Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for different reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course.The basis of any arthrosis is damage to the components of the joint. Arthritis 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.Knee osteoarthritis, 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 injuries: According to the scientific literature, about a third and perhaps half of the cases of osteoarthritis 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 subsequently become dull and slightly painful, but it does not cause any particular 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 combination of circumstances can provoke the development of arthrosis.
- Long-term overloading of the joint: it is believed that people whose occupation involves long-term excessive load on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may develop early osteoarthritis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): when the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood circulation is disturbed, therefore arthritis causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Heredity.Usually, arthrosis of the joints is not directly inherited, but "catalysts" in the development of arthrosis can be the characteristics of the metabolism and structure of the cartilage tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Also, the possibility of arthrosis can arise if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment or birth.
- Overweight.Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance for the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain carries a greater burden.It should be remembered that arthrosis of the knee joints is more severe in obese people than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is a well-known fact that under excessive stress, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", which leads to a deterioration of 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, arthrosis can occur.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee arthrosis is pain in the knee joint.It should be noted that the 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).
- Crackling in the joint.Unlike the "creaking" of joints in healthy people, the crunching of 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 as strongly as in the following degrees.But as it progresses, the range of motion in the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformation of the knee joint.As gonarthrosis progresses, pathological formations develop in the joint - bone spikes.It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from that of the healthy one.In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat "bulky", this is due to an 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 forty years, but sometimes appears earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complicated and severe, as we wrote earlier, in women with obesity, as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins.
The beginning of the disease is characterized by the appearance of a slight pain in the knee.Often the pain occurs when a person has to stand on his feet for a long time, when going up or down stairs.When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when he has to stand up, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint 1st 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 forming 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 into the popliteal fossa.This condition is called Baker's cyst.If you are diagnosed with this, there is no need to worry, it is not an oncological tumor, it decreases under the influence of drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 2 degree
Arthrosis of the knee joint 2 degrees begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this time, the pain in the knee joint usually increases.This pain no longer appears simply during physical activity, but accompanies a person with every movement.Usually at this time the pain in the joint is accompanied by a distinct creaking 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 bend the leg in the knee joint.Deformation of the joint immediately appears: the bone structures change their shape and upon palpation the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Arthrosis of the knee joint 3rd degree
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by constant intense pain;it is even difficult for a man to lie down: he is forced to seek a position in which to rest.Knees become sensitive to changes in weather and closer to night the pain begins.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 fully straighten the leg;one should walk on slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O-shaped or X-shaped deformity of the leg develops.In extreme cases, high-grade arthrosis must be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What is important to know when treating knee joints with drugs?
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising a miracle ointment for joint pain, you should understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with any method;an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of arthrosis, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.This can be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist or, in the first place, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So, how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint?Usually, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used to treat joints, which can relieve inflammation in the joint.Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic and analgesic effects.Remember that drugs from this group cannot be taken continuously, as 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 based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account contraindications for the use of drugs.
In recent years, drugs of a new generation have been used in practice: they are selective agents that act in the same way as NSAIDs, but are less likely to give unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with chondroprotectors
With arthrosis of the knee joint, you can take substances that nourish the cartilage tissue of the joint and restore its structure.Such drugs are chondroprotectors.Such drugs are most effective if you have grade 1 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, because in extreme gonarthrosis there is almost nothing to restore: all the cartilage is practically destroyed.To get the effect of chondroprotectors, you need to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually takes a year and a half.Remember that 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
Vasodilators 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 bonus in the treatment of arthrosis 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, vasodilators are best used with chondroprotectors, so the nutrients of the chondroprotectors will penetrate the joint in greater quantities and circulate more actively in it.Remember that the use of any medication should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: healing ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for arthrosis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients.Remember that the treatment of extreme arthrosis of the knee with ointment will not have an effect, but in the initial stages the cream and ointment can significantly relieve 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 ointments based on bee and snake venom.These ointments have an irritating effect that increases blood circulation in the damaged joint.Remember that many poison-based ointments can cause an allergic reaction, so permission for their use should be given only by a specialist.
