Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for various reasons, but are similar in clinical manifestations and course.The basis of all osteoarthritis is damage to the components of the joint. Osteoarthritis disease 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.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: According to scientific literature, around a third and perhaps half of osteoarthritis cases are preceded by injury.A person may accidentally trip on the street or damage a joint while playing sports.First, there will be a sharp pain, which will later become dull and slightly sore, but without causing much discomfort.Typically, 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 joint overload: it is believed that those people whose profession is associated with prolonged excessive load on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may develop early joint arthrosis.
- Inflammation of the joints (knee joint arthritis): when the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is interrupted, therefore, it is arthritis that causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Heredity.Typically, arthrosis of the joints is not directly inherited, but the “catalysts” in the development of arthrosis can be the features of the metabolism and structure of cartilaginous tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Additionally, the possibility of osteoarthritis may occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, or birth injuries.
- Overweight.Excess weight is an “aggravating” circumstance in the development of osteoarthritis: that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain imposes a greater burden.It is important to remember that osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more severe in obese people than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is known that during excessive stress the adrenal glands secrete “stress hormones”, causing 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 aggravating circumstances listed above, osteoarthritis can develop.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the initial and main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is pain in the knee joint.It is worth noting that knee pain will only occur during physical activity: when walking, running, squatting and lying down this pain will go away, and after a while it will go away completely (until the next exercise).
- Crunching at the joint.Unlike the “creaking” of joints in healthy people, the clicking of joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different tone: 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 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 articular and bone spines.It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from that of a healthy joint.Furthermore, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat “bulky”, this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
Knee joint arthrosis course
Knee osteoarthritis affects women more often than men.This disease usually progresses after the age of forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and serious, as we wrote previously, in obese women, as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of minor pain in the knee.Pain often occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, when going up or down stairs.When the person lies down, the pain goes away, but when they have to get up, the first steps become very painful for them.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Arthrosis of the knee joint 1st degree
1st degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint is characterized by severe pain in the knee at times, 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 have been diagnosed with this, don't worry, it is not an oncological tumor, it diminishes with the effect of the medications prescribed by your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 2nd degree
Arthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this time, pain in the knee joint often intensifies.This pain no longer simply occurs during physical activity, but accompanies the person in any movement.Typically, at this time, pain in the joint is accompanied by a distinct clicking sound in the knee.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree, in addition to severe pain and clicking, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to flex the leg in the knee joint.Deformation of the joint appears immediately: the bone structures change shape and, when palpated, the joint becomes hard and “rough”.
Arthrosis of the knee joint 3rd degree
3rd degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint is characterized by intense and constant pain;It is even difficult for a person to lie down: they are forced to look for a position where they can rest.The knees become sensitive to climate changes and, closer to night, intense 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, in grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to fully straighten the leg;a person has to walk with their legs slightly bent.In some cases, an O- or X-shaped deformity of the legs develops. In extreme cases, high-grade osteoarthritis must be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What is important to know when treating knee joints with medication?
Despite the abundance of advertising promising a miracle ointment for joint pain, it is necessary to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with any method;an integrated approach is needed.
When you discover the first signs of osteoarthritis, see a doctor as soon as possible.This could be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or, first, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So, how to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint?Typically, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances that can relieve joint inflammation are used to treat joints.Knee gonarthrosis is treated with medications that can have an antipyretic and analgesic effect.It is worth remembering that medications in this group cannot be taken continuously, as they are capable of “masking” the symptoms of the disease.Attention: do not self-medicate, act only under the guidance of a competent specialist who will be able to prescribe treatment for you based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account contraindications to the use of medications.
In recent years, new generation drugs have been used in practice: these 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint, you can take substances that nourish the cartilaginous tissue of the joint and restore its structure.These medications are chondroprotective.These medications are most effective if you have grade 1 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, as in 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 treatment cycles, which usually takes a year and a half.Remember, 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
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis.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 injured joint.If you want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is better to use vasodilators with chondroprotectors, then the nutrients from chondroprotectors will penetrate the joint in greater quantities and circulate more actively in it.Remember, the use of any medication should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for osteoarthritis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients.Remember that treating extreme knee osteoarthritis with ointment will have no effect, but in the early stages, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition.To improve blood circulation in the joints, you can use joint analgesic ointments.These medications help eliminate 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 damaged 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 arthrosis of the knee joint is an effective method of treatment in combination with medications and physiotherapeutic techniques.
