Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that occur for various reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course. At the heart of all osteoarthritis is the defeat of the joint components. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease in which the function of the affected joint is impaired. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (Gonarthrosis) is a disease in which cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, periarticular muscles of the knee joint are damaged. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which requires an integrated approach to treatment, also requires your attention. And at least an elementary understanding of why and how the disease persists.
Gonarthrosis: causes
Causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint:
- Joint Injuries: According to the scientific literature, about one-third and perhaps half of all osteoarthritis cases are preceded by trauma. A person may accidentally stumble on the street or injure his joint while playing sports. First, there will be a sharp pain that will be dull and a little painful, but not very disturbing. In general, in most cases, the joint will soon heal and show no signs of injury. However, in rare cases, the coincidence of these unfavorable conditions can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term joint overload: It is believed that those whose profession is associated with long-term excessive stress 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): Inflammation of the joint causes biological and morphological changes, impaired blood flow, and therefore arthritis, which causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional risk factors
- Heredity. In general, arthrosis of the joints is not directly inherited, but the "catalysts" in the development of osteoarthritis may be the characteristics of metabolism, only the structure of genetically transmitted cartilage tissue. In addition, if a person has joint abnormalities or poor development, birth trauma, the possibility of osteoarthritis may occur.
- Overweight. Excess weight is a "aggravating factor" in the development of osteoarthritis: it is not directly related, but there is a huge burden of weight gain. It should be remembered that arthrosis of the knee joints in obese people is more severe than others.
- Chronic stress. It is a well-known fact that the adrenal glands release "stress hormones" under extreme conditions, which is why it is an important component because of the deterioration of the blood supply and the decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid. normal functioning of the joint. Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of chronic stress and the above aggravating circumstances.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain. One of the first and main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is pain in the knee joint. It is noteworthy that knee pain occurs only during physical exertion: when walking, running, squatting and lying down, this pain will pass, and after a while it will pass completely (until the next load).
- Cracking in the joint. Unlike "crushing" the joints of healthy people, there is a different tone of crushing the joints affected by osteoarthritis: rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness. Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee joint is generally not as severe as in later stages. However, as the 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 spinal cord. Therefore, the appearance of the joint may be different from a healthy one. In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat "bulky", which is due to excessive accumulation of articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Knee osteoarthritis affects most women compared to men. The disease often develops after the age of forty, but sometimes earlier, generally due to injuries and in professional athletes. More complex and more severe gonarthrosis, as we wrote earlier, persists in obese women as well as in people with severe varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of minor knee pain. Pain often occurs when a person is forced to stand for long periods of time, descending stairs, and rising. The pain disappears when a person lies down, but the first steps are very painful for him when you need to stand up.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 1 degree
Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee joint is sometimes characterized by severe pain in the knee, while the bones that make up the knee joint remain undeformed, but the knee may appear slightly swollen due to synovitis. If there is too much intraarticular fluid, it can spread to the popliteal fossa. This condition is called Baker's cyst. If such a diagnosis is made, you do not need to worry, it is not an oncological neoplasm, but decreases under the influence of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. Knee pain is usually more severe during this period. This pain no longer occurs only during physical exertion, but accompanies a person with any movement. In this case, a different crisis in the knee "joins" the pain in the joint. Grade 2 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by severe pain and tingling, as well as a decrease in the ability to bend the leg at the knee joint. Joint deformity manifests itself immediately: bone structures change shape, and on palpation the joint becomes stiff and "rough".
Knee arthrosis rate 3
Grade 3 osteoarthritis of the knee joint is characterized by constant intense pain, it is even more difficult for a person to be in a prone position: he is forced to look for a position where he can rest. The knees are sensitive to weather changes, the aching pains begin towards the night. Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a recent decrease in mobility, making it impossible for a person to bend the leg more than 90 ° at the knee joint. Sometimes, with grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to fully straighten the leg, and a person has to walk with slightly bent legs. In some cases, the deformity of the legs develops in the form of O or X. In extreme cases, high-grade osteoarthritis can be treated.
Knee Gonarthrosis: treatment. It is important to know when treating your knee with medication
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising a miraculous ointment for joint pain, you must understand that there is no cure for gonarthrosis, and an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of osteoarthritis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or initially a general practitioner.
Knee arthrosis: NSAID treatment
But how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint? Generally, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used to treat the joints, which can eliminate the inflammatory process in the joints. Knee Gonarthrosis is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic, analgesic effects. Remember, medications in this group should not always be taken. can "mask" the symptoms of the disease. Please note: do not self-medicate, only act under the guidance of an authorized specialist who can prescribe treatment for you based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account the contraindications to the use of drugs.
In recent years, a new generation of drugs has been used in practice: these are selective substances that act in the same way as NSAIDs, but with less unpleasant side effects and without complications.
Knee arthrosis: 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. These medications are most effective if you have grade 1 gonarthrosis of your knee joint, because with excessive gonarthrosis there is almost nothing to recover from: virtually all cartilage is destroyed. To get the effect of chondroprotectors, it is necessary to use them for a long time: usually at least 2-3 courses of treatment lasting a year and a half. Remember, although there are few contraindications for this group of drugs, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Knee arthrosis: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex treatment in the treatment of osteoarthritis. They help to restore the joint by improving blood flow and eliminating small vascular spasms. A nice bonus in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, including vasodilator drugs, may be the elimination of night pain in the injured joint. If you want to get the maximum therapeutic effect, vasodilators are best used with chondroprotectors, so the food of chondroprotectors will penetrate more into the joint and circulate there more actively. Remember, the use of any medication should be agreed with your doctor.
