Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for different reasons but are similar in clinical appearance and progression.The basis of all osteoarthritis is damage to the components of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease with dysfunction of the affected joint.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which damage to the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments and periarticular muscles of the knee joint occurs.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the treatment of which requires a holistic 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, about a third and perhaps half of all cases of osteoarthritis are preceded by an injury.A person may accidentally trip on the street or damage a joint while playing sports.At first there is a stabbing pain, which then subsides and is slightly painful, but does not cause much discomfort.Normally, in most cases, the joint will soon recover on its own and show no signs of injury.However, in rare cases, this unfavorable confluence of circumstances can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term overload of the joints: It is believed that early arthrosis of the joints may occur in people whose jobs involve long-term excessive stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen).
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): When the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood circulation is disturbed, therefore it is arthritis that causes arthrosis of the knee joints (secondary arthrosis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance.Normally, arthrosis of the joints is not directly inherited, but “catalysts” in the development of arthrosis can be genetically inherited features of the metabolism and structure of cartilage tissue.There is also a possibility of osteoarthritis if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment or birth injuries.
- Overweight.Excess weight is an “aggravating” circumstance in the development of arthrosis, that is, it is not directly related, but weight gain represents a greater burden. It must be remembered that in overweight people, arthrosis of the knee joints is more serious than in others.
- Chronic stress.It is a well-known fact that when there is excessive stress, the adrenal glands release “stress hormones”, which leads to a deterioration in blood supply and a reduction in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component for the normal functioning of the joint.Chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances listed above can lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- Pain.One of the first and most important symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is pain in the knee joint.It is noteworthy that pain in the knee only occurs during physical activity: when walking, running, squatting and lying down, this pain disappears and after a while disappears completely (until the next exercise).
- Crunching in the joint.In contrast to the “crunch” of the joints of healthy people, the crunch of joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different sound: it is rough and “dry”.
- Joint stiffness.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint in the 1st degree is usually not as severe in stiffness as in later degrees.But as the disease 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 bone spines.This can cause the appearance of the joint to differ from that of a healthy joint.Additionally, the joint may appear somewhat “bulky” due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
Course of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Women are more commonly affected by knee osteoarthritis than men.This disease often progresses after the age of 40, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injury and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis, as we have already written, is more complex and serious in overweight women, as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins.
The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of mild pain in the knee.Pain often occurs when a person has to stand on their feet for a long time, when climbing stairs or climbing stairs.When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when he has to get back on his feet, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, grade 1
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is characterized by intermittent 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 to 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 decreases under the influence of medications prescribed by the doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, grade 2
Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the knee joint begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this point, the pain in the knee joint usually increases.This pain no longer only occurs during physical activity, but accompanies a person with every movement.Usually the pain in the joint at this time is accompanied by a noticeable crunch in the knee.Grade 2 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by severe pain and grinding, as well as a reduced ability to bend the leg at the knee joint.The joint deforms immediately: the bone structures change shape and when palpated, the joint becomes hard and “rough”.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, grade 3
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by constant severe pain;Even lying down is difficult for a person: he is forced to look for a position in which he can rest.The knees are sensitive to changes in the weather and the aching pains begin shortly before nightfall.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 more than 90° at the knee joint.Sometimes with grade 3 gonarthrosis it is not possible to fully straighten the leg;A person must walk on slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O-shaped or X-shaped leg deformity occurs.In extreme cases, severe osteoarthritis must be treated surgically.
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint: treatment.What should be taken into account when treating knee joints with medication?
Despite the abundance of advertising promising a miraculous ointment for joint pain, you must understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with a single method;An integrated approach is required.
If you notice the first signs of osteoarthritis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.This can be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or initially a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
How to treat arthrosis of the knee joint?Typically, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used to treat joints, which can relieve inflammation in the joint.Knee gonarthrosis is treated with medications that can reduce fever and relieve pain.Remember that drugs in this group cannot be taken continuously, as 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 the individual parameters of your body and taking into account contraindications to taking medications.
In recent years, new generation drugs have been used in practice: these are selective active ingredients that work in the same way as NSAIDs, but cause fewer 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 suffer from grade 1 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, since with extreme gonarthrosis almost nothing can be restored: all cartilage is practically destroyed.To achieve the effect of chondroprotectors, you need to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually last a year and a half.Remember that although this group of drugs has few contraindications, their use should be coordinated 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 circulation and relieving spasms 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 together with chondroprotectors.As a result, the nutrients from the chondroprotectors penetrate the joint in larger quantities and circulate more actively in it.Remember that taking any medication must be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic ointments for osteoarthritis are often used by marketers as a trap for desperate patients.Remember that treating extreme knee arthrosis with an ointment has no effect, but in the initial stages cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition.To improve blood circulation in the joint, you can use pain-relieving joint ointments.Such drugs help 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 flow to the damaged joint.Remember that many poison-based ointments can cause allergic reactions.Permission for use should therefore only be granted by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for arthrosis of the knee joint, in combination with medication and physiotherapeutic techniques, is an effective method of treatment.
