Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that have different causes, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course.The basis of all arthrosis is damage to joint components. Arthritis is a disease that develops with the dysfunction of the affected joint.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease resulting in damage to the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments and periarticular muscles of the knee joint.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach, also requires your attention.And 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 one-third and perhaps half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by an injury.A person can accidentally walk down the street or injure a joint while playing sports.First, there will be a sharp pain, later it will be dull and a little painful, but it 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 combination of conditions can lead to the development of arthrosis.
- Joint long-term overloading: it is believed that people whose occupation is associated with long-term overloading of the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may experience the development of early arthrosis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): when the joint is inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is disturbed, so it is arthritis that causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Heredity.As a rule, arthrosis of the joints is not directly hereditary, the "catalysts" in the development of arthrosis can be genetically transmitted characteristics of metabolism and the structure of cartilage tissue.Also, if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment or birth injuries, the possibility of arthrosis may occur.
- Excess weight.Excess weight is an "aggravating" condition in the development of arthrosis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain imposes 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 known that during extreme stress, the adrenal glands secrete "stress hormones" that cause the deterioration of blood supply and the decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, an important component for the normal functioning of the joint.Arthrosis can occur as a result of chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances listed above.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee arthrosis is pain in the knee joint.It is noteworthy that the pain in the knee will occur only during physical activity: walking, running, squatting and lying down, this pain will pass and after a while it will completely disappear (until the next exercise).
- Crackling in the joint.Unlike the "creaking" of healthy people's joints, the creaking of joints affected by arthrosis has a different tone: it becomes rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness.Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is usually not expressed by stiffness, as in the later degrees.However, 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 spines.That's why the appearance of the joint can be different from the healthy one.In addition, the appearance of the joint can be somewhat "bulky", which is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of arthrosis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee affects women more than men.This disease often progresses after forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis, as we wrote earlier, is more complicated and severe in obese women, as well as in people with obvious varicose veins.
The beginning of the disease is characterized by the appearance of small pains in the knee.Pain often occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, when going up or down stairs.The pain passes when a person lies down, but when he needs to stand up, the first steps are very painful for him.
There are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint 1st degree
Grade 1 arthrosis of the knee joint is characterized by sometimes severe pain in the knee, but at the same time, the bones that make up the knee joint remain undeformed, but the knee may appear slightly swollen due to synovitis.If there is a lot of intra-articular fluid, it can spread into the popliteal fossa.This condition is called Baker's cyst.If you have been diagnosed with this, there is no need to worry, it is not an oncological tumor, it is reduced by the effect of the drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint
2-degree arthrosis of the knee joint 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 occurs only during physical activity, it accompanies a person with any movement.Usually, pain in the joint at this time is accompanied by a different crisis in the knee.2nd degree gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg in the knee joint, along with severe pain and stiffness.Deformation of the joint is immediately visible: bone structures change shape, and the joint becomes hard and "rough" when palpated.
Arthrosis of the knee joint 3rd degree
arthrosis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by constant severe pain;it is difficult for a person to lie down: he is forced to look for a position where he can rest.Knees become sensitive to weather changes and aching pain begins towards night.Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility;it becomes impossible to bend a person's leg more than 90 ° at the knee joint.Sometimes it is not possible to completely straighten the leg with 3rd degree gonarthrosis;one should walk on slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O or X-shaped leg deformity develops.In extreme cases, high-grade arthrosis should be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What is important to know when treating knee joints with medicine?
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising a miraculous ointment for joint pain, you should understand that it is impossible to treat gonarthrosis by any method;an integrated approach is required.
If you notice the first signs of arthrosis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.This may be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist, or primarily a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So, how to treat arthrosis of the knee joint?Typically, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) agents are used to treat joint inflammation.Knee gonarthrosis is treated with drugs that can have antipyretic and analgesic effects.Remember that drugs in this group cannot be taken continuously, because they are able to "mask" the symptoms of the disease.Attention: do not self-medicate, act only under the guidance of a competent specialist who can 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 are less likely to cause unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with chondroprotectors
For 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.If there is 1st degree gonarthrosis of the knee joint, such drugs are most effective, because with excessive 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, usually lasting a year and a half.Remember that although this group of drugs has several contraindications, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex therapy for the treatment of arthrosis.They help to restore the joint by improving blood flow and eliminating spasm of small vessels.A pleasant bonus in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, including vasodilators, can be the elimination of night pains 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 there more actively.Remember that the use of any medication should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for arthrosis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients.Remember that treating excessive knee arthrosis with ointment will not have any effect, but cream and ointment at the initial stage can significantly alleviate the condition.You can use joint pain relievers to improve blood circulation in the joint.Such drugs help relieve painful joint spasms 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 injured joint.Remember that many poison-based ointments can cause an allergic reaction, so permission to use them should only be given by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for knee joint arthrosis is an effective method of treatment together with drugs and physiotherapeutic methods.
