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 impaired function of the affected joint. Arthrosis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, periarticular muscles of the knee joint are damaged. Arthrosis 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
The causes of arthrosis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: According to the scientific literature, approximately one third, and possibly half of arthrosis cases are preceded by trauma. A person can accidentally stumble on the street, or damage a joint while playing sports. First, there will be acute pain, which will subsequently dull and become slightly aching, but not causing much discomfort. Usually, in most cases, the joint will soon recover on its own and will not show signs of injury. But in rare cases, this unfavorable combination of circumstances can provoke the development of arthrosis.
- Long-term joint overload: It is believed that those people whose profession is associated with prolonged excessive stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may face the development of early arthrosis 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, therefore, it is arthritis that causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
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 metabolism, the structure of cartilage tissue, which are just genetically transmitted. Also, the possibility of arthrosis 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 load. It must be remembered that in obese people, arthrosis of the knee joints is more severe than in others.
- Chronic stress. It is a well-known fact that in case of excessive experiences, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", because of them there is 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 above aggravating circumstances, arthrosis can occur.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain. One of the initial and main symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint is pain in the knee joint. It is noteworthy that knee pain will occur only during physical exertion: when walking, running, squatting, and in the supine position, this pain will go away, and after a while it will go away completely (until the next load).
- Crackling in the joint. In contrast to the "crunching" of joints of healthy people, the crunch of joints affected by arthrosis has a different tonality: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness. Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is usually not expressed by stiffness as much as in subsequent degrees. But 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 joint - bone spines. It is because of them that the appearance of the joint can be different than that of a healthy one. In addition, the appearance of the joint can be somewhat "voluminous", this is due to the excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of arthrosis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee most often affects women than men. This disease often progresses after forty, but sometimes it occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes. More complex and more 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 minor knee pain. Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand on their feet for a long time, while going down and up 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 arthrosis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint 1 degree
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is characterized by at times 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 seem 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 such a diagnosis, you do not need to worry, this is not an oncological neoplasm, it is reduced under the influence of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree
Arthrosis of the knee joint of grade 2 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 crunch in the knee "joins" the pain in the joint. Grade 2 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, in addition to intense pain and crunching, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg in the knee joint. Deformation of the joint immediately manifests itself: the bone structures change shape, and upon palpation, the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Knee arthrosis grade 3
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by constant intense pain, it is even difficult for a person to be in a prone position: he is forced to look for a position in which he could rest. Knees become sensitive to weather changes, aching pains begin towards 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, deformity of the legs develops in the O-shaped or X-shaped form. In extreme cases, it is necessary to treat arthrosis of a high degree operable.
Knee gonarthrosis: treatment. What is important to know when treating the knee with medication
Despite the abundance of advertising promising a miraculous ointment for joint pain, you need to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis by any one method, an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of arthrosis in yourself, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist, or, first, a general practitioner.
Knee arthrosis: NSAID treatment
So how to treat arthrosis of the knee joint? Usually, for the treatment of joints, those non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used that can relieve the process of inflammation in the joint. Knee gonarthrosis is treated with those drugs that can have antipyretic, analgesic effects. Remember, drugs in this group should not be taken all the time. 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 is able to 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, 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.
Knee arthrosis: 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. 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 the cartilage is practically destroyed. To obtain 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 there are few contraindications for this group of medicinal substances, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Knee arthrosis: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex therapy in the treatment of arthrosis. They help restore the joint by improving blood flow and relieving small vessel spasms. A pleasant bonus in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, including vasodilator drugs, 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 that the nutrients of the chondroprotectors will penetrate into the joint in greater quantities and will circulate more actively in it. Remember, the use of any medicinal substances must be coordinated with your doctor.
Knee arthrosis: medicinal ointments and creams
Healing ointments for arthrosis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients. Remember that treatment with ointment of arthrosis of the knee joint of an extreme degree will not give an effect, but in the initial stages, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition. Pain relieving ointments can be used to improve circulation to the joint. Such drugs help to 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 ointments based on poisons can cause an allergic reaction, so only a specialist should give permission for their use.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical culture for arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapy.