Therapeutic gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapeutic techniques.
You must 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 budgetary and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material costs.
But it is necessary to carry out treatment complexes for arthrosis carefully: 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, as they are the most energy-intensive and tiring, but if you can last 2-3 weeks doing regular exercises, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also find an increase in strength and increased productivity.
How to do it right
The exercises should be performed very smoothly and carefully, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.When performing exercises, severe pain should not be allowed.Strive 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 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 load the abdominal and back muscles.This is necessary so that through the muscles of the abdomen and back, the main blood flow goes to the extremities.
Complexes of exercises are freely available on the Internet, try to perform various exercises for 30-40 minutes a day every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and will to return the previous ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapy methods to treat arthrosis of the knee joint, we will answer - 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 an anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic effect.Usually, a course of laser therapy treatment consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe method of treatment, but it is impossible to cure arthrosis with laser alone;it is a complementary 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 last 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 sessions per day.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetic therapy
Magnetotherapy is exposure to a magnetic field.A fairly common physiotherapeutic method of treatment in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edematous effect, causes non-contact 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 using sound waves.Ultrasound in arthrosis helps to improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.To improve the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medicinal substance is applied to the affected joint.With the help of ultrasound waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: thermal treatment
Thermal treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is used at 1-2 stages of the disease.This method involves treatment with ozokerite, paraffin and mud.The latter deserve special attention: the treatment of arthrosis with mud can be carried out 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 to 38-42° and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer to the affected joint. Cover the mixture with a tarpaulin and a warm blanket on top.Leave for 30 minutes.Carry out the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Diet in arthrosis is an important factor for successful treatment.But we must understand that the development of arthrosis is not related to any eating habits, and excess weight contributes to the development of arthrosis of the lower limbs.However, you need to lose weight properly: in no case should you starve or undergo strict diets, because, as you know, after leaving strict diets, the pounds will go back on, and often in even greater amounts.
We must know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated.In obesity, the regulation of appetite and satiety centers is disturbed, but it is possible to "put them on the right track".
First, you need to recognize the problem, which is often associated with poor eating habits.Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals.Weight reduction of 10-15% from the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose even 5% of the original weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of the joints will improve.
The goal is to lose weight
In any case, if you have set yourself the goal of losing weight, then you will need to review your diet, the composition and the amount of food consumed.Reduce the consumption of confectionery, baked goods and various types of "fast" carbohydrates.
To begin with, we recommend that you try a simple way of eating.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 just eat the whole portion out of habit, even though 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: the hunger is gone, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months on this "lack of diet" you will see a noticeable result.Try it!
Along with proper food intake, we must not forget the sufficient amount of fluids.People who do not have severe cardiovascular disease or kidney disease and do not suffer from edema can safely increase the amount of fluid they drink to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Herbal remedies for arthrosis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions in arthrosis help less than the above methods, but can be of relative benefit.
Within a month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember that you should take each infusion or decoction only separately, 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 pot in a warm place.After an hour, you need to strain and add boiled water to the broth to the original volume.Take the infusion in a quarter (1/4) cup 4 times a day, one hour after meals for one month.
Linden decoction for arthrosis
Linden infusion for arthrosis: 3 tablespoons of linden blossom are poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and strained.Take the infusion warm, 1 cup 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Decoction of burdock for arthrosis
Burdock decoction for arthrosis: pour 1 tablespoon of burdock roots with 1 cup of boiling water, let it simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, then cool the decoction to room temperature and strain.Take the decoction warm for half (1/2) a cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Tincture of alder for arthrosis
Alder decoction for arthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) are poured with 1 cup of boiling water, left on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and strained.Take an infusion of alder cones, one third (1/3) cup, 3 times a day half an hour before meals for one month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis
Collection of healing herbs for arthrosis: equal parts of willow bark, parsley roots, black elder flowers and nettle leaves are mixed, finely chopped.4 tablespoons of the mixture are poured with 1 liter of boiling water and left to boil over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then left for 2 hours and strained.Take this mixture half a cup 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 you encounter 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 definitely beat the disease!