leave 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.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, in the face of it it is necessary to draw the right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, start fighting for one's full physical and spiritual health, observing the recommendations we have proposed. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!