Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases that occur for various reasons, but are similar in their clinical manifestations and course.The basis of all osteoarthritis is damage to the components of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease characterized by dysfunction of the affected joint.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis) is a disease characterized by damage 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 appears.
Gonarthrosis: causes
The causes of osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be:
- Joint injuries: according to scientific literature, around a third or even half of cases of osteoarthritis are preceded by an injury.A person can accidentally trip on the street or damage a joint while playing sports.First there will be a sharp pain, which will then become dull and become slightly painful, but will not cause much discomfort.Usually, in most cases, the joint will recover quickly on its own and show no signs of injury.But in rare cases, this unfavorable combination of circumstances can cause the development of osteoarthritis.
- Long-term joint overload: it is believed that people whose profession is associated with prolonged excessive load on the joints (professional athletes, postmen) may suffer from the development of early osteoarthritis of the joints.
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis of the knee joint): when the joint becomes inflamed, biological and morphological changes occur, blood circulation is disrupted, so it is arthritis that causes osteoarthritis of the knee joints (secondary osteoarthritis).
Additional Risk Factors
- Heredity.Usually, osteoarthritis of the joints is not directly hereditary, but the “catalysts” of the development of osteoarthritis can be the features of metabolism and the structure of cartilage tissue, which are transmitted genetically.Additionally, the possibility of osteoarthritis may arise if a person has joint abnormalities, 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 poses a greater 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 well-known fact that in cases of excessive stress, the adrenal glands secrete “stress hormones”, causing a deterioration in blood supply and a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, an important element for the normal functioning of the joint.Due to chronic stress and the aggravating circumstances listed above, osteoarthritis can occur.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
- Pain.One of the first and main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is pain in the knee joint.It should be noted that knee pain will occur only during physical activity: when walking, running, squatting and lying down, this pain will disappear and after a while it will disappear completely (until the next exercise).
- Crackling in the joint.Unlike the “creaking” of the joints of healthy people, the cracking of joints with osteoarthritis has a different tone: it is rough and “dry”.
- Joint stiffness.Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is usually not expressed as much by stiffness as in the following degrees.But as the disease progresses, the range of motion of the affected joint decreases significantly.
- Deformity of the knee joint.As gonarthrosis progresses, pathological formations develop in the joint and bone spines.It is because of them that the appearance of the joint may be different from that of a healthy joint.In addition, the appearance of the joint may be somewhat “bulky”, this is due to excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid (synovitis).
Evolution of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Knee osteoarthritis affects women more often than men.This disease often progresses after forty years of age, but sometimes occurs earlier, generally after injuries and in professional athletes.Gonarthrosis is more complex and serious, as we wrote earlier, 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.Often, pain occurs when a person has to stand for a long time, going up or down stairs.When a person lies down, the pain disappears, but when he needs 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 1st degree
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is sometimes characterized by 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, do not worry, this is not an oncological tumor, it decreases under the influence of medications prescribed by the doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 2nd degree
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of 2 degrees begins 2-3 months after the onset of the disease.At this stage, the pain in the knee joint usually intensifies.This pain no longer occurs simply during physical activity, but accompanies a person during any movement.Usually at this time the pain in the joint is accompanied by a distinct tightening of the knee.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree, in addition to severe pain and crunching, is accompanied by a decrease in the ability to flex the leg at the knee joint.A deformation of the joint appears immediately: the bony structures change shape and on palpation, the joint becomes hard and “rough”.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint 3rd degree
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by intense and constant pain;it is even difficult for a person to lie down: he is forced to look for a position in which he could rest.The knees become sensitive to weather changes, and closer to night, aching pains begin.Gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 3rd degree is accompanied by a permanent reduction in mobility;it becomes impossible for a person to bend the leg at the knee joint more than 90°.Sometimes, with grade 3 gonarthrosis, it is not possible to completely straighten the leg;a person should walk on slightly bent legs.In some cases, an O- or X-shaped leg deformity 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 medications?
Despite the abundance of advertisements promising a miraculous ointment for joint pain, you need to understand that it is impossible to cure gonarthrosis with just one method;an integrated approach is necessary.