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 affordable and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenditure.
However, it is necessary to carry out exercise therapy complexes for arthrosis carefully: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 leg swings.Under no circumstances should you carry out intensive dynamic loads, but rather do static exercises instead of active flexion-extension.Unfortunately, most patients do not do static exercises because they are the most energy-intensive and tiring.However, if you exercise regularly for 2-3 weeks, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also notice an increase in strength and performance.
Here's how to do it right
The exercises must be performed very gently and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.Severe pain should not be allowed when performing exercises.Strive for gradualness and regularity, without haste: the expected effect is achieved only with constant, moderate load.
Remember that strength exercises should not be performed for the first time after operations on the abdominal and chest organs, during fever or during menstruation in women.It is absolutely necessary to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to strain the abdominal and back muscles.This is necessary so that the main blood flow goes to the limbs through the abdominal and back muscles.
Exercise sets are freely available on the Internet.Try doing different exercises for 30-40 minutes every day, following our instructions.
We wish you a lot of perseverance and the will to return to your old freedom of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapeutic treatment methods for arthrosis of the knee joint, we answer - definitely!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy
Laser therapy uses a beam of light consisting of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectra for therapeutic purposes.The effect of the laser has an anti-inflammatory, edematous and analgesic effect.Typically, a 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;It 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.It is believed that the latter method is most effective for arthrosis of the knee joint.With the help of cryotherapy, you can improve blood circulation in the joint, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms.The course of treatment usually includes 10-12 daily sessions.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetic field therapy
Magnetotherapy involves exposure to a magnetic field.A widely used physiotherapeutic treatment method in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an antiedematous effect, causes non-contact electrical stimulation of the 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 osteoarthritis helps to improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.To enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medicine is applied to the affected joint.With the help of ultrasound waves, the drug penetrates the tissue more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: heat treatment
Thermal treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint is used in stages 1-2 of the disease.This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin and mud.The latter deserves special attention: treatment of arthrosis with mud can be carried out 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, cool to 38-42° and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer to the affected joint.Cover the mixture with oilcloth and place a warm blanket over it.Leave on for 30 minutes.Carry out the procedure every other day with a sequence of 10-12 procedures.
Dietary and herbal remedies for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Nutrition for osteoarthritis is an important factor for successful treatment.However, we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not related to any dietary habits, but that being overweight contributes to the development of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities.However, you need to lose weight properly: under no circumstances should you starve yourself or follow strict diets, because, as you know, after leaving strict diets, weight gain occurs again, often even in larger quantities.
We must know that obesity is also a disease, but it can and should be treated.In obesity, the regulation of the appetite and satiety centers is disrupted, but it is possible to “get them on the right track”.
First, you need to recognize the problem that is often associated with poor eating habits.Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals.A weight reduction of 10-15% from baseline is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose only 5% of the original weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
Goal to lose weight
If you have set yourself the goal of losing weight, you definitely need to reconsider your diet, composition and amount of food eaten.Reduce consumption of confectionery, baked goods and various types of “fast” carbohydrates.
First, we recommend trying a simple diet.Prepare your regular meal by placing your usual portion on a plate.Now only eat half of the food on your plate.Soon you will notice that you just eat the whole portion out of habit, even though you only 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 that after this time you simply no longer feel like eating the remaining portion: hunger has disappeared and with it the hectic desire to eat everything.After two months of this “sub-diet” you will see a noticeable result.Try it!
In addition to eating the right food, you should also not forget to drink enough fluids.If you do not have serious cardiovascular disease or kidney disease and do not suffer from edema, you can safely increase your fluid intake to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Herbal medicine for osteoarthritis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions help less with arthrosis than the above methods, but they can be of relative benefit.
Within a month you can take one of the following infusions:
Remember that you only need to take each infusion or decoction one at a time and then replace it with another.Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for osteoarthritis
Birch decoction for arthrosis: Pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of birch buds, cook 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 the broth and add boiled water to the original volume.Take the infusion of a quarter (1/4) glass four 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, cook over low heat for 15 minutes, then let cool and strain.Take the infusion warm for 3 weeks, 1 glass three times a day after meals.
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis: Pour 1 tablespoon of burdock roots with 1 glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, then let the decoction cool to room temperature and strain.Take the decoction warm, half (1/2) cup, three times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis: Pour 1 glass of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana), leave to stand over low heat for 15 minutes, then allow to cool and strain.Take an infusion of alder cones, a third (1/3) of a glass, three times a day for half an hour before meals for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis
Collection of medicinal herbs for arthrosis: Mix willow bark, parsley roots, black elderflowers and nettle leaves in equal proportions, chop thoroughly.Add 4 tablespoons of the mixture to 1 liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and strain.Take this mixture in half a glass four times a day half an hour before meals.The duration of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that arthrosis is a very unpleasant disease, given the disease, it is necessary to draw the correct conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions and fight for full physical and mental health in accordance with the recommendations we give.Then you will definitely defeat the disease!