Arthrosis of the knee joint (osteoarthritis) is a complex disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type, during the development of processes that occur that affect the cartilage tissue of the knee.
Pathological changes in the articular tissue, which negatively affect the musculoskeletal potential of the lower extremities. The development of knee arthrosis leads to difficulties in mobility, loss of stability and a significant decrease in motor and shock -absorbing abilities.
What to do to maintain one’s own body mobility for many years and what to do if indicators of physical activity and quality of life levels have declined as a result of knee joint arthrosis? Let’s try to understand this difficult issue.
Characteristics of the development of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Knee arthrosis- This is a common pathology that belongs to the category of the most common diseases that have a very negative impact on the quality of human life.
The degenerative-dystrophic process is most clearly manifested in the form of physical dysfunction of the legs, accompanied by severe pain syndrome. Depending on how strong the pathological process takes place, further predictions about the course of the disease are constructed.
One of the disappointing predictions is paralysis of the lower extremities. The severity of the pathological process requires obtaining qualified medical treatment.
What Causes Knee Arthrosis?
To identify the cause of knee joint arthrosis, it requires a lot of research. Long -term examination of the patient and a thorough study of the clinical picture of the pathology allows the specialist to conclude that the influence of several negative factors is the cause of destruction of joint tissue, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Among the main reasons that lead to degenerative-dystrophic processes, should be highlighted:
- suffering an injury - a bruise, dislocation or broken knee automatically classifies a person as a risk group and can lead to disease progression. Damage to the joint implies its fixation, and long -term immobility is a direct route to the formation of arthrosis;
- vigorous physical activity - heavy pressure on the knee (especially in older people) leads to microtraumas, which also leads to the development of negative pathological processes;
- the ligament apparatus is not strong enough - abnormal joint mobility also has a negative impact on their condition, which manifests itself mainly in old age;
- overweight - extra pounds can cause irreparable damage to the knee joint, as the likelihood of meniscus injury in this case is very high. If a large weight is accompanied by varicose veins, then there is a high probability of developing a severe form of arthrosis in the joints of the lower legs;
- metabolic disorders - failure in the metabolism of nutrients and elements in the body provokes the development of various diseases, which are caused by a lack of supply of various tissues, in particular bone and cartilage;
- increased levels of stress - anxiety and experiences negatively affect not only the mood of people, but also the level of physical well -being.
Typical symptoms of knee joint arthrosis
The symptomatic manifestation of the disease allows you to track the onset and development of pathological processes in a timely manner, which gives each patient a chance to recover.
Before deciding who should seek help and how to treat arthrosis of the knee joint, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the disease.
Only a specialist competent in this matter can identify the presence and confirm the diagnosis by prescribing treatment for knee arthrosis. However, every patient should know the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, among which it is customary to distinguish:
- pain-discomfort that gradually develops into a painful sensation does not appear immediately. Their insignificant manifestations in the knee can bother a person for years, but at some point they may become stronger, and they will not stop in a state of calm;
- crunch - "click" during flexion / extension of the joint is a wake -up call, which manifests itself already in the second, third stage of the disease;
- synovitis - inflammation of the joint membranes, in which fluid accumulates, leading to local swelling;
- deformity is a characteristic feature that manifests itself in the last stages of the disease, accompanied by obvious inflammation and swelling.
Diagnosis of arthrosis of the knee joint
Diagnosis and treatment of knee joint arthrosis is carried out by an orthopedist or rheumatologist. If you want to undergo a diagnostic examination, each patient can turn to a therapist who will refer you to a narrow -profile specialist or take their own ticket to one of them.
The main diagnostic tool for specialists is, of course, the X-ray apparatus. Thanks to the pictures taken, you can track not only the presence of pathology, but also its stage of development.
It is important to note that X-rays eliminate the possibility of the presence of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
X-ray examination opens up opportunities for specialists to:
- detect narrowing of joint space;
- detect sealing in articular tissue.
The combination of clinical symptoms and information obtained from images provides a high -quality diagnosis and diagnosis, with the definition of further treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Stages of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Modern medicine divides knee arthrosis into several degrees, according to the nature of the development of pathological processes.
For starters, it should be noted that, according to observations, the disease can be different:
- unilateral (right / left hand);
- two-way.
In addition, the pathological process has three stages of development, each of which has its own clinical picture.
1 degree arthrosis of the knee joint
Early in the development of pathology, a successful diagnosis is a remarkable success not only for the patient, but also for the attending physician.
The peculiarity of the stage of development of arthrosis at this stage is the absence of obvious clinical signs and symptoms. The identification of a disease can be carried out during a clinical examination or in the study of another disease.
Evidence of stage 1 knee joint arthrosis can be:
- local discomfort in the knee area during long walks;
- mild pain that disappears during rest.
It is important to note the fact that pain can be felt in one or both joints of the lower leg.
It is interesting to note that left -sided gonarthrosis is often diagnosed in left -handed people, while right -sided gonarthrosis is typical for people associated with various sports.
2 degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
Symptoms of the second stage of pathological development are accompanied by the development of symptoms, which usually include:
- significant pain syndrome;
- severe stiffness and discomfort in the knee joint;
- muscle atrophy located near the knee joint, caused by tissue damage;
- increased pain;
- visually significant joint deformities;
- had mobility.
The development of symptomatology facilitates the diagnostic process. Characteristic changes of stage 2 arthrosis of the knee joint are easily detected during palpation. During the clinical examination, the specialist easily detects an abnormal mass in the knee area.