If you discover the first signs of osteoarthritis, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.This may be an arthrologist, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist or, initially, a general practitioner.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with NSAIDs
So, how to treat knee osteoarthritis?Typically, non-steroidal (non-hormonal) substances that can relieve joint inflammation are used to treat joints.Gonarthrosis of the knee is treated with drugs that can have an antipyretic and analgesic effect.Remember that drugs in this group cannot be taken continuously, as 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 will be able to prescribe treatment 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 similarly to NSAIDs, but are less likely to cause unpleasant side effects and do not lead to 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 drugs are chondroprotectors.These drugs are more effective if you suffer from gonarthrosis of the knee joint grade 1, because with extreme gonarthrosis there is almost nothing to restore: all the cartilage is practically destroyed.To achieve the effect of chondroprotectors, you need to use them for a long time: at least 2-3 courses, which usually last a year and a half.Remember that although this group of medicinal substances has few contraindications, their use should 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 circulation and relieving spasms of small vessels.A pleasant advantage in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, including with vasodilators, can be the elimination of night pain in the damaged joint.If you want to achieve maximum therapeutic effect, it is better to use vasodilators together with chondroprotectors.Thus, the nutrients from the chondroprotectors will penetrate the joint in greater quantities and circulate there more actively.Remember that the use of any medication should be discussed with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: medicinal ointments and creams
Therapeutic osteoarthritis ointments are often used as a trap by marketers for desperate patients.Remember that treating extreme osteoarthritis of the knee with ointment will not have any effect, but in the early stages, cream and ointment can significantly relieve the disease.To improve blood circulation in the joint, you can use pain relieving joint ointments.These medications help eliminate painful joint spasms and increase blood circulation.You can also use ointments made from bee and snake venom.These ointments have an irritant effect that increases blood circulation in the damaged joint.Remember that many poison-based ointments can cause an allergic reaction.Therefore, permission to use them should only be granted by a specialist.
Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Therapeutic physical training for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is an effective treatment method in combination with medications and physiotherapeutic techniques.
You need to remember that therapeutic exercises for gonarthrosis are the main method of treatment, since no medication can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels of the knee joint and activate blood supply.In addition, therapeutic exercises are the most economical and effective treatment that does not require unnecessary material expenses.
But it is necessary to carefully carry out exercise therapy complexes for osteoarthritis: do not rush to do 200 squats a day or 100 leg swings.In no case should you give 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 2-3 weeks with regular exercise, you will not only improve the condition of the knee joint, but also see an increase in strength and performance.
How to do it correctly
The exercises should be performed very gently and gently, stretching the ligaments and joints with light pressure.Severe pain should not be allowed when performing exercises.Aim for progressiveness and regularity, do not rush things: the expected effect will only be obtained with constant and moderate loads.
Remember that strength exercises should not be used 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 it is through the muscles of the abdomen and back that the main blood flow goes to the limbs.
Sets of exercises are available for free on the Internet, try performing a variety of exercises for 30-40 minutes a day, following our instructions.
We wish you perseverance and the desire to regain your former ease of movement!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
If you ask whether it is possible to use physiotherapeutic treatment methods for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we will answer you - absolutely!
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with laser therapy
Laser therapy consists of using a light beam composed of ultraviolet, infrared and red radiation spectra for therapeutic purposes.The effect of the laser has anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic effects.Typically, a laser therapy treatment includes 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.The latter method is believed to be the most effective for knee osteoarthritis.With the help of cryotherapy, you can improve blood supply to the joint, improve metabolic processes and relieve muscle spasms.The duration of treatment is generally 10 to 12 daily sessions.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: treatment with magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy is exposure to a magnetic field.A fairly common method of physiotherapeutic treatment in hospitals and clinics.Exposure to a magnetic field has an anti-edematous effect, causes non-contact electrical stimulation of muscles and reduces joint inflammation.The course of treatment is prescribed by a physiotherapist.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: ultrasound treatment
Ultrasound therapy is a treatment using sound waves.Ultrasound for osteoarthritis helps improve blood supply, reduce muscle spasms and has an analgesic effect.To enhance the therapeutic effect of ultrasound, a medicinal substance is applied to the affected joint.Thanks to ultrasound waves, the drug penetrates the tissues more easily.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint: thermal treatment
Heat treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is used at stages 1-2 of the disease.This method includes treatment with ozokerite, paraffin and mud.It is the latter which deserve particular attention: the treatment of osteoarthritis with mud can be done at home.You need to dilute the healing mud with water and heat it to a temperature of 60°, then mix the resulting mass with unheated mud, cool it 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.Perform the procedure every other day with a sequence of 10-12 procedures.
