Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for several 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 and 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 goes on.
Gonarthrosis: causes
The causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: according to scientific literature, approximately one third and possibly half of cases of osteoarthritis are preceded by trauma. A person may accidentally trip on the street or damage a joint while playing sports. First, there will be a sharp pain, which will subsequently be opaque and become a little painful, but it will not cause much discomfort. Usually, in most cases, the joint soon heals on its own and shows no signs of injury. But in rare cases, this unfavorable coincidence of circumstances can trigger 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 joint arthrosis.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): with inflammation of the joint, 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. Normally, joint arthrosis is not directly inherited, but the "catalysts" in the development of arthrosis may be the peculiarities of the metabolism, the structure of the cartilaginous tissue, which are only transmitted genetically. In addition, the possibility of osteoarthritis can occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, birth trauma.
- Overweight. Excess weight is an "aggravating" circumstance in the development of osteoarthritis: that is, it is not directly related, but the weight gain has a great burden. It should be remembered that in obese people, arthrosis of the knee joints is more severe than in others.
- Chronic stress. It is known that in the event of excessive experiences, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", because of which there is a deterioration of the blood supply and decreased 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 above, osteoarthritis can occur.
Gonarthrosis symptoms
- Ache. One of the initial and main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is pain in the knee joint. It is worth mentioning that knee pain will only occur during physical exertion: when walking, running, crouching and lying down, this pain will go away and after a while it will go away completely (until the next load).
- Clicking on the joint. In contrast to the "cracking" of the joints of healthy people, the cracking of the joints affected by arthrosis has a different tone: it is rough and "dry".
- Joint stiffness. Arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint is generally not expressed as much by stiffness as in subsequent degrees. But as the progression progresses, the range of motion of the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformation of the knee joint. As gonarthrosis progresses, pathological formations develop in the joint - bony spines. It is because of them that the appearance of the joint can be different from a healthy one. In addition, the appearance of the joint can be somewhat "bulky", this is due to the excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of knee joint arthrosis
Osteoarthritis of the knee affects women more often than men. This disease often progresses after the age of forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injury and in professional athletes. A more complex and more severe gonarthrosis occurs, 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 pain in the knees. Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time when going down and up stairs. When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when you need to get up, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
1 degree knee joint arthrosis
Arthrosis of the 1st degree knee joint is characterized by pain that is sometimes severe in the knee, but at the same time, the bones that form the knee joint remain unformed, 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 a Baker's cyst. If you have been diagnosed with this diagnosis, you need not worry, it is not a cancer, it is reduced under the influence of drugs prescribed by a doctor.
2nd degree knee joint arthrosis
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree knee joint begins 2 to 3 months after the onset of the disease. During this period, knee pain is usually worse. This pain no longer occurs simply during physical effort, but accompanies the person in any movement. Usually, at that time, a distinct knee crack "joins" with joint pain. Grade 2 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, in addition to severe pain and crunching, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg at the knee joint. The deformation of the joint manifests itself immediately: the bone structures change shape and, when touched, the joint becomes hard and "rough".
Grade 3 knee arthrosis
Arthrosis of the 3rd degree knee joint is characterized by constant and intense pain, and it is even difficult for a person to lie on their stomach: they are forced to look for a position in which they could rest. The knees are sensitive to climate changes, the painful pain starts at night. Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joint is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility, making it impossible for a person to bend the leg in the knee joint by more than 90 °. Sometimes, in grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to fully extend the leg, the person has to walk with the legs slightly bent. In some cases, the deformity of the legs develops in the form of O or X. In extreme cases, it is necessary to treat a high degree of operable arthrosis.
Gonarthrosis of the knee: treatment. What is important to know when treating your knee with medications
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising a miracle ointment for joint pain, you need to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis by any method, an integrated approach is necessary.
If you notice the first signs of osteoarthritis in yourself, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It can be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or, first, a general practitioner.
Knee arthrosis: NSAID treatment
So, how to treat knee joint arthrosis? Normally, for the treatment of joints, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used which can relieve the inflammation process in the joint. Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with medications that may have antipyretic and analgesic effects. Remember that drugs in this group should not be taken all the time. 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 the treatment for you, based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account the contraindications to the use of medications.
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 cause unpleasant side effects and cause no complications.
Knee arthrosis: treatment with chondroprotectors
With arthrosis of the knee joint, it is possible to remove substances that nourish the cartilaginous tissue of the joint and restore its structure. These drugs are chondroprotective. These drugs are more 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 achieve 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 that 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 osteoarthritis. They help to restore the joint, improving blood flow and relieving small vessel spasms. A nice bonus in the treatment of osteoarthritis 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 nutrients from chondroprotectors penetrate the joint in greater quantities and circulate more actively in it. Remember that the use of any medicinal substance must be coordinated with your doctor.