You must remember that remedial 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 medication. In addition, remedial gymnastics is the most budgetary and most effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenditures.
But it is necessary to perform exercise therapy complexes for arthrosis deliberately: 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 just static exercises, because they are the most energy-consuming and tiring, 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 find an increase in strength and increaseperformance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises must be performed very smoothly and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Do not allow intense pain during exercise. Aim at gradualness and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will be obtained only with constant moderate exertion.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used in the first time after operations on the abdominal and chest organs, with fever, critical days in women. It is absolutely necessary to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to exert stress on the muscles of the abdominal press and back. This is required so that it is through the muscles of the abdomen and back that the main blood flow to the limbs goes.
Exercise complexes are freely available 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 will to return the former ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to apply physiotherapeutic methods of treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint, we will answer - definitely!
Knee arthrosis: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a light beam for therapeutic purposes, consisting of ultraviolet, infrared, red spectra of radiation. The effect of the laser 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 arthrosis with a single laser, this is an additional method of treatment.
Knee arthrosis: 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. It is believed that the latter method is the most effective for arthrosis 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 daily sessions.
Knee arthrosis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy - exposure to a magnetic field. A fairly common physiotherapy method of treatment in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edema effect, causes non-contact electrical muscle stimulation, 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 arthrosis helps to 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 penetrates the tissues more easily.
Knee arthrosis: heat treatment
Heat treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint is used at 1-2 stages of the disease. This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. It is the latter that deserve special attention: mud treatment of arthrosis can be carried out 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, cooling it to 38-42 ° and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer on the affected joint. Cover the mixture with oilcloth and a warm blanket. Leave on for 30 minutes. Carry out the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for arthrosis of the knee joint
Diet for arthrosis is an important factor in successful 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 occurrence of arthrosis of the lower extremities. Nevertheless, you need to lose weight correctly: in no case starve or sit on harsh diets, because, as you know, after leaving hard diets, weight is gained again, and, often, in even greater quantities.
We need to know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated. With obesity, the regulation of the centers of appetite and satiety is disturbed, but it is possible to "guide them on the right path. "
First, you need to recognize 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 reduction from baseline is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose weight even by 5% of the initial one, you will immediately feel relief: there will be a decrease in blood pressure, and the condition of the joints will improve.
Goal to lose weight
In any case, if you have set yourself a goal to lose weight, then you will have to reconsider your diet, composition and amount of food consumed. Cut back on confectionery, baked goods, and all kinds of "fast" carbohydrates.
For starters, we recommend trying a simple way of eating food. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular serving on a plate. Now, eat only half of the food on your plate. You will soon notice that you are just habitually eating the entire portion, 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 after this time you simply do not want to finish the remaining portion: hunger is gone, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything. After two months of such "underdiet" you will see a noticeable result. Try it!
Along with the correct intake of food, one should not forget about a sufficient amount of fluid intake. Those people who do not have severe cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases, 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 arthrosis of the knee joint
Herbal medicine for arthrosis. It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for arthrosis help weaker than the above methods, but they can be of relative benefit.
During the month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you only need to take each infusion or decoction separately, then replace it with another. Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for arthrosis
Decoction of birch for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of birch buds must be poured 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 warmly. After an hour, you need to strain and add the broth with boiled water to the original volume. Take a quarter (1/4) cup infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for arthrosis
Linden infusion for arthrosis: 3 tablespoons of linden flowers should be poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take warm 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 boiling water, simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring often, after which the broth should be cooled at room temperature and filtered. Take the broth warm in half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before eating for a month.
Alder infusion for arthrosis
Alder infusion for arthrosis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) must be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take a third (1/3) cup infusion of alder cones 3 times a day half an hour before eating for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis: mix in equal parts willow bark, parsley roots, black elderberry flowers and nettle leaves, chop thoroughly. 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 half an hour before eating. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that arthrosis is a very unpleasant disease, when faced with it, it is necessary to draw the right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, start fighting for your full physical and spiritual health, observing the recommendations we have proposed. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!