It must be remembered that therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis are the main method of treatment, since no medications can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate blood supply.Furthermore, therapeutic exercises are the most economical and effective treatment, which does not require unnecessary material expenditure.
But it is necessary to carry out exercise therapy complexes for arthrosis carefully: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 leg movements.In no case should you apply intense dynamic loads, but instead of active flexion-extension, do static exercises.Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do static exercises, because they are the most energy-consuming and tiring, but if you can hold out for 2 to 3 weeks, exercising regularly, you will not only improve the condition of your knee joint, but you will also find an increase in strength and performance.
How to do it correctly
Exercises should be performed softly and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.Severe pain should not be allowed while performing exercises.Aim for gradation and regularity, take your time: the expected effect will only be achieved with constant moderate loads.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after operations on the 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 put pressure on the abdominal and back muscles.This is necessary so that it is through the muscles of the abdomen and back that the main blood flow goes to the limbs.
Sets of exercises are freely available on the Internet, try to perform a variety of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day, every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and desire to return to the former 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 - for sure!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use for therapeutic purposes of a beam of light composed of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectrums.The laser effect has anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic effects.Typically, a course of laser therapy treatment consists of 15 sessions.Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis with laser alone;is an additional 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 the blood supply to the joints, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms.The course of treatment is usually 10 to 12 sessions daily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy is exposure to a magnetic field.A physiotherapeutic treatment method that is quite common in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edematous effect, causes contactless 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 treatment using sound waves.Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps improve blood supply, reduces muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.To enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medicinal substance is applied to the affected joint.With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: heat treatment
Heat 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 latter that deserve special attention: treating arthrosis with mud can be done at home.You should dilute the healing mud with water and heat it to a temperature of 60°, then mix the resulting mass with unheated mud, cooling to 38-42° and apply a layer 2-3 cm thick to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with an oilcloth 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 medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The osteoarthritis diet is an important factor in the success of treatment.But we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with any eating habits, but it is excess weight that contributes to the development of arthrosis of the lower limbs.However, you need to lose weight correctly: under no circumstances should you go hungry or go on strict diets, because as you know, after leaving strict diets, the weight will be gained again, and often in even greater amounts.
We need to know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and should be treated.With obesity, the regulation of the 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 bad eating habits.Secondly, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself.A weight reduction of 10-15% compared to the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose weight, even 5% of your original weight, you will feel immediate relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
Goal of losing weight
In any case, if you have set a weight loss goal, you will have to reconsider your diet, composition and quantity of food consumed.Reduce your consumption of confectionery, baked goods and various types of “fast” carbohydrates.
To get started, we recommend trying a simple way of consuming food.Prepare your normal meal by placing your usual portion on a plate.Now, only eat half the food on your plate.You will soon notice that you simply eat the entire portion out of habit, although you need very little to satisfy your hunger.Even if you are hungry, slowly eat half your portion and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised to know that after this time you simply don't want to finish the rest: hunger has disappeared and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months of this “sub-diet” you will see a remarkable result.Try it!
Along with adequate food intake, sufficient fluid intake should not be forgotten.People who do not have serious cardiovascular or kidney disease and who do not suffer from edema can safely increase the amount of fluid they drink to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Phytotherapy for osteoarthritis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for arthrosis help less than the above methods, but they can bring relative benefits.
Within a month you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you need to take each infusion or decoction only separately, and 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 container tightly.After an hour, you need to strain it and add boiled water to the broth to the original volume.Take the infusion of a quarter (1/4) cup 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for arthrosis
Linden infusion for arthrosis: pour 3 tablespoons of linden flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, cool and strain.Take the 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 glass of boiling water, cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring constantly, after which the broth should be cooled to room temperature and strained.Take the decoction warm, half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for arthrosis
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and strained.Take an infusion of alder cones, one third (1/3) of a glass, 3 times a day, half an hour before meals, for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis: mix equal parts of willow bark, parsley roots, black elderberry flowers and nettle leaves, chop finely.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and strain.Take this mixture half a glass 4 times a day, half an hour before meals.The course of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, when facing it it is necessary to draw the correct conclusions about the disease, reduce negative emotions and start fighting for full physical and spiritual health, following the recommendations we offer.Then you will definitely defeat the disease!