Knee arthrosis: ointments and medicinal creams
Healing ointments for osteoarthritis are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients. Remember that treatment with knee joint osteoarthritis ointment to an extreme degree will have no effect, but in the early stages, cream and ointment can significantly alleviate the condition. Ointments to relieve pain can be used to improve circulation in the joint. These medications help to eliminate painful spasm in the joint, increase blood circulation. In addition, 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 that many poison ointments can cause an allergic reaction, therefore, only a specialist should give permission for their use.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The therapeutic physical culture for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapy.
It must be remembered that corrective gymnastics for gonarthrosis is the main method of treatment, as we cannot strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate the blood supply with any medication. In addition, corrective gymnastics is the most budgetary and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to carry out 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 consume more energy and are tiring, but if you can take it for 2 to 3 weeks, practicing regularly, it will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but alsofind an increase in strength and increase performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises should be carried out in a smooth and gentle way, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Do not allow severe pain during exercise. Look for gradation and regularity, do not rush: the expected effect will be obtained only with constant moderate effort.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used the first time after operations on Organs abdominal and thoracic organs, with fever, critical days in women. It is absolutely necessary to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to put pressure on the muscles of the abdominal and back pressure. This is necessary so that it is through the muscles of the abdomen and back that the main blood flow to the limbs goes.
The exercise complexes are available for free 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 a willingness to return the old ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
If you ask if it is possible to apply physiotherapeutic methods of treating knee arthrosis, we will answer - for sure!
Knee arthrosis: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a beam of light for therapeutic purposes, consisting of spectra of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation. The effect of the laser has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effect. Typically, the laser therapy course consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe treatment method, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis 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. The latter method is believed to be the most effective for osteoarthritis 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 sessions daily.
Knee arthrosis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy - exposure to a magnetic field. Physiotherapeutic treatment method quite common in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edema effect, causes non-contact muscle electrical stimulation and reduces joint inflammation. The course of treatment is prescribed by a physician - physiotherapist.
Knee arthrosis: treatment - ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy - treatment with sound waves. Arthrosis ultrasound helps to improve blood supply, reduces muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect. To increase the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medication is applied to the affected joint. With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates tissues more easily.
Knee arthrosis: heat treatment
Heat treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is used in 1 to 2 stages of the disease. This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. These are the last ones that deserve special attention: the treatment with arthrosis mud can be done 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, cool to 38-42 ° and apply a 2-3 cm thick layer to the affected joint. . Cover the mixture with oilcloth and a warm blanket. Leave for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every other day with a 10-12 procedure course.
Diet and herbal medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The osteoarthritis diet is an important factor in the success of treatment. But it is necessary to understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with any peculiarity of nutrition, but it is the excess weight that contributes to the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the lower limbs. However, it is necessary to lose weight correctly: under no circumstances starve to death or eat rude diets, because, as you know, after giving up heavy diets, you gain weight 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 appetite and satiety centers 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 usually associated with inappropriate eating habits. Second, you need to learn how to set realistic goals for yourself. A 10-15% weight reduction from the baseline is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose weight up to 5% of the original weight, you will feel immediate relief: there will be a drop in blood pressure and the condition of the joints will improve.
Goal to lose weight
Anyway, if you have set a goal to lose weight, you will have to reconsider your diet, composition and amount of food consumed. Cut down on confectionery, baked goods and all kinds of "fast" carbs.
To start, we recommend trying a simple way to eat food. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular portion on a plate. Now, eat only half the food on your plate. You will soon realize that you are eating only the whole portion out of habit, although you need very little to satisfy your hunger. Even if you are hungry, slowly eat half the portion and rest for 10 minutes. You will be surprised to learn that after that time you simply do not want to eat the rest: the hunger is gone and with it the frantic desire to eat everything. After two months of such an "underdiet", you will see a remarkable result. Try it!
Along with the correct food intake, one should not forget a sufficient amount of fluid intake. People who do not have severe cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as those who do not suffer from edema, can safely increase the amount of fluids they ingest to up to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of knee joint arthrosis
Herbal medicines for osteoarthritis. It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for osteoarthritis help weaker than the above methods, but can have a relative benefit.
During the month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember that you only need to take each infusion or decoction separately and then replace it with another one. Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for arthrosis
Birch decoction for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of birch buds should be poured with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes and boil for 1 hour, covering the container very hot. After an hour, it is necessary to strain and add the broth with boiled water to the original volume. Take an infusion of a quarter (1/4) cup 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Infusion of linden for arthrosis
Infusion of linden for arthrosis: 3 tablespoons of linden flowers should be poured into a glass of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take 1 cup warm infusion 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for arthrosis
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of burdock roots should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, cook for about 30 minutes, stirring constantly, after which the broth should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Take the hot broth in half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before eating for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray alder cones (Alnus incana) should be poured into 1 glass of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take an infusion of a third (1/3) cup of alder cones 3 times a day, half an hour before eating, for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis: mix equal parts willow bark, parsley roots, black elderberry flowers and nettle leaves, chop well. 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 for half an hour before eating. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Although arthrosis is a very unpleasant disease, it is necessary to draw the appropriate conclusions about the disease, reduce negative emotions, start fighting for your full physical and spiritual health, observing the recommendations we propose. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!