Diet and herbal medicine for osteoarthritis of the knee joint
The diet for osteoarthritis is an important factor in the success of treatment.But it should be understood that the development of osteoarthritis is not associated with any eating habits, but it is excess weight that contributes to the development of osteoarthritis of the lower extremities.However, you need to lose weight correctly: in no case should you starve or follow a strict diet, because as you know, after leaving a strict diet, the weight will regain, and often in even greater quantities.
You should know that being overweight is also a disease, but it can and must be treated.With obesity, the regulation of the appetite and satiety centers is disrupted, but it is possible to “put them back on track”.
First of all, you need to recognize the problem, which is often associated with poor eating habits.Second, you need to learn to set realistic goals.A weight reduction of 10-15% from the initial level is an excellent result.Believe me, even if you lose weight by even 5% from your initial weight, you will immediately feel relief: your blood pressure will decrease and the condition of your joints will improve.
Goal to lose weight
In any case, if you have set yourself the goal of losing weight, then you will need to reconsider your diet, its composition and the amount of food consumed.Reduce your consumption of confectionery products, baked goods and various types of “fast” carbohydrates.
To start, we recommend trying a simple way of eating.Prepare your usual meal by putting your usual portion on a plate.From now on, only eat half the food on your plate.Soon you will notice that you simply eat the entire serving out of habit, even though you only need very little to satisfy your hunger.Even if you're hungry, eat half your serving slowly and rest for 10 minutes.You will be surprised that after this time you simply do not want to finish the remaining portion: hunger has disappeared, and with it the frantic desire to eat everything.After two months of this “sub-diet”, you will see a noticeable result.Try it!
In addition to adequate food intake, sufficient fluid intake should not be forgotten.People who do not have serious cardiovascular or kidney diseases and who do not suffer from edema can safely increase the amount of fluid they drink to 2 liters per day.
Alternative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Phytotherapy for osteoarthritis.It is important to note that infusions and decoctions for osteoarthritis are less useful than the above methods, but they can be relatively beneficial.
Within a month, you can take one of the following infusions:
remember that you should take each infusion or decoction only separately, and then replace it with another.Don't drink it all at once!
Birch decoction for osteoarthritis
Birch decoction for osteoarthritis: pour 1 tablespoon of birch buds with a glass of boiling water, boil the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, and leave to infuse for 1 hour, covering the container warmly.After an hour, you need to filter and add boiled water to the broth to the original volume.Take the infusion of a quarter (1/4) glass 4 times a day, one hour after meals for a month.
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis
Linden infusion for osteoarthritis: pour 3 tablespoons of linden flowers with a glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, then cool and filter.Take the infusion warm, 1 glass 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks.
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis
Burdock decoction for osteoarthritis: 1 tablespoon of burdock roots should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes with frequent stirring, after which the decoction should be cooled to room temperature and filtered.Take the warm decoction, half (1/2) cup 3 times a day before meals for a month.
Alder infusion for osteoarthritis
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 drained.Take an infusion of alder cones, a third (1/3) of a glass, 3 times a day half an hour before meals for a month.
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis
Collection of medicinal herbs for osteoarthritis: mix in equal parts willow bark, parsley roots, black elderflowers and nettle leaves, chop carefully.Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours and filter.Take this mixture half a glass 4 times a day half an hour before meals.The duration of treatment is 1 month.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, when faced with it, it is necessary to draw the right conclusions from the disease, reduce negative emotions and begin to strive for your full physical and spiritual health, following the recommendations that we offer you.Then you will definitely beat the disease!