Knee arthrosis: medicated ointments and creams
Healing ointments for osteoarthritis are often used by marketers as a trap for helpless patients. Keep in mind that excessive treatment with osteoarthritis ointment of the knee joint will not have an effect, but in the early stages, creams and ointments can significantly alleviate the condition. Analgesic ointments can be used to improve joint circulation. Such drugs help to relieve painful spasms in the joints, 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 that many ointments based on poisons can cause an allergic reaction, so use them only by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapy.
You should not forget that therapeutic gymnastics for gonarthrosis is the main method of treatment, because we can not strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply with any drug. In addition, therapeutic gymnastics is the most budget-friendly and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material costs.
But it is necessary to carry out training therapy complexes for osteoarthritis: do not rush to do 200 scoops or 100 strokes a day. Under no circumstances should you apply a strong dynamic load and perform static movements instead of active flexion-extension. Unfortunately, most patients just don't like to do static exercises because they are the most energy consuming and tiring, but if you can stop for 2-3 weeks by exercising regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also find an increase in strength and performance.
How to do it right
Exercises should be performed in a very smooth and gentle manner, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Avoid intense pain during exercise. Focus on gradual and regularity, do not rush: the expected effect will be achieved only with constant moderate force.
Keep in mind that for the first time after surgery on the abdomen and chest, women should not use fever, strength training on critical days. It is necessary to stress not only the joints, but also the abdominal press and lumbar muscles. This requires the main blood flow to the muscles through the abdominal and lumbar muscles.
Sports complexes are freely available on the Internet, try to do different exercises for 30-40 minutes every day according to our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and will to restore the former comfort of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
If you ask if it is possible to apply physiotherapeutic treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we will answer - definitely!
Knee arthrosis: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a beam of light for therapeutic purposes, consisting of the spectra of ultraviolet, infrared, and red radiation. The laser has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effects. Generally, the course of laser therapy consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment, but it is not possible to treat osteoarthritis with a single laser, it is an additional treatment.
Knee arthrosis: treatment - cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the effect of local cooling on the joint. There are two methods of cryotherapy: the use of cryosauna and the application of 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 joints, improve metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms. The course of treatment is usually 10-12 sessions per day.
Knee arthrosis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy - exposure to a magnetic field. A fairly common method of physiotherapy in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edematous effect, stimulates non-contact electrical muscles and reduces inflammation of the joints. The course of treatment is prescribed by a physician - physiotherapist.
Knee arthrosis: treatment - ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy - treatment with sound waves. Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps to improve the blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has a analgesic effect. To increase the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a drug is applied to the affected joint. With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates more easily into the tissues.
Knee arthrosis: heat treatment
Heat treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is used in stages 1-2 of the disease. This method involves treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. The latter deserves special attention: mud treatment of osteoarthritis can be carried out at home. Healing mud should be diluted with water and heated to 60 °, then the resulting mass should be mixed with unheated mud, cooled to 38-42 ° and put a layer 2-3 cm thick on the affected joint. Cover the mixture with linen and a warm blanket. Leave on for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every 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 successful treatment. However, we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not related to any nutritional characteristics, but to excess weight, which contributes to the formation of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities. However, you need to lose weight properly: under no circumstances should you starve or go on a strict diet, because, as you know, after getting out of heavy diets, you gain weight again and often gain more.
We need to know that avoidance is a disease, but it can and should be treated. Obesity disrupts the regulation of appetite and satiety centers, but it is possible to "guide them".
First, you need to understand that it is often a problem associated with poor eating habits. Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself. A 10-15% reduction in weight from the start is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose 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.
Target to lose weight
However, if you have set a goal to lose weight, then you will have to reconsider your diet, composition and the food you eat. Cut down on sweets, baked goods and all kinds of "fast" carbs.
For starters, we recommend that you try a simple way of cooking. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular service on a plate. Now eat only half of the food on your plate. You will soon find that you 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 serving and rest for 10 minutes. You will be surprised that you do not want to finish the rest after this period: the hunger is gone and at the same time a crazy desire to eat everything. After two months of such an "underdiet" you will see a noticeable result. Check it out!
Along with proper intake of food, do not forget to drink plenty of fluids. People who do not have severe cardiovascular disease or 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
An herbal remedy for osteoarthritis. It is important to note that infusions and mixtures for osteoarthritis are less effective than the above methods, but may provide relative benefits.
You can take one of the following infusions during the month:
Remember, you must take each infusion or decoction separately, then replace it with another. Don't drink them all at once!
Maple decoction for osteoarthritis
Maple decoction for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon maple shoots should be poured into a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes and infuse for 1 hour, covering the pot hot. After an hour, strain and add the broth to its original volume with boiled water. Take a quarter (1/4) cup infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linseed infusion for osteoarthritis
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis: 3 tablespoons linden flowers should be poured into a glass of boiling water, boiled on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take 1 glass of warm infusion 3 times daily after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis
Boiling burdock for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon burdock root should be poured into 1 cup of boiling water, boil for about 30 minutes and stir frequently, then the broth should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Warm the broth in half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alfalfa infusion for osteoarthritis
Alfalfa infusion for osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons gray alfalfa cones (Alnus incana) pour 1 cup boiling water, keep on low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain. Take a third (1/3) cup infusion of alder cones 3 times a day for half a hour before meals for a month.
Collection of herbs for osteoarthritis
Collection of herbs for osteoarthritis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley root, black ink flowers and nettle leaves, chop finely. Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and simmer for 5-10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and dry. Take this collection in half a glass 4 times a day for half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 1 month.
The result
Although osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, when faced with it, you need to draw the right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, start the fight for your full physical and mental health by following the recommendations we offer. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!