Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that occur for a variety of 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 with impaired joint function. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, synovial membrane, yoga, periarticular muscles of the knee joint are damaged. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint requires your attention, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach. And also at least an elementary understanding of why and how the disease progresses.
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 all arthrosis cases are preceded by trauma. A person can accidentally run into a street, or injure a joint during sports. At first, there will be severe pain, which will subsequently be dull and slightly painful, but will not cause much discomfort. Usually, in most cases, the joint heals quickly and shows no signs of damage. But in rare cases, this unfavorable coincidence of circumstances can provoke the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term overload of the joints: It is believed that people whose profession is associated with prolonged excessive stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may develop early arthrosis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): Inflammation of the joint causes biological and morphological changes, disrupts blood circulation, 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 "catalyst" for the development of osteoarthritis may be the peculiarities of metabolism, the structure of cartilage tissue, which are only genetically transmitted. Also, the possibility of osteoarthritis can occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, birth trauma.
- Excess weight. Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance in the development of osteoarthritis: it is not directly related, but weight gain has a large load. It should be remembered that osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more severe in overweight people than in others.
- Chronic stress. It is a known fact that in case of excessive experience, the adrenal glands secrete "stress hormones", due to which the blood supply deteriorates and the production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which is an important component of the normal functioning of the joint. Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances mentioned above.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain One of the primary 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 activity: during walking, jogging, squatting and lying down, this pain will disappear, and after a certain period of time it will disappear completely (before the next load).
- Crackling in the joint. Unlike the "crunching" of joints in healthy people, the joints affected by osteoarthritis have different tones: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint strength. Grade 1 knee joint osteoarthritis usually does not show as much severity as in subsequent degrees. With progression, the range of motion in the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Knee joint deformity. With the progression of gonarthrosis, abnormal growths develop in the joint - in the bone spine. It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from that of a healthy one. In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat "voluminous", this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee is more common in women than in men. This disease often develops after forty years, but sometimes it occurs earlier, usually after injuries, and in professional athletes. More complex and severe gonarthrosis occurs, as we wrote earlier, in overweight women as well as in people with severe varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of small knee pain. Often, the pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time while climbing and climbing stairs. When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when you need to stand up, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Knee joint arthrosis 1 degree
Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee is sometimes characterized by severe pain in the knee, but at the same time, the bones that make up the knee joint remain shapeless, but due to synovitis, the knee may be slightly swollen. If the intra-articular fluid is too much, it can spread to the popliteal fossa. This condition is called Baker's cyst. If such a diagnosis is made to you, you should not worry, it is not an oncological neoplasm, it is reduced by exposure to medications prescribed by a doctor.
2nd degree knee joint arthrosis
Grade 2 knee joint arthrosis begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, the knee pain usually gets worse. This pain no longer occurs simply during physical activity, but accompanies a person with any movement. Usually, a clear crisis of the knee at this time "joins" the joint pain. In addition to severe pain and cramping, grade 2 of the knee joint gonarthrosis is accompanied by a decrease in the ability of the knee joint to bend. Deformation of the joint immediately manifests itself: the bone structures change shape, and on palpation the joint becomes firm and "rough".
Knee arthrosis 3 degree
Grade 3 knee joint arthrosis is characterized by constant intense pain, even for a person with a difficult tendency: he is forced to find a position in which to rest. The knees become sensitive to changes in the weather, with excruciating pain starting at night. Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a final reduction in mobility, making it impossible for a person to bend more than 90 ° in the knee joint. Sometimes, in 3rd degree gonarthrosis, it is impossible to fully straighten the leg, the person has to walk on slightly bent legs. In some cases, the foot deformity develops into an O-shape or an X-shape. In extreme cases, high-grade arthrosis surgery is necessary.
Knee gonarthrosis: treatment. What is important to know when treating a knee injury
Despite the abundance of advertising that promises an amazing ointment for joint pain, you must understand that gonarthrosis cannot be cured by any method, an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of osteoarthritis in yourself, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. This could be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist, or primarily a general practitioner.
Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
So how do we treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint? Usually, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used to treat joints, which can relieve the inflammatory process in the joint. Knee gonarthrosis is treated with medications that may have antipyretic, analgesic effects. Remember, taking drugs in this group is not necessary constantly. 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 your individual body parameters, taking into account the contraindications to the use of the drug.
In recent years, a new generation of drugs has been used in practice: they are selective drugs that act in the same way as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but are less often characterized by unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with chondroprotectors
With osteoarthritis of the knee joint you can get substances that tighten the cartilage tissue of the joint and restore its structure. These drugs are chondroprotectors. Such drugs are most effective if you have 1st gonarthrosis of the knee joint, since there is almost nothing to restore with extreme gonarthrosis: the entire cartilage is practically destroyed. To get the effect of chondroprotectors it is necessary to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually takes a year and a half. Remember, although the contraindications to this group of medicinal substances are small, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilators are a good complex therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis. They help restore the joint by improving blood flow and relieving small vessel spasms. A nice bonus for treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint, including vasodilators, can eliminate overnight pain in the damaged joint. If you want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, vasodilators are best used with chondroprotectors, so that the nutrients of chondroprotectors penetrate into the joint in greater quantities and circulate more actively in it. Remember, the use of any medication should be coordinated with your doctor.
Knee Arthritis: Healing ointments and creams
Arthritis treatment ointments are often used as a trap by marketing desperate patients. Keep in mind that treating an extreme degree of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with an ointment does not work, but at the initial stage a cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition. Pain relief ointments can be used to improve circulation in the joint. Such drugs help to eliminate 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, which increases blood circulation to the damaged joint. Remember, many ointments based on poisons can cause an allergic reaction, so only a specialist should give permission for their use.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Physical culture for the treatment of knee joint osteoarthritis is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapy.
