Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that arise for different reasons but are similar in clinical manifestations and their course. At the heart of all osteoarthritis is the defeat of the components of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease with impaired function of the affected joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis) is a disease in which cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, periarticular muscles of the knee joints are damaged. Osteoarthritis 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 progresses.
Gonarthrosis: causes
Causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joints can be:
- Joint Injuries: According to the scientific literature, approximately one third and probably half of all osteoarthritis cases are preceded by trauma. A person may accidentally stumble on the road, or damage a joint while playing sports. First, there will be acute pain, which will then dull and become a little painful, but without causing much discomfort. Usually, in most cases, the joint will soon heal on its own and show no signs of damage. But in rare cases, this unfavorable coincidence of circumstances can provoke the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term joint overload: It is believed that those people whose profession is associated with prolonged stress on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may face the development of early osteoarthritis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): with inflammation of the joint, biological and morphological changes occur, blood flow is disturbed, therefore it is arthritis that causes osteoarthritis of the knee joints (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional risk factors
- Inheritance. Usually, osteoarthritis of the joints is not directly inherited, but the "catalysts" in the development of osteoarthritis may be features of metabolism, the structure of cartilage tissue, which are simply genetically transmitted. Also, the possibility of osteoarthritis can occur if a person has joint abnormalities or underdevelopment, birth trauma.
- Mbipesha. Excess weight is a "worsening" circumstance in the development of osteoarthritis: that is, there is no direct connection, but weight gain has a great burden. It should be remembered that in obese people, osteoarthritis of the knee joints is more severe than in others.
- Chronic stress. It is a known fact that in case of excessive experiences, the adrenal glands release "stress hormones", due to them there is a deterioration of blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is an important component for functioningnormal joint. Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of chronic stress and aggravating circumstances above.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
- PainOne of the initial and main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is pain in the knee joint. It is worth noting that knee pain will occur only during physical exertion: when you walk, run, squat and in the supine position, this pain will disappear and after a while it will disappear completely (until the next load).
- Cracking in the joints. In contrast to the "crushing" of the joints of healthy people, the cracking of the joints affected by osteoarthritis has a different tonality: it is harsh and "dry".
- Joint stiffness. Grade 1 knee osteoarthritis is usually not as pronounced as in subsequent degrees. But as the progression progresses, the range of motion in the affected node decreases significantly.
- Deformity of the knee joint. With the progression of gonarthrosis, pathological formations develop in the back of the joints - bones. It is because of them that the common appearance may be different from the healthy one. In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat "voluminous", this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
The course of osteoarthritis of the knee joints
Knee osteoarthritis affects women more often than men. This disease often progresses after forty, but sometimes occurs earlier, usually after injuries and in professional athletes. The most complex and severe gonarthrosis persists, as we wrote earlier, in overweight 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 knee. Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time when descending and climbing stairs. When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when you have to stand up, the first steps become very painful for him.
There are three degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee joints
Osteoarthritis of the knee joints 1 degree
Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the knee is characterized by occasional severe pain 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 Baker's cyst. If you are diagnosed with such a diagnosis, you do not need to worry, it is not an oncological neoplasm, it decreases under the influence of medication prescribed by a doctor.
2nd degree knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee joints of the 2nd degree begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, the knee pain is usually worse. This pain no longer occurs simply during physical exertion, but accompanies a person with every movement. Usually at this time a special crisis in the knee "joins" with the pain in the joints. Grade 2 gonarthrosis of the knee joint, in addition to severe pain and pressure, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to bend the leg at the knee joint. Deformation of the joint is immediately manifested: the bone structures change shape, and when palpated, the joint becomes strong and "rough".
Knee osteoarthritis class 3
Grade 3 knee joint arthrosis is characterized by persistent severe pain, it is even difficult for a person to be in a prone position: he is forced to seek a position in which he can rest. The knees become sensitive to the changes of the weather, the pains that start starting at night. Grade 3 gonarthrosis of the knee joints is accompanied by a final decrease in mobility, it becomes impossible for a person to bend the leg at the knee joint by more than 90 °. Sometimes, with grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to completely straighten the leg, a person has to walk on slightly bent legs. In some cases, the foot deformity develops in an O or X shape. In extreme cases, it is necessary to treat a high degree of osteoarthritis being operated on.