3 degrees of arthrosis of the knee joint
It is almost impossible not to see third -degree pathology, as the patient is faced with persistent pain. In addition, the progression of the disease reaches a critical stage, which is indicated by the strongest joint deformities, in which the limb completely loses the ability to bend / extend.
Lack of proper treatment leads to complete destruction of cartilage and, consequently, the development of ankylosis (consolidation of articular bones).
The only solution for the final stages of disease progression is expensive surgical intervention, which involves removal of remnants of cartilage tissue or joint replacement.
How to treat knee joint arthrosis?
The level of modern medicine is at a fairly high level, which ensures the successful treatment of various diseases. Knee arthrosis is no exception.
Today, there are a large number of methods to treat arthrosis of the knee joint.
In the early stages of pathological development, most conservative treatment methods are used. Conservative therapies include:
- physiotherapy procedures;
- physiotherapy training (exercise therapy);
- visiting various massages.
Also, progressive methods for treating osteoarthritis of the knee joint are actively used. Among the modern effective methods of dealing with dangerous pathologies, there are such as:
- ozone therapy - the local effect of ozone on the affected articular tissue. Helps reduce pain and stop inflammation. Improves blood circulation in problem areas;
- Kinesitherapy is a set of exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint, aimed at increasing mobility and improving blood flow.
Treatment of knee arthrosis with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
The method of physical influence, subject to certain conditions, has the most positive effect on pathological localization zones of various types.
Physiotherapy includes procedures such as:
- electrophoresis;
- ultrafonforesis;
- laser / infrared irradiation;
- pulse magnetotherapy.
The effectiveness of the procedure is individual and depends on the quality of the description of the patient’s primary treatment plan.
Massage as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Massage is a useful addition to the treatment of knee arthrosis.
Most experts around the world argue that massage is a mandatory component in the symptomatic treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint, which has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and helps speed recovery.
Knee massages can be done at home and inside hospital walls. The main thing during the massage is high-quality initial warming of the joints and adherence to the optimal duration of the process (from 10-15 minutes).
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with massage should include techniques such as rubbing, rubbing and kneading.
Gymnastics and exercise therapy for knee joint arthrosis
Exercise for knee joint arthrosis is an effective way to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and treat the disease.
The process of treating knee arthrosis is a rather complicated and lengthy process, and physiotherapy exercises are an excellent helper in achieving the desired results.
The type of exercise therapy and training for knee joint arthrosis is selected by the specialist individually, depending on the stage of pathological development and the general state of physical fitness of the patient.
The main principle of gymnastics for arthrosis of the knee joint sounds like: no increase in pressure on the affected joint, only rational and calm action.
Medications for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Medical treatment of knee arthrosis is used to relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling, as well as to activate the regenerative process.
Preparations for the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint can have different forms of release (ointments / gels, tablets or injections, plasters).
Important! Any medication must be prescribed by a specialist as part of an existing treatment plan designed for symptoms of knee arthrosis.
Medications alone are unacceptable and can lead to very negative consequences, in particular - paralysis of the lower limbs and disability.
Pain reliever for knee joint arthrosis
They are used to eliminate the symptoms of arthrosis of the knee joint.
Painkillers in the treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint play an important role, as their use improves the well -being of the patient and gives him the opportunity to rest a good night.
Pain relief is achieved through the action of active ingredients.
Antispasmodicwith osteoarthritis of the knee
Assigned as active help. The main area of activity is combating cramps.
The active ingredients that make up the preparation help relax the muscular skeleton and provide pain relief.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint with drugs of this type provides not only the elimination of pain, but also dampness, complete elimination of the progression of pathological processes.
Regular intake of the drug allows you to observe a constant concentration of active ingredients, which guarantees a positive effect.
Chondroprotectors for arthrosis of the knee joint
The main helpers in the treatment of knee joint arthrosis with medications are chondroprotectors.
The active action of chondroprotectors in arthrosis of the knee joint aims to restore motor ability, which is due to the micro -elements included in the composition, which are important components in the process of building cartilage tissue.
The peculiarity of the principle of action of drugs assumes a relatively long process, but at the same time effectively eliminates osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Diet and general nutritional recommendations for knee joint arthrosis
Diet for knee joint arthrosis is necessary for overweight patients. A low -calorie diet and rich in nutrients will ensure weight loss and speed up the recovery of affected joints.
The diet for knee joint arthrosis must first of all be balanced. The daily diet should contain foods enriched with useful vitamins and micro -elements necessary for the regeneration of joint tissue and maintaining the balance of the whole body.
It is recommended to give up not only bad habits (alcohol abuse and smoking), but also from dishes such as:
- store semi -finished products;
- fatty, spicy and overly salty foods;
- sweet carbonated drinks.
For convenience and efficient dietary alignment, in the treatment of knee arthrosis, it is recommended to keep a food diary, which disciplines and helps facilitate the process of restructuring the usual way of life.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The whole range of preventive measures can be divided into two groups:
- main- aims to reduce the risk of pathology;
- medium- aims to reduce the rate of progression of existing diseases.
The main ones are:
- increased attention to the lower leg joints;
- play sports, to strengthen the periarticular muscles;
- maintain optimal weight;
- Swim.
Secondary prevention includes:
- a course of systematic treatment with chondroprotectors;
- seek qualified medical help in a timely manner when signs of arthritis appear.
Remember that early detection of the disease significantly increases the likelihood of complete cure.
Do not neglect to go to the doctor if you have the slightest symptoms of knee joint arthrosis.