You have to remember that gonarthrosis treatment is the mainstay of treatment in gymnastics because we can not strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply with any medication. In addition, fitness gymnastics is the most budget and most effective treatment that does not require excessive material costs.
But it is necessary to deliberately perform exercise therapy complexes for osteoarthritis: do not rush to do 200 sessions a day or 100 beats. Under no circumstances should you assign intense dynamic loads and do static exercises instead of active bending-expansion. Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do only static exercises as they are the most time consuming and tiring, but if you work out for 2-3 weeks and exercise regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint but also increase strength and performance.
How to do it right
Exercises should be performed very smoothly and gently, with light pressure stretching the yokes and joints. Do not allow strong pain during exercise. Strive gradually and regularly, do not rush things: the expected effect is obtained only with a constant moderate load.
Remember that strength training should not be used after abdominal and chest surgeries, fever, critical days in women. It is absolutely necessary not only to pay attention to the joints, but also to stress the abdominal press and spinal muscles. This is necessary so that the main blood circulation in the extremities goes through the abdominal muscles and the spinal muscles.
Exercise complexes are freely available on the Internet, try to do a variety of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day, according to our instructions.
I wish you patience and will to return to your former movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
If you are wondering if it is possible to use physiotherapy methods to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we will answer - really!
Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment - Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a light beam for therapeutic purposes consisting of ultraviolet, infrared, red light radiation. The action of the laser has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic action. Usually, a laser therapy course consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe method of treatment, but it is possible to cure arthrosis with a single laser, it is an additional method of treatment.
Knee osteoarthritis: 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. 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 course of treatment is usually 10-12 daily sessions.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy - exposure to a magnetic field. A fairly common method of physiotherapy treatment in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-inflammatory effect, causes non-contact electrical stimulation of the muscle and reduces inflammation of the joints. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor - physiotherapist.
Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment - Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy - treatment with sound waves. Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps to improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect. To increase the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, the drug is applied to the affected joint. With the help of ultrasound waves, the drug penetrates more easily into the tissues.
Knee Osteoarthritis: Heat Treatment
Heat treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is used in stages 1-2 of the disease. This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. The latter deserves special attention: treatment of osteoarthritis with mud can be carried out at home. It is necessary to dilute the healing mud in water and heat it to a temperature of 60 °, then mix the obtained mass with unheated mud, cool to 38-42 ° and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer on the damaged joint. Cover the mixture with oil and a warm blanket. Let stand for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every other day, taking a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Arthritis diet is an important factor in successful treatment. But we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not related to any peculiarity of nutrition, but it is the excess weight that contributes to the emergence of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities. Nevertheless, you need to lose weight properly: under no circumstances should you starve or sit on a strict diet, because, as you know, after leaving a heavy diet, you gain weight again and, often, in even greater quantities.
We need to know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can also be treated and cured. Overweight disrupts the regulation of appetite and satiety centers, but it is possible to "steer them in the right direction. "
First, you need to realize that there is a problem that is often associated with poor eating habits. Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself. A 10-15% weight loss from the initial result is an excellent result. Trust me, even if you lose weight by even 5% of the original, you will immediately feel relief: a decrease in blood pressure is observed, the condition of the joints will improve.
The goal is to lose weight
In any case, if you are aiming to lose weight, then you need to review your diet, composition and amount of food consumed. Cut down on confectionery, baked goods and all sorts of "quick" carbs.
For starters, we recommend trying the easy way of snacking. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular soldier on a plate. Now, eat only half of the snacks on your plate. You will soon notice that you only eat the whole portion out of habit, however you need very little to satisfy your hunger. Even if you are hungry, slowly eat half of your treat and rest for 10 minutes. You will be surprised that after this time you just do not want to finish the rest: the hunger is gone and with it the desire to eat everything. After two months of such an "underdiet" you will see a noticeable result. ! Try it!
With proper nutrition, you should not forget to drink plenty of fluids. 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 fluid to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
An herbal remedy for osteoarthritis. It is important to note that arthritic infusions and decorations contribute to the weaker than the above methods, but they may have relative benefits.
You can take the following infusions for a month:
Remember, you only need to take each infusion or decoction separately and then replace it with another. Do not drink at once!
Vodka decoration for arthrosis
Vodka decoration for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of vodka should be poured into a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes and leave for 1 hour, warm cover the container. After an hour, you need to strain and add the broth with boiling water to the original volume. Take a quarter (1/4) cup of infusion 4 times a day for one hour after eating.
Liden infusion for osteoarthritis
Liden infusion for osteoarthritis: 3 tablespoons of lime blossom should be poured into a glass of boiling water, boiled on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take a warm infusion of 1 cup 3 times a day for 3 weeks after meals.
Barberry decoration for arthrosis
Barberry decoration for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of ginger roots should pour 1 cup boiling water, leave for about 30 minutes, stir frequently, after which the broth should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Take warm broth half a cup (1/2) 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
Allergy infusion for arthrosis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) should be poured into 1 cup of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take a third (1/3) cup of alder cones 3 times a day for half an hour before meals for a month.
A Collection of Arthritis Medicinal Plants
Collecting Arthritis Medicinal Plants: Mix willow bark, parsley roots, old flowers and nettle leaves in equal parts, press 4 tablespoons of the mixture well, pour 1 liter of boiling water and boil on low heat for 5-10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and cook. Take this collection in half a cup 4 times a day, half an hour before eating. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Although osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, it is necessary to make the right conclusions about the disease, reduce negative emotions, fight for your physical and spiritual health, taking into account the recommendations we offer. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!