Knee gonarthrosis: treatment. What is important to know when treating the knee with medication
Despite the abundance of advertising that promises a wonderful oil for joint pain, you should understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis by any method, an integrated approach is needed.
If you find the first signs of osteoarthritis in you, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be an arthrologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist, or, first, a general practitioner.
Knee osteoarthritis: NSAID treatment
So how do we treat osteoarthritis of the knee? Usually, for the treatment of joints, those non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances are used that can facilitate the process of inflammation in the joints. Knee gonarthrosis is treated with those drugs that can have antipyretic, analgesic effects. Remember, medicines in this group should not be taken all the time. they are able to "mask" the symptoms of the disease. Please note: do not treat yourself, act only under the guidance of a competent specialist who is able to prescribe treatment for you, based on the individual parameters of your body, taking into account the contraindications to the use of medication.
In recent years, new generation drugs have been used in practice: they are selective agents that act in the same way as NSAIDs, but rarely give unpleasant side effects and do not cause complications.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with chondroprotectors
With osteoarthritis of the knee joints, you can take substances that nourish the cartilage tissue of the joint and restore its structure. These drugs are chondroprotectors. Such drugs are most effective if you have grade 1 gonarthrosis of the knee joints, as with extreme gonarthrosis there is almost nothing to restore: the entire cartilage is virtually destroyed. To get the effect of chondroprotectors, it is necessary to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses of treatment, which usually last a year and a half. Remember, although there are some contraindications to this group of medicinal substances, their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment with vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs are a good complex therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis. They help restore articulation by improving blood flow and relieving small vessel spasms. A nice bonus in treating osteoarthritis of the knee joints, including vasodilator drugs, may be the elimination of nocturnal pain in the injured joint. If you want to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, vasodilators are best used with chondroprotectors, so that the nutrients of chondroprotectors penetrate into the joints in larger quantities and circulate more actively in it. Remember, the use of any medicinal substance should be coordinated with your doctor.
Knee osteoarthritis: ointments and medicated creams
Healing ointments for osteoarthritis are often used as a trap by traders for desperate patients. Remember that oil treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joints to an extreme degree will not give an effect, but in the initial stages, cream and oil can significantly alleviate the condition. Pain relief ointments can be used to improve circulation to the joints. Such drugs help eliminate painful spasm in the joints, increase blood circulation. You can also use oils based on bee and snake venom. These oils have an irritating effect that increases blood circulation to the damaged joint. Remember, many poison-based oils can cause an allergic reaction, so only a specialist should give permission for their use.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee
Therapeutic physical culture for osteoarthritis of the knee joints is an effective method of treatment in combination with medication and physiotherapy.
You need to remember that remedial gymnastics for gonarthrosis is the main method of treatment, because we can not strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint, and activate the blood supply with any medicine. In addition, remedial gymnastics is the most budget-friendly and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material costs.
But it is necessary to perform complex exercise therapy for osteoarthritis deliberately: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 strokes. Under no circumstances should you give an intense dynamic load, and instead of actively leaning actively, do static exercises. Unfortunately, most patients do not like to do only static exercises because they are more energy consuming and more tiring, but if you can endure for 2-3 weeks, practicing regularly, you will not only improve your conditionknee joints, but also find an increase in strength and increased performance.
How to do it correctly
Exercises should be performed very well and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure. Do not allow severe pain during exercise. Aim for graduality and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will be obtained only with a moderate moderate continuous strain.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used for the first time after operations on the abdominal and chest organs, with fever, critical days in women. It is absolutely necessary to pay attention not only to the joints, but also to exert stress on the abdominal and back muscles. This is required so that through the abdominal muscles and back the main blood flow to the limbs.
Exercise complexes are free online, try to do a series of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day, every day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and willingness to return to the former ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee
If you are wondering if it is possible to apply physiotherapeutic treatment methods for osteoarthritis of the knee joints, we will answer you - definitely!