You should remember that therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis are the main method of treatment, because no medicine can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply.In addition, therapeutic exercises are the most budget-friendly and the most effective treatment that does not require unnecessary financial expenses.
But exercise therapy complexes for arthrosis should be performed carefully: do not rush to do 200 squats or 100 leg swings a day.In no case should you give intense dynamic loads, but do static exercises instead of active flexion-extension.Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do static exercises, because they are the most energy-consuming and tiring, but if you can stop for 2-3 weeks, if you exercise regularly, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also find an increase in strength and increased performance.
How to do it right
Exercises should be done very smoothly and gently, ligaments and joints should be stretched with light pressure.Strong pain should not be allowed while performing the exercises.Pay attention to gradualness and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will be achieved only with constant moderate loads.
Remember that strength training should not be used for the first time after operations on the abdominal and thoracic organs, during fever and during menstruation in women.It is absolutely necessary to stress not only the joints, but also the abdominal and back muscles.This is required for the main blood flow to the limbs through the abdominal and back muscles.
Exercise sets are freely available on the Internet, follow our instructions and try to do different exercises every day for 30-40 minutes.
We wish you perseverance and will to return to your previous ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapeutic treatment methods for arthrosis of the knee joint, we will answer - absolutely!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a light beam consisting of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectrums for therapeutic purposes.The effect of the laser has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and pain-relieving effects.Typically, a course of laser therapy treatment consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but arthrosis cannot be treated with lasers alone;is an additional treatment method.
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.The last method is believed to be the most effective for arthrosis of the knee joint.With the help of cryotherapy, you can improve joint blood supply, improve metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms.The course of treatment is usually 10-12 daily sessions.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy is exposure to a magnetic field.A fairly common method of physiotherapeutic treatment in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edema 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 for arthrosis helps improve blood supply, reduces muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.To increase 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: heat treatment
Thermal treatment for arthrosis of the knee joint is used in stages 1-2 of the disease.This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin and mud.It is the last one that deserves special attention: treatment of arthrosis with mud can be done at home.You need 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 to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with an oiled cloth and a warm blanket on top.Leave for 30 minutes.Carry out the procedure every 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 for successful treatment.However, we must understand that the development of arthrosis is not related to any dietary habits, but it is excess weight that contributes to the development of arthrosis of the lower extremities.However, you should lose weight properly: in no case should you starve and go on strict diets, because, as you know, after leaving strict diets, the weight will increase again, and often even more.
We must know that excess weight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated.With obesity, the regulation of appetite and satiety centers is disturbed, but it is possible to "guide" them.
First, you need to recognize the problem that is often associated with bad eating habits.Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself.A weight loss of 10-15% from the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose 5% of your initial weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
The goal is to lose weight
In any case, if your goal is to lose weight, then you will have to reconsider your diet, the composition and the amount of food you consume.Reduce the consumption of confectionery, bakery products and various types of "fast" carbohydrates.
To get started, we recommend trying the simple way of eating.Prepare your usual meal by placing it on a plate.Now eat only half of the food on your plate.You will soon find that even though you need very little to satisfy your hunger, you simply eat the whole portion out of habit.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 rest: hunger is gone, and with it the crazy desire to eat everything.After two months of this "diet without diet" you will see a noticeable result.Try it!
In addition to proper food intake, one should not forget to drink enough fluids.People without severe cardiovascular disease or kidney disease and who do not suffer from edema can safely increase their fluid intake to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Herbal medicine for arthrosis.It should be noted that infusions and decoctions for arthrosis help less than the above methods, but they can be of relative benefit.
You can take one of the following infusions within a month:
remember, you need to 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 on low heat for 15 minutes and infuse for 1 hour, covering the container warmly.After an hour, you need to filter and add boiled water to the original volume to the broth.Infuse a quarter (1/4) cup 4 times a day one hour after meals for a month.
Lime infusion for arthrosis
Infusion of linden for arthrosis: pour 3 tablespoons of linden flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes on low heat, then cool and strain.Take 1 glass of warm infusion 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for arthrosis
Burdock decoction for arthrosis: 1 tablespoon of burdock root should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, boiled over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, after which the decoction should be cooled to room temperature and filtered.Take the decoction warm, half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for arthrosis
Alder infusion for arthrosis: pour 2 tablespoons of gray alder (Alnus incana) cones with 1 cup of boiling water, keep on low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain.Take one third (1/3) of a glass of infusion of alder cones 3 times a day half an hour before meals for a month.
A collection of medicinal plants for arthrosis
Collection of herbs for arthrosis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley roots, black birch flowers and nettle leaves, grind thoroughly.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and cook on high heat for 5-10 minutes, then keep for 2 hours and filter.Take half a glass of this mixture half an hour before meals 4 times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.
The result
Despite the fact that arthrosis is a very unpleasant disease, when faced with it, it is necessary to follow the recommendations we offer, draw the correct conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, and start fighting for your full physical and spiritual health.Then you will definitely defeat the disease!