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of a beam of light for therapeutic purposes, consisting of ultraviolet, infrared radiation spectra. The laser effect has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effects. Usually, the course of laser therapy consists of 15 sessions. Laser therapy is a relatively safe method of treatment, but it is impossible to cure osteoarthritis with a single laser, it is an additional method of treatment.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the effect of local cooling on the joint. There are two methods of cryotherapy: the use of cryosauna and the application of liquid nitrogen directly to the joint. It is believed that the latter method is more effective for osteoarthritis of the knee joints. With the help of cryotherapy, it is possible to improve the blood supply to the joints, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms. The course of treatment is usually 10-12 daily sessions.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy - exposure to a magnetic field. A fairly common method of physiotherapy treatment in hospitals and clinics. Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edema effect, causes electrical stimulation of non-contact muscles and reduces joint inflammation. The course of treatment is prescribed by a physician - physiotherapist.
Knee osteoarthritis: treatment - ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy - sound wave treatment. Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect. To enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a drug is applied to the affected joint. With the help of ultrasonic waves, the drug penetrates into the tissues more easily.
Knee osteoarthritis: heat treatment
Heat treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joints is used in 1-2 stages of the disease. This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin, mud. It is the latter that deserves special attention: the muddy treatment of osteoarthritis can be performed at home. It is necessary to dilute the healing clay with water and heat it to a temperature of 60 °, then mix the resulting mass with unheated mud, cooling it to 38-42 ° and apply a thick layer of 2-3cm at the affected node. Cover the mixture with oil and a warm blanket. Leave on for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure every other day with a course of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal remedies for osteoarthritis of the knee joints
Diet for osteoarthritis is an important factor in successful treatment. But we must understand that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with any features of nutrition, but it is the excess weight that contributes to the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities. However, you need to lose weight correctly: in no case do not starve or sit on strict diets, because, as you know, after leaving a strong diet, weight is gained again, and, often, in even greater quantitiesbig.
We need to know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and should be cured. With overweight, the regulation of appetite and satiety centers is disrupted, but it is possible to "steer them in the right direction. "
First, you need to acknowledge that there is a problem that is often associated with poor eating habits. Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals for yourself. A 10-15% weight reduction from the start is an excellent result. Believe me, even if you lose weight even with 5% of the original, you will immediately feel relief: there will be a drop in blood pressure and the condition of the joints will improve.
Aim to lose weight
In any case, if you have set yourself a goal to lose weight, then you will need to review your diet, composition and amount of food consumed. Cut out sweets, baked goods and all sorts of "quick" carbs.
For starters, we recommend trying a simple way to eat food. Prepare your usual diet by placing your regular serving on a plate. Now, eat only half the food on your plate. You will soon notice that you are simply eating the whole portion out of habit, even though 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 that after this time you just do not want to finish the rest: the hunger is gone, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything. After two months of such "sub-diet" you will see a noticeable result. Try it!
Along with proper food intake, we should not forget about a sufficient amount of fluid intake. Those people who do not have severe cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, as well as those who do not suffer from edema, can safely increase the amount of fluids they drink up to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Herbal medicine for osteoarthritis. Importers It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for osteoarthritis help less than the above methods, but they can be of relative benefit.
During the month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember, you should only take each infusion or decoction separately, then replace it with another. Do not drink it all at once!
Decoction of birch for osteoarthritis
Boiling birch for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon birch buds should be poured with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes and let it cook for 1 hour, covering the pot warmly. After an hour, you need to drain and add the broth with boiled water to the original volume. Take a quarter (1/4) cup infusion 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis
Infusion of linden for osteoarthritis: 3 tablespoons of linden flowers should be poured into a glass of boiling water, simmered for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take warm infusion 1 cup 3 times daily after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of burdock root should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, after which the liquid should be cooled to room temperature and filtered. Take warm broth in half (1/2) cup 3 times daily before meals for a month.
Elderly infusion for osteoarthritis
Elder infusion for osteoarthritis: 2 tablespoons of gray chestnut cones (Alnus incana) should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. Take a third (1/3) cup infusion of summer cones 3 times a day for half an hour before eating for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis: mix in equal parts willow bark, parsley roots, black lily flowers and nettle leaves, cut completely. Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water and simmer 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
Despite the fact that osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, when you face it, it is necessary to draw the right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions, start fighting for your complete physical and mental health, respecting the recommendations we haveproposed. Then you will definitely